This story is a small part of a large effort by MixedMartialArts.com to understand what works in martial arts. The process is to study what happens on the street, rather than what happens in the arena. If you enjoyed it, check out the library on:
•Boxing
•Martial Arts on The Street
•Mutual Combat
Rick “Rocky” Lockridge was an American professional boxer, who started competing in the Sweet Science as an amateur out of the Tacoma Boys Club, and became one of four world champions to originate from Tacoma, Washington. He is best known for handing Roger Mayweather his first defeat—a first-round knockout in just 98 seconds—earning him the WBA super featherweight title. He later won the IBF super featherweight title
Lockridge retired in 1991, but when he was 54, as seen in the below video, a larger gentleman threatened to “F@$% YOU UP … HOW ABOUT THAT?” Then the man in red walked up to attempt to do exactly that.
What happened
The pink-clad Lockridge waited in a seemingly non-threatening, bladed, left leading pose. As the attacker got closer, Rocky removed his hands from his pocket, but did not raise them.
Suddenly, with no telegraphing, the champ measured his attacker with a jab while dropping into a stance, and put him to sleep with one straight right. Rocky followed his would-be attacker down to see if there was any more danger, ready to react with another right if there was. However, there clearly wasn’t, so that was that.
Rest in Peace Rocky Lockridge (born January 10, 1959, died February 7, 2019)
Lockridge died at the age 60 due to complications from a stroke. This followed a tragic and sometimes very public battle with drug and alcohol issues, homelessness, and crime. Lockridge virally broke down on the A&E show ‘Intervention’ in what was dubbed ‘Best Cry Ever’ on social media.
A 2009 article in The Star-Ledger poignantly covered Lockridge’s life arc, and should be read by all fans.
Safety Warning
There is a reason that combat sports are conducted on a mat. Falling on a hard surface can kill you. So don’t fight on the streets, or anywhere unless there is professional supervision, or you have no alternative.
What is Boxing?
Boxing is a martial art and combat sport in which two people throw punches at each other, usually with gloved hands. Historically, the goals have been to weaken and knock down the opponent.
People have fought in hand-to-hand combat since before the dawn of history. The origin of boxing as an organized sport may be its acceptance by the ancient Greeks as an Olympic game in BC 688. Boxing evolved from 16th- and 18th-century prizefights, largely in Great Britain, to the forerunner of modern boxing in the mid-19th century, again initially in Great Britain and later in the United States.
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