The Boxing Match Commentary

K.O.

2010-11-30T17:41:00.001-08:00

K.O.
Originally uploaded by Javier Márquez

The idea of helping promote boxing in any way, shape or form is a cool one to me. I have been helping a local boxing paper by contributing art, writing a column and helping the team behind the scenes. It has been a rewarding experience, to say the least.

Recently, I have met some very talented writers and photographers that have helped in the mission to brining the paper to an even higher level of excellence by focusing on original content for the paper. Combined with the already excellent designer and layout person who finalizes and brings the total package together, it has been an amazing experience.

As time has gone on, and my plans for this blog (and former web site) have evolved, I am excited to have found that the mission of "The Boxing Match" has become ever more clear to me. I look forward to sharing a renewed passion for discovering cool sites, resources and more. I will also be bringing interviews and special features on some cool boxing folk from various areas within the industry that has evolved around the sport.

Stay tuned for some more cool stuff.

In the meantime, the picture above, "K.O." was a photo I found on Flickr while moderating a group pool that I run that is based on combat sports and competing in the ring and the cage.

"K.O." was a photo captured by Javier Márquez. The treatment and tone of the Everlast boxing gloves evokes the flash of photogs snapping away at the action in the ring. More specifically, perhaps the moments before the fight as there is no clutter or onrush of people in the ring. The background, at first, could bring to mind boxing ring ropes but on a closer look, you realize it has to be something else...something that transports your imagination outside of the boxing ring and somewhere else.

I think of Las Vegas lights when I look at again...and yet, the scene does not necessarily make sense. I still like it, though because it makes you think a bit more with each look. Exactly what a great photo should do.

Keep Punchin'!

BMikeA
www.invictusboxing.com
www.twitter.com/theboxingmatch

Dominic Vea v Oscar Siale-Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title (9)

2010-09-14T14:16:00.001-07:00

Dominic Vea v Oscar Siale-Commonwealth Cruiserweight Title (9)
Originally uploaded by rockfingrz Photography

Another winning photo by my friend "rockfingrz Photography" on Flickr.

I think he has the best selection and the best boxing photographs on Flickr. He always captures great shots of action in the ring and seems to have the best timing also.

He is a great contributor to the "Get in the Ring" group that I started there and I am glad for it. His photos inspire.

BMikeA
@BMikeA
www.invictusboxing.com

2010-07-29T12:41:00.001-07:00

I have been offline for awhile working on some things both boxing related and not. I have a lot of news coming down the pike about various projects that I am working on. As I work on all of those details, I ask that you check out a few links that are important to me.

Chicago's Battle of the Badges:

I had created a Facebook page for the above because I wholeheartedly support Chicago's Fire and Police department charities that try to help with support of those that have lost their loved ones in the line of duty. Just click on the title above and you will be taken to that Facebook page. It will also contain links to the blog I have set up and more.

Cuerus Newspaper

This is a local Chicago boxing paper. The founder's name is Miguel Mijes and he is such a great supporter and passionate adherent to the benefits that boxing brings to the youth of this world today. He told me story along the lines of challenging some neighborhood gang members to take their skills to the boxing ring. Check out their Facebook page by again clicking on the title above.

They have featured two of my art pieces, specifically designed for the paper and based on our mutual admiration for the many positive aspects that boxing brings to our culture. We often only hear about negative things and that's a shame. Boxing has such a rich history and has helped so many people on so many different levels.

More to come!

BMikeA

"Nearly A KO"

2010-04-16T13:46:00.001-07:00

Nearly A KO
Originally uploaded by BR-i (www.brianrobertsimages.com)

Brian Roberts posted this picture on Flickr. He posted the following text:

"Okay, so last night I did some boxing photos at The Olympia in Liverpool. Bit of a new experience for me and quite different to the cage fighting (really, really fast!).

Tried shooting from different angles and viewpoints and I noticed a guy with a video standing right by the ring. He disappeared for a bit and I jumped on to where he'd been and nearly, very nearly, got hit. That post where the boxer's glove is had my lens next to it.

Still, made for a close shot."

