The Fights

Tonight was a public relations shift. Six hours at an amateur boxing tournament, beginning with checking BP’s on all of the contestants, until the end, when we had to chase down the promoter to get paid. The ringside seats, at least, were a good thing.

It was set up like a “Toughman” contest. Three rounds at a minute apiece, with sixteen-ounce gloves and headgear. Amateurs with 16oz gloves is like a pillowfight. There’s not a whole lot of danger of serious injury. The only patient I had to examine was a first-time fighter who drew a gym owner as an opponent. He just got his bell rung a little.

One fighter came up to me and said, “I think I’m confused”.

“YOU’RE confused? I don’t take any great pleasure in hitting people, and I SURE don’t enjoy being hit! I’M the one who’s confused!”