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H2O Man

(75,498 posts)
Wed Jul 13, 2022, 10:49 AM Jul 2022

From "Hurricane" Carter .....

I came across this from 49 years ago this morning, and thought some of the DU sports folks might find it interesting.


Rubin “Hurricane” Carter; letter to me; September 27, 1973.

“ I meant to tell you that whether or not you are a puncher or a boxer, you had better get into the habit of tucking your chin into your chest. Because from what I could see: it was hanging wide open, my boy, and that ain’t good. Squat. Get down low. Put your entire weight behind each punch. When you jab -- shift your weight to your left foot -- your right foot is only there to balance you. Whenever you begin your attack, your weight should always be on your front foot. But when you retreat -- always do so in a crouch, with your weight shifted to both of your feet for smoother movements. Never back straight up! Always side-to-side -- always looking for that opening to start your attack again. Remember: the best defense is a helluva offense, and catching your opponent coming into your strength, always results in that man being hurt. Be relaxed -- always think relaxed, and you’ll never get tired. Stick that jab -- stick that jab-- stick that jab -- stick that jab ….. Until it becomes part of your every move ….. Stick that jab -- stick that jab And you’ll find that you’re doing it and don’t even know it. That’s what instincts are all about. Can you dig it? Even as you read this letter, the rhythm should show you what I’m talking about -- stick that jab -- stick that jab -- stick that jab!”

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From "Hurricane" Carter ..... (Original Post) H2O Man Jul 2022 OP
That's awesome...thanks so much for sharing! Docreed2003 Jul 2022 #1
Thank you! H2O Man Jul 2022 #2
Good advice for life, really Easterncedar Jul 2022 #3
Thanks! H2O Man Jul 2022 #4
Ditto Auggie Jul 2022 #5

H2O Man

(75,498 posts)
2. Thank you!
Wed Jul 13, 2022, 11:03 AM
Jul 2022

At the time, lots of amateur fighters were trying to copy Ali's style. I can say that while the majority of them got their behinds handed to them, a skinny white kid from a small farm in rural upstate New York was actually the best at it. (grin) But Rubin was rightly concerned that, as I moved up in ranks, I'd pay a price. (I only did one time, when at age 15, I saw a former US Marine on Wide World of Sports in the nationals, and thought, "I'll destroy him!" Though I lasted three rounds when we fought, and put some damage on his face, he definitely won the fight!)

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