I love it. It gives you a perspective that is only second to being in the ring itself...then again, you'd be busy ducking the shots and probably not holding a camera.

The look on the fighter throwing the punch is one of intensity and trying to seek out his target. That gritty feel of the photo too. It compliments the intensity of the shot.

From all accounts, it seems like this is really his first experience in capturing a boxing match... I hope it's not his last. His instincts were spot on when he decided to jump into the place previously occupied by the videographer.

Brian's photography, in general, is a pleasure to look at. Check out his photostream on Flickr here:

BR-i On Flickr

And, check out the rest of the boxing photos submitted to the group I created there, "Get In The Ring."

Great work, Brian! It is one of the best shots I have seen in awhile!

BMikeA

Invictus Boxing - Influences Pt 1 - Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali & The Art ...

2010-04-14T16:36:00.001-07:00

The Cover Featured DC and real life celebrities watching the fight.

This is an update to the video post on April 14, 2010. I had meant to include some additional information on the book with some links to relevant sources regarding the re-print that is scheduled for the latter part of 2010.

The video clip is a walk through of the old battered copy of this comic book I have from DC Comics. It war originally released in the late 70's when I was a kid. Pitting two childhood favorites against one another, it was like a dream match up.

Links to additional information follow after the video.

I just found out through doing a search for cover images that DC & Ali's licensing company plan on releasing a statue to commemorate the re-release.

Here is a link to the article by Geoff Boucher here from a blog post he had on the LA Times web site. I know I am saving my pennies to get this.

Also, through Geoff's piece, I got refreshed on a few other important details. In addition to the great artwork from Neal Adams it also included "inks by Dick Giordano on figures and Terry Austin on background," per Geoff's piece.

I also referred to the aliens as the Bodace. That's the planet they are from. The name of their race is The Scrubb. TLC might not like them either.

I'm telling you that if you are just interested in an entertaining little story, check this out. Any boxing fan will appreciate the idea of The Greatest Vs. Superman - I think. It's surreal in and of itself when you think about it. Now, imagine that as a kid! Good stuff!

More links:

DC Comics The Source Blog Story is here.

CBR story is here

.Newsarama Piece is located here.

BMikeA
www.invictusboxing.com
@InvictusBoxing
@BMikeA.

What The Hell Is Invictus Boxing

2010-04-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

Aaron Emmons Teaches The Sweet Science

2010-04-08T23:43:00.000-07:00

Aaron Emmons Teaches The Sweet Science
Originally uploaded by TheBoxingMatch

This photo was taken back in August of 2007. It was my first time down at Executive Boxing Gym in Chicago. I had the opportunity to meet Sammy, the gym owner, who graciously allowed me to come down and take some photographs of the gym. It was a beautiful place with great hard floors and lots of great lighting. He did a tremendous job of making it very photogenic!

Sammy did not stay long but he introduced me to Aaron Emmons. Aaron was one of the trainers/instructors at the gym and he was very cool, friendly and down-to-earth. He invited me to hop up into the ring to take pictures of his students doing mitt work. It was a fun experience and taught me some new things about getting the photos I wanted.

You couldn’t escape the energy of the place. Executive Boxing Gym is a fitness gym for people who want to lose weight and get into shape by being put through a boxer’s workout. I had taken a white collar boxing class back in the early 90’s and it was a blast even though it was a short exposure to the program. I had taken quite a few of the ideas that I learned and continued on my own. If this gym had been around back in the early 90’s, I think it would have been an awesome experience to work out there.

The students in the class were very cool with letting me take pictures of everything that was going on. The classes always have a great mix of male and female students so it’s an open and fun environment where everyone is united in their desire to take their fitness routine to an all new and intense level.

For me, being at the gym was an opportunity to expand my photography portfolio and get some boxing related photos for a project I was working on for one of my photo blogs. This experience led to opportunities to help Sammy and form a good working relationship over the following two years. Though our paths have separated, I enjoyed working with the gym and getting tons of great photos and ideas.

