When I was 12 or 13 Mike Tyson was beginning his rampage through the heavyweight division. I was convinced that he was the greatest fighter ever because he hit guys hard and they got knocked the fuck out. Also, because I was 12 or 13. 

Later, as I got into boxing a lot more, I came to understand that a big punch isn’t all that big if the other guy sees it coming from a mile away. And that a counterpunch, even if it’s relatively soft, can be devastating if it catches your opponent with his guard down.

I quit watching boxing at some point in the 1990s, but that’s a lesson I’ve held on to. RIP Muhammad Ali.

Craig Calcaterra

Craig is the author of the daily baseball (and other things) newsletter, Cup of Coffee. He writes about other things at Craigcalcaterra.com. He lives in New Albany, Ohio with his wife, two kids, and many cats.

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