By Elliot Worsell
If you have ever strolled through a park on a peaceful Sunday morning and unexpectedly stumbled upon a football field filled with numerous enthusiastic kids, you would understand the frightful noise generated by the parents observing their children from the sidelines. It is a mixture of motivation, criticism, and personal remorse, intensifying in waves. This cacophony amplifies whenever a disputed decision is made or a goal is either achieved or conceded.
Listening to the noises as a bystander is one experience, but listening to them as a child is an entirely different matter. For them, the ones targeted by these demands, there is no way out, and the only option they have to quiet them is to strive for perfection – or, at the very least, triumph.
Frequently, these parents exhibit similar characteristics. They either exhibit an excessive level of concern, possess an overwhelming desire to succeed, or have placed an excessive amount of their own aspirations and desires onto a child who only partially shares their interests at the moment. They find solace in living their own lives through their children, perhaps due to their own stagnant and disheartening circumstances, or because they perceive their child as a reflection of their past selves and view their child’s journey as the culmination of their own preparations.
No matter the reason, this type of behavior is commonly seen when there are winners and losers. It is seen frequently on the sidelines of a football game and also in boxing, a sport where the stakes go beyond just winning or losing. In fact, when we think about what is on the line when children or adults step into the boxing ring, it’s not surprising that boxing has some of the most eccentric, controlling, and problematic fathers in all of professional sports.
Maybe not. Maybe, when you really think about it, the thought of witnessing your own child stepping into the ring to battle another person whose objective is to knock them out is one of the most intimidating scenarios any parent can fathom. In that moment, your concern shifts from their triumph to their safety, praying that they come back from the fight with their physical and mental well-being intact, still resembling the child you brought to the match. Anything beyond that, in the realm of boxing, is an added bonus; the win itself is not as important as the sheer relief of having them return unscathed.
At the highest level, it is certainly easier to ignore or dismiss such thoughts. This is where significant profits are being generated, championships are being secured, and family legacies are being built. However, deep down, the essential elements and the underlying fear persist. As a parent, you must still witness your child engage in physical combat with another person and recognize that, regardless of their skill, everything can suddenly alter in an instant.
It takes a unique individual to consider this idea. It demands a level of trust that many parents do not possess, along with the ability to separate with affection and maintain faith that everything will ultimately turn out fine. This task is challenging for a trainer or friend, but it becomes even more difficult for a parent who tends to anticipate the worst for their child. These emotions often lead to unexpected outbursts and behavior that you would not typically associate with parents of athletes like tennis players or swimmers.
John Fury gets wild (Misfits Boxing)
Lately, there has been significant attention given to the actions of fathers like Tyson Fury, Devin Haney, and Teofimo Lopez, who have either sought attention for themselves or acted inappropriately. Although this behavior is not commendable, it becomes more understandable when we consider the emotional strain these men face as their children prepare to step into the boxing ring. It is important to recognize the unique experience of witnessing your child in a dangerous sport like boxing. While it doesn’t excuse their actions, it is unfair for us to pass judgment without having experienced this situation ourselves.
On the other hand, it is equally accurate to state that numerous parents, regardless of gender, possess the ability to remain calm and composed while observing their child engage in boxing. Even those who are directly involved in the process, whether as part of the entourage or the training team, demonstrate remarkable poise and grace, which appears to surpass that of individuals like Messrs Fury, Haney, and Lopez. They suppress their emotions and avoid seeking attention, preferring not to bask in the spotlight.
For instance, take Kostya Tszyu. As the father of Tim, he could easily demand a greater role in his son’s promising career. However, he has never really done so, perhaps because he is satisfied with his own achievements and understands that it is now time for the younger generation to thrive. Ultimately, being a supportive father to a fighting child may require finding contentment – being content with your own career and embracing the idea that your child is now reaping the rewards that were once yours.
Some parents find it difficult to accept the reality of their child’s involvement in boxing. In fact, there is a direct correlation between the misbehavior of certain boxing fathers and their own achievements in the ring. The more famous parents watch their children attempt to replicate their own success, while others experience it for the first time, using their child as a representation of their own status and identity. It is in this situation that we witness chaos, outbursts, and a desperate need for attention. The boxers’ eyes reflect the same look seen in children at parks on Sunday mornings, both wondering if today will be the day when Dad follows through on his threat to confront the referee.