From my experiences at Executive Boxing, I was able to continue collaborating with Aaron (you will see other photos taken of Aaron after he went his separate ways from Executive Boxing). I was able to capture quite a few great shots of him at Hamlin Park Gym, where he was teaching for awhile. I hope to work with him again after he recuperates from a leg injury.

I am also collaborating with another former contact at the gym. More details to come on our shirt designs that will be created for the “Invictus Boxing” and “Game Over Boxing” shirts. The ideas that we have are pretty exciting.

The watermark on the photo is for a design company that I am laying the foundation for. I will be blogging about that also as updates become available. In the meantime, I hope you visit the links I have posted in the side columns of this blog. They will take you to the store links where I am selling my boxing creations based on the photos and art that were inspired by my exposure and marketing projects originally planned for the gym.

If you are a local fitness model interested in having boxing themed shots taken of you for your portfolio (for free) or a boxer looking for the same (and for free), please contact me via one of my contact methods noted below.

Until later, be safe and keep punchin’!

BMikeA
www.invictusboxing.com
www.twitter.com/invictusboxing
www.twitter.com/bmikea

Update On T-Shirt Designs

2010-04-07T15:15:00.000-07:00

A few new shirt designs and the relaunch of our Zazzle store too!

First, for those of you familiar with Invictus Boxing on RedBubble, there have been new t-shirt designs added.

RED!

HEAVYWEIGHT BOXING

THE BOXING SPIRIT

You can view all clothing currently available on RedBubble by clicking here.

____________________

Some readers of my original blog may recall the Zazzle store that I had created for my "Game Over Boxing" Line up of clothing. I had it under my "DKO Visuals" name and pretty much left it alone while I migrated to RedBubble and other sites. In hindsight, I think it was a mistake because they have so many great options for items that you can order. I can make the designs I create available on quite a few different items.

So, in the last few days, I have started adding some additional items for sale and if you click here, you will be taken to the store. I hope you check it out because I'm pretty proud of the designs that have been posted there.

More updates coming soon!

BMikeA

www.twitter.com/invictusboxing

www.invictusboxing.com

Click here to be taken to our Facebook fan page.

Invictus Boxing Shirts - Update

2010-03-29T14:00:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am also working on a line up of boxing designs for t-shirts and paper printed items. I posted an update to the "Invictus Boxing" blog - dedicated solely to shirt and design updates. I wanted to post that entry here also. That post follows below

-----------

Invictus Boxing RedBubble Store Launched!

I neglected this blog a bit but am back in full force. The current fleet of designs are available at our RedBubble store. There are also boxing prints available on postcard, posters and more.

The designs that are currently for sale reflect a mixture of styles - comic book, paint-like effects, and more. The framing reflects a more retro look to separate us from the current slew of shirts that all aspire to be Affliction-like. The Afflction shirts are badass as hell but for everyone else to follow their footsteps instead of staking out a unique design of their own... I would rather buy the trendsetter who does it best... Affliction.

So you will see an evolution of our designs with a mix of a few different elements coming into play. We won't be standing still. There are so many ideas and designs on the horizon, we hope you will join us on the journey.

Currently, working on some new designs with a couple of new folks to the mix. Two boxers from the Chicago area are collaborating and will be the people pictured in action on some new shirt designs that will be coming.

Some really aggressive new designs and treatments are going to be unveiled. Remember, the idea behind the name "Invictus" is being UNCONQUERED in spirit. You have to have the heart to keep fighting and to follow your path. That's what we are doing with the shirts. At our first design discussion, the ideas that came up were amazing. So, now we have to make them REAL!

Web Site Update

You might have been by the www.invictusboxing.com web site in the recent past. The multi-page site has been taken down while I work on an even better version.

The current placeholder will remain in place with links to the blog etc while I get the new design ready for up and running status to showcase the variety of designs. So, I hope that you will stay in touch here for updates.

More coming soon!

BMikeA

http://www.google.com/profiles/invictusboxing

Updates & Chicago's Battle of the Badges 2010

2010-03-26T14:36:00.001-07:00

Chicago's Battle of the Badges 2010
Originally uploaded by TheBoxingMatch

First update in awhile and it feels good. I have been wrestling around with different ideas and directions as to where to go with things. Turns out, I forgot that not only did I want to create boxing visuals and the like, but I also appreciate them as a viewer, as a photographer and as an artist. So, I decided to return to the core of what it is that I originally set out to do...share my passion for the sport of boxing with people.

