BOXING IS NOT FOR KIDS

The Antonio Margarito vs. Miguel Cotto was history in the making. However, I did not enjoy the image of Cotto’s wife and child crying after the fight. Who takes their toddler to a boxing match? “Hey son! Lets go see your dad get a can of whoopass tonight.” I didn’t graduate from the Jane Adams College of Social Work, but taking a child to see his dad pounded has to leave some physiological scars. To add to the violence in the ring you have your typical idiots screaming obscenities about the fighters’ nationality and mother; This is not helping a child’s development. My dad is a hot-blooded Duranguense who trained with the former Mexican champ Jose “Pepe” Parga. As a kid I remember my dad threw a number of nice jabs. Most recently, during Dad and Son week at the U. of I. Urbana-Champaign 2004 where my dad dispatched an arrogant fraternity boy for being rude. He is 60 years-old and hits like a champ! But I never enjoyed watching my dad in those situations—win or lose. Don’t think I’m a Michael Savage wannabe, but boxing in my eyes is rated ‘R’ (only for adults) and parents should think twice about taking their kids to a fight.

Cuauhtémoc Conquers MLS

Villain, hero, jerk, are only some of the few terms Cuauhtémoc Blanco has been called by soccer aficionados in his long career. Oh yes! We forgot one more thing: The new face for Major League Soccer! “Temoc” has demonstrated his talent and knowledge of the game, since his arrival to the Chicago Fire. Toyota Park sells-out more games than the Chicago White Sox (1st in Central Div.). His contribution in the league can be compared to Pele’s in the NASL, because of the ability to help turn soccer into a fútbol spectacle. Who would have thought that USA’s worst enemy could become a hero for the MLS? With his stellar performance this season and at the all-star game, Fire executives should start preparing a new big-money deal to show their gratitude. Also, it would not surprise me to see a statue of Blanco outside Toyota Park in a few years.

The ghetto side of sports

The NFL is finally taking some action to monitor player activities to ensure no one is flashing gang signs. Bravo! However, the problem is not only gang sings, but how some of these players present themselves. Ghetto with a capital‘G’. I grew-up watching Jordan and Pippen. Both would always have their sharp suits after the game and were eloquent during interviews.
It’s the leagues fault! This what you get when you draft a kid right out of high school— underserved high schools in some cases—.
I cringe when I hear professional athletes sound like they are on the corner selling dope. This bothers me, especially when the majority of athletes are coming from top universities. Wow, they are making 110 million and represent our sports by acting like thugs—sweet!

One idea, could be for all professional leagues to implement a mandatory etiquette and professionalism classes to help their athletes adapt to the working world. I don’t blame the players, but the universities, leagues and owners for not polishing their products before they hit the shelves.

Don't think I'm scared of seeing gang signs, especially ''attendin'' one of the worst high schools in Chicago, that had its share of Two Sixers, Saints, La Raza, and Disciples. Fights, drugs and shootings were part of school life.

Say it ain't so Brett

Ok, everyone has the right to make a mistake or to have a new start, this is America. However, I don’t agree with Brett Favre’s decision to return to the NFL. You retired, remember! Last year, he made a big scene on national television, sobbing and telling everyone how much he would miss the sport. I love the drama! Be fair to your fans and yourself, don’t come back and ruin the image of the great Favre. You have nothing to prove, but everything to lose. The Packers moved on, you should do the same.

Lion Heart

As expected by many, Chicago's finest David Diaz was defeated by one of the best fighters in history--Manny Paquiao. Although Paquiao gave Diaz one of the worst beatings and demonstrated his superiority, it was boxing at its best. A "fajador" vs. a "tecnico/fajador", two men who worked and trained at the highest level, with the goal of becoming the best. Diaz was slaughtered in the ring, but showed character and a heart of a warrior. Meanwhile, Paquiao-- a true gentleman-- is a perfect example of how boxers should act on-and-off the ring, more importantly he continued his reign in boxing.