Creed 3 was released on Friday and today’s issue is everything boxing and stories around boxers.
You also hear about the time wherein I could drag myself across any damn distance.
A newsletter, initiated by a friend, has surfaced with its inaugural edition showcasing a remarkable quality that has left me in sheer admiration. The said publication's first release delves into the artistry of Monet and elucidates its relevance in our lives, thereby highlighting the significance of art. I invite you to partake in this enlightening discourse.
In today’s issue,
Witnessing a Rocky franchise film in the theatres in IMAX was a dream come true.
“Your hands can’t hit, what your eyes can’t see.” The man who said this had inspired me to take up boxing. (The momentum lasted a day or two but it was a good run)
My first-ever ultramarathon killed something within me, I became a ferocious animal capable of pulling off anything at the worst point in time during the race.
"It ain't about how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward." - Rocky Balboa
Creed III (2023)
Synopsis: Adonis has been thriving in both his career and family life, but when a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face-off is more than just a fight.
Rocky’s theme was my most-heard song through the first lockdown in 2020. I used it to power through my unconventionally long bodyweight drills. I would hear that one song on repeat for hours. And it’s inspiring. The character of Rocky Balboa is proof of how cinema has the power to move you to unimaginable levels.
Adonis Creed is the son of Rocky’s first-ever official opponent, Apollo Creed. The Creed films are based on the son of the former world champion. Though I haven’t seen the first two installments of Creed, I enjoyed the third installment.
To enjoy the third one you don’t have to know much actually. It’s set in a way one can walk in without any prior knowledge. Creed 3 tells the story of how Adonis Creed’s past comes back to haunt him and this time it ain’t gonna leave.
It’s a moving tale of redeeming oneself once again. Adonis gets in the ring (one final time, HOPEFULLY) to set the record straight as to who is the best.
Michael B Jordan’s directorial debut shows what a great director he is. Not only is he an excellent actor but also displays the same prowess in his directing. The fights are directed in a very unique way that takes us so close to the fighters it feels like we are in the ring.
The crux of a sports film often lies in its montage, which plays a vital role in its overall impact. However, in the film in question, the montage failed to leave a lasting impression, feeling somewhat hurried. Though the fights portrayed in the film did not quite meet the expected standards, they still managed to evoke a sense of nail-biting tension, effectively keeping me at the edge of my seat.
The fight scenes in the movie were so well-directed that I found myself instinctively swaying my head from side to side as if I was personally engaged in the bout. Notably, the film was successful in igniting a newfound inspiration within me, compelling me to strive for physical fitness akin to that of anime characters. Indeed, the film serves as a valuable source of motivation.
If you’re wanting to be inspired or love boxing this one shouldn’t be missed. Running in cinemas right now.
"I am the greatest, I said that even before I knew I was"
Muhammad Ali
In 1981, a man named Joseph Kapp was standing on the ninth-floor ledge of a building in the city of Los Angeles. Ali was in town for a television appearance and was passing by the situation. He was informed about the situation and climbed to the ninth floor and began talking to Kapp.
Ali spent the following hour telling Kapp how life was worth living and that he had so much to live for. He also shared stories from his own life and provided words of encouragement. Eventually, Kapp was taken in by the police and decided not to jump off the ledge.
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.
Muhammed Ali, a boxing legend, cultural icon, and social activist inspired and is still inspiring the world with his words and most importantly actions.
In the ring, Ali created his famously known style the “Ali Shuffle.” With lightning-fast reflexes, powerful punches, and unorthodox style made him the Greatest Of All Time.
I'm not the greatest, I'm the double greatest. Not only do I knock 'em out, I pick the round.
But beyond his accomplishments, it was Ali's attitude towards life that truly inspired people. He was never afraid to speak his mind or stand up for what he believed in, even when it came at a great personal cost. He was a fighter both in and out of the ring, and his resilience in the face of adversity inspired people around the world to never give up on their dreams.
He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.
It was the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. Ali had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and had retired from boxing. During the games, Richard Jensen (a member of the U.S. wrestling team) had his medal stolen by a group of thieves.
Upon hearing this, he personally offered to replace the stolen medal by giving up his own. Ali in the 1960 Rome Olympics won gold which he had kept safely at his home ever since. Jensen was overjoyed and deeply grateful for Ali's generosity.
This act of kindness and sportsmanship exemplifies the kind of person Muhammad Ali was, both inside and outside the ring. Despite his own health struggles and retirement from boxing, he still found ways to inspire and uplift those around him.
Don't count the days, make the days count.
Can’t quit
It was 1:30 am. I was at the starting line. I was about to run 50 km on a hill that would gain me more elevation that the Burj Khalifa.
It was quite the experience. I found myself in a place wherein everything I thought I could give myself was over. I was dragging my legs 40 km in and had 10 km more to go. It took me to a place wherein mentally one me was dragging the tired me.
I unlocked something within me wherein if that finish line was drawn 20-30-40 km away, I wouldn’t mind. I could do anything at that point. Not that I would finish any stronger. But I would finish. This race was about finishing. No time goal. It was supposed to be nice and easy. It was anything but easy with only a little bit of nice.
As I crossed the finish line, I didn’t feel any excitement or happiness. I only felt hungry. This felt too easy (just felt, it wasn’t easy). I was sleep deprived, awake the whole night. I was ready to take on anything and am going to go the distance to see what I am capable of.
It’s not over until I win.
As today’s issue revolved around the boxing sport ode to Creed III here’s something Anthony Joshua (a boxer) said:
In boxing, it's about the obsession of getting the most from yourself: wanting to dominate the world like a hungry young lion.
Thank you for reading.
See you at the next issue.