Since I don't box and appreciate as a spectator and as a designer, you get kind of a different mix when reading this blog. As a fight fan and as someone that finds different boxing visuals and related projects to expose you to.

I have re-applied myself to growing the "Get In The Ring" all things boxing related photography pool on Flickr. So you will be seeing various posts about the great photography that is being contributed to the group from there. So many great photographers out there and so many great shots.

And now for some information on the photo that accompanies this blog post -

Chicago's Battle of the Badges 2010

If you like boxing and want to help out some great charities, I invite you to check out a fan blog, Facebook page and Twitter updates at the following links -

www.battleofthebadges.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/badgesboxing

Click this line to go to the Facebook fan page -

Chicago's Battle of the Badges pits the Chicago Police against the city's Fire Department in boxing matches that raise money for their favorite charities (mainly to support those that have lost family members that belong to both departments). It's a great nite of boxing with the Chicago Park District also showcasing some of their up and coming fighters.

This picture was a graphic I created as a piece of fan artwork from a pair of boxing gloves and a photo by Giovanni Campos of one of the fights from a previous year.

BMikeA
www.invictusboxing.com
www.twitter.com/bmikea

Uploaded by TheBoxingMatch on 26 Mar 10, 4.08PM CDT.

Unconquered, Baby!

2010-01-19T13:49:00.000-08:00

So, it has been awhile and it is time to update my information for what I hope will be for reasons of success and a connection with my past and future visitors.

I am going to be retiring the "Game Over Boxing" site and forwarding to a new site and line-up of visuals under my new site "Invictus Boxing" at www.invictusboxing.com.

To capture the essence of boxing, and to be a fighter... you have to have an attitude that you are not going to quit. Your spirit will not be conquered. You are invincible when you climb through the ropes. And even if the fight is a war, you always learn from your experiences and come back stronger.

So, the journey will begin soon. And, this blog will refer you over to the new blog when it is up and running. I look forward to seeing you there.

B Mike A

The Boxing Match Evolution

2009-09-04T19:00:00.001-07:00

It's true that I have not really had a chance to get "The Boxing Match" fully off the ground. I suspended the web site and decided to start a new on in the place of it. The focus has changed in that the site will focus on my digital boxing photography and artwork.

The new web site will be www.goboxing.net. I hope you will go there and check it out. The blog is at "The Artistic Left Jab" and will take off within the next few days. Also, more news coming on another web site that will showcase all of my digital photography, in case you are interested in seeing what else I snap pictures of!

BMikeA
www.invictusboxing.com
www.theboxingmatch.blogspot.com
www.invictusboxing.blogspot.com
www.twitter.com/bmikea
www.twitteer.com/invictusboxing

Blogged with the Flock Browser

Josh Clenshaw v King Davidson

2009-06-25T09:22:00.001-07:00

Josh Clenshaw v King Davidson
Originally uploaded by rockfingers

A photo contributed by rockfingers in the "Get In The Ring" photo pool I started on Flickr. It's a great shot in black and white. It reminds me of the old Ring Magazine photos that I used to check out in the 70's as a kid.

When you would get your hands on an older issue and see some of the classic fights of Marciano, Zale and Graziano (to name but a few), you really felt like they were true fights. Rockfingers brought all of these memories back for me.

Great shot!

B Mike A
www.theboxingmatch.net

The Boxing Wall

2009-05-29T08:51:00.001-07:00

The Boxing Wall
Originally uploaded by TheBoxingMatc

www.invictusboxing.com

When Aaron Emmons, a personal trainer I met through Executive Boxing, invited me to come down to the Hamlin Park gym and take some photographs, I really looked forward to it. After taking pictures at the pristine and clean Executive Boxing Gym, I wanted to see the grittier side of a gym. Hamlin Park wasn't exactly gritty but you got the feel of something more "real" and that was a good thing.

