Monday, February 28, 2011

Determination



Here's a classic fight you may not have seen. Sakmongkol, a fighter known for having shoulder problems, takes on Perry Ubeda of Holland. The fight is well known because at 5:33 (near the end of round 2), Sak's shoulder pops out.

Sak continues to experience problems with it as he takes an 8 count in round 3. The unexpected happens at Sak pushes and brings the fight to an end at 14:27. He kicks Ubeda's arm until Ubeda gives up. I'm not sure he broke Ubeda's arm, but I can only imagine...

The reason I remembered this fight was because yesterday we were talking about how Badmon's shoulder popped out in his last fight, then popped back in, and he pushed through to take the win.

The pain of a dislocated shoulder is incredible (well, of course it is...but I think it's easy for someone to underestimate an injury they've never had).

Watching Sakmongkol's fight is somewhat of a harsh reminder of what it takes to fight at the highest levels of Muay Thai. It has been said many times: it takes not only physical strength but a powerful mental game to push through something like that. Being determined is to determine.

It makes all the little battles we take on every day seem a little more manageable.

Here's the full fight. It's got a lot of action that only escalates as it goes on, so enjoy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqhH9o9jjpY

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