By Cliff Bayres: Fighters from two different worlds decide to fight in my backyard. An Iraqi born boxer and a Ghanian decide to lace it up for the vacant IBF International light welterweight title. All their work and toil have led them to a title fight in a suburb outside of Chicago. With a championship belt on the line, there is no need for an interpreter to stress the importance of a win. A universal idea that everyone understands is self preservation. Where else is that more evident than on the Southside of Chicago?
Andre “Gorgeous” Gorges, an Iraqi, now fighting out of Canada looks to fulfill his dreams against the Ghanian, Albert “Tornado” Mensah. This is all to happen July 15, Friday Night. Andres Gorges, who is 11-1 with 6Ko’s, is also the NABF welterweight champ. Mensah’s credentials are as follows: current World Professional Boxing Federation Light Welterweight and Pan African Light Welterweight Champion. According to hotboxingnews, the winner of this fight could face with the winner of the Judah-Khan affair.
I took interest in this fight for many reasons. There a lot of sub plots that intersect here. Though these fighters may have different cultures, languages, and religions their quest for “making it” is universal. We all have tow the line; we all gotta earn scratch somehow. In boxing, it seems you gotta make while you can. Another reason I find it interesting is this fight is in my hometown. It is amazing going to a local fight. It is far different from a ball game. You get to see the environment. You get to feel the crowd. You can hear the gloves smacking the body. The athletes are humble too. You can take pictures with the fighters. And there is an occasional celebrity, like a Brian Urlacher or Vince Vaughn sighting. Ladies are usually dolled up too which is nice. While having a beer ringside you can also check out the ladies and talk loud.
Going to a boxing event is far different than watching a fight on tv. They are two different worlds. It is a refreshing experience. It is nice to see the sport in its embryonic stage instead of the fully bloated millionaire / organized crime fixed decision stage. Following boxing for a few short years, one can get easily annoyed or disenchanted with poor decisions, trash talking with no punch, and bouts that never deliver. But going to a local fight with a little on the line can be all that is needed to rekindle your love for boxing.
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