This is a picture of the bulletin board at the gym. I loved the photos, fliers and assortment of catchy visual elements. The treatment is actually just a slight exaggeration of the lighting in the gym. I had set the camera so that there was a slight blur so that nothing that was sensitive (information-wise) would be seen.

The dingy yellow glow from the old lights was enhanced by an odd reflection of the sunlight from outside. The light did not ultimately look either completely artificial or natural. The end result was an odd haze that seemed to saturate the bunker-like gym area.

BMikeA
www.twitter.com/theboxingmatch

www.twitter.com/bmikea

www.twitter.com/invictusboxing

Chicago Battle of the Badges

2009-04-10T09:54:00.003-07:00

I wanted to attend this but it looks like I won't make it. In case you have the date and time open, check out Chicago's annual Battle of the Badges. This event features charity boxing exhibitions that pit Chicago police officers against Chicago Firefighters. It's a great night of boxing and for a great cause.

Date/Time:	8:00 PM - 4 17 09
Location:	DeLaSalle Institute 3455 S. Wabash Chicago IL 60608 Map and directions

I had thought that there was a main web site for the event but found out that the site I was thinking about was for the Super Cop event.

Here is a video from last years matches at the Battle of the Badges.

B Mike

Your Boxing Match Host

2009-04-08T09:31:00.001-07:00

RED by www.invictusboxing.com

I was a young guy in the late 70's and recall the heavyweight boxers of that time and the 60's through articles in the paper and old boxing magazines. I vividly recall seeing pictures of Muhammad Ali and thinking that he was the strongest and toughest man in the world, as was befitting the Heavyweight Boxing Champion of The World; That title had a lot of prestige and coolness behind it. Every kid on the block wanted to be that and I was no different.

I was also a big comic book fan and loved the exploits of all the classic superheroes. Again, every boy on the block wanted to be Superman also. What a childhood with all the neighborhood kids running around claiming to be this and that. Imagine my awe when the Superman Vs. Muhammad Ali oversized book was announced and primed for release!

I remember thinking about the logistics and the arrangements of such a fight. How would Ali be able to take on Supe's strength? How would Superman box? Ha! I was thinking about all of these things obsessively and probably thought there was no way they could pull it off.

Neil Adams drew the masterpiece of fun and man, it was amazing. Though the little details were lost here and there and Superman was wearing a cape in the fight (huh?), it blew my mind. (Spoiler Alert) I remember thinking, "Only two rounds? Come on!" I know Superman isn't a boxer by any stretch of the imagination but I would have thought perhaps he could have lasted until the third! It was a pretty brutal match with Ali handing Superman the beating of his career.

I still go back to that comic as an example of some great artwork. The visuals left a a mark on me. As mentioned, Neal Adams did a stellar job and it was such a mash up of so many things I loved at the time. The fueling of the imagination was complete!

Back in the real world..

Boxing was still featured in the newspapers when I was a kid and it was always exciting to hear about the Golden Gloves and to watch as the best local fighters advanced through the different classes to the finals. I remember when one of the local newspapers would support the fights. This was the event of the year when it came to amateur boxing in the city. Those days may be long past but the memories still come roaring back when I head down memory lane. It seems like yesterday sometimes.

The 80's were an awesome time for boxing memories in my mind. Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns, Sugar Ray Leonard and so many more. It was a great time to be a boxing fan with so many quality fighters out there. Again, a period of time when the fights of Alexis Arguello were burned into my brain... his epic fights with Aaron "The Hawk" Pryor. Wow. I still remember them unfolding as I watched and teetered on the edge of my seat. Those were fights.

Boxing visuals still capture my imagination and inspire quite a few of my designs. I decided to launch a blog that pays tribute to boxing visuals in art all across the board. Whether it be movies, posters, adverts, books, paintings music and more... anything I come across online is perfect to talk about here. The vision can constantly evovle as time goes on and boxing continues to influence our culture in so many ways.

I hope you enjoy the art pieces I showcase from my boxing projects. I also hope that you enjoy being introduced to boxing folk all over the place and doing so many different things through, with and because of boxing.

BMikeA