The Dark Arts

By Richard Herring

Richard Herrings first book introduces the readers into the wonderfully colourful world of boxing. Herring for perhaps, the first time ever, looks not just at the excitement and brutality that is produced on fight night, but rather, instead, focuses on the events that lead up to the fight. In every World Title fight that there has ever been, both fighters and both fighters teams have taken every opportunity to do everything and anything they can to undermine the fighter and his preparations.
When Herring talks about The Dark Arts, he looks at the psychological warfare that each fighter wages on the other and enlightens the reader to the unique mental strength that each man must posses not only to get to the top, but to stay there.
The Darks Arts is set just before the fight of the year. The champion Cornelius Max Power is boxings longest reigning and most feared Champion and is famed for coining the phrase for not only his ability to rough fighters up with an assortment of semi legal tactics, but rather for his ability to completely psyche out an opponent before the first bell has even been rung.
His opponent Sugar Ray Reynolds is not an ordinary fighter, blessed with a huge edge in height and reach, blinding speed and freakish one punch power he is considered by one and all to be the heir apparent.
Something must give, will the aging champion have too much for the young contender or will youth be served.
It is the immovable object against the irresistible force.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Feb 21, 2012
• ISBN: 9781467884044

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© 2012 by Richard Herring. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 01/20/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4678-8403-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4678-8404-4 (ebk)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

CONTENTS

June 10

June 8th

June 20th

June 28th

July 1st

July 7th

July 10th

July 14th

July 20th

July 22nd

July 25th

July 26th

August 1st

August 3rd

Round one

Power v El Diablo

August 10th

August 17th

August 27th

25.08

August 30th

September 6th

Sept 6th (Evening)

THE GLOVES

7th September

Advantage Power

About the Author

I would like to say thank you to all the wonderfully colourful characters in boxing that made this book possible, but most of all to Win who believed in me even when I never

June 10

The boxing cognesenti have gathered for what they all hope will be a big announcement. Rumours have been rife for the last few weeks that the new golden boy of boxing one Mr Sugar Ray Reynolds has signed to fight boxing’s best world champion Mr Cornelius Max Power and today both fighters have been seen wandering around the hotel and signing autographs in the foyer.

Upon arrival at the press conference, which is being held at The Rose, the newest casino on the strip it becomes apparent that the fight is a go. Both teams are seated on the podium and only the fighters themselves are missing, however just in case anyone has forgotten what they look like there are two huge pictures of the fighters each in a dramatic pose. They are however positioned behind the other fighters team… so much for the choreography! The casinos own M.C. walks out onto the podium and gives the waiting press his usual cordial welcome. After going through his usual spiel, which for those in attendance feels like it is going on forever he finally gets round to announcing the challenger

Introducing a man who needs no introduction???? Sugar Ray Reynoldsssssss

Jesus does every kid with the name Ray have to call himself sugar? Muses one of the boxing scribes.

I know it’s like any kid who’s surname starts in a H calls himself The Hitman that name should have been retired once Thomas Hearns did

They both laugh.

At this point a tall an usually handsome man and walks onto the podium and flashes the kind of smile that sets girls hearts a flutter and has the businessmen reaching for the cheque books. The challenger at 6’1 is unusually tall for a welterweight and is very slim, with long limbs and a meatless midsection, all well hidden by his crisp Amarni suit (given to him by the man himself). As you would expect from a man of his physical gifts he is a rangy boxer who makes good use of his height and reach with clever lateral movement coupled with a laser fast jab and a brutally savage cross and all this from a southpaw stance. His numbers are impressive that left cross of his has led to 20 kayo’s in his 24 wins, there are however still a few members of the press who are unconvinced and feel his boyish good looks (he has already graced several magazine covers despite never having won a major title) and pleasant demeanour, coupled with his military career (he served in Iraq and his shorts always bear both the American flag and the Marines coat of arms) have far more to do with his title opportunity then anything he has accomplished in the ring.

"Introducing The Champion of The World and Ring Magazines pound for pound world number one… . Cornelious ‘Max’ Power

One look at the champs face tells you exactly how he earns is (considerable) living. Whilst not an ugly man his nose has been re-modelled over the years courtesy of over 12years in the fight game and 60 professional fights. He has picked up several cuts over the years and his eyebrows now have a layer of scar tissue, he even has a small scar on his shoulder were he was bitten several years ago when fighting in a 6 round prelim bout. The champ is a throwback a fighter who belongs to another era, a fighter who took a have fists will travel attitude, regards his chosen profession as a craft almost an art form and pays it total respect. At the start of his career he readily took bouts on short notice, not to pad out his record, but rather to feed himself. He consistently found himself up against the house fighter a term used to describe the local fighter who’s style of fighting, or ethnic background have made him popular within the local community. It was during one such bout that the champ was bitten, after clearly out boxing the local hotshot for four rounds, that he became so frustrated that in round five he took a chunk out of the champ. Ironically it is this bout, that is considered by many to be a defining moment in the champs career. After being bitten Power was furious, the ref however was a local man and reluctant to throw the house fighter out, so he asked Power if he wanted to continue or press for the disqualification. Power showing the kind of icy fury that would mark his title reign, insisted that the fight continue. In round six he came out and knocked his hungry opponent out the ring and separated him from his senses. The few boxing writers who were there that night (and the number grows every year) made note of a potential star that was very much on the rise. It was during the early stages of his career that the champ learned what he now refers to as The Dark Arts." How to make use of the shoulder, to hold, turn, spin an opponent, if need be how to use his head, forearms and elbows and when fighting southpaws… to stand on his foes lead foot. The champion is a rough, tough multitalented fighter, a sure thing for the hall of fame, but at 32 nearly 33 and with 60 fights under his belt, is the end fast approaching?

Sugar on the other hand has never had to endure such indignities, an ex amateur star and former Olympic silver medallist only 4 ½ years earlier, his every move has been meticulously choreographed and shown on national television. He, unlike his nemesis, has never had to toil in small local clubs for peanuts. He has never been the opponent for the local house fighter, were you have to knock him out just to get a draw. No, his career has, so far at least, been a flawless display of both (or either) superb boxing and clever match making. Make no mistake the challenger is a wonderfully smooth, technical boxer, but when the chips are down can he move to the next level. So far he has shown an abundance of skills, but as he has been far too good for any of his opponents to date, little else. At 24 and with only 24 bouts to his name is he ready to take on such a seasoned campaigner as the champ?

As the two fighters sit they are met by a round of applause, from the press, there own teams and of course the hangers on. Once sat they wait patiently for the promoters, managers and trainers to finish hyping a fight which in all reality needs little if any hype. The opening line on the fight with the bookmakers make the champ a slight favourite at 5/6 in most casinos, in others its even money a fact which seems to rile the champ, but there’s plenty of (and money) between now and the fight for those odds to change.

Reynolds loves being in front of the camera, his good looks aside he is witty, affable, very quick witted and unlike most fighters not afraid to poke fun at himself sometimes, simply put he is a natural in front of the cameras.

Power on the other hand has spent has spent the last couple of days with his long time trainer, mentor and friend Greg Geddes (affectionately referred to as double G or simply G by Power) working on his responses.

June 8th

(2 days prior to the first

press conference)

Geddes is leaning back in his chair a cold beer in his and his feet on the edge of his desk, sitting across from him and wishing he was sitting on the same type of recliner as his friend is Power. Geddes sips at his beer, then wipes the dribbles away before taking his feet of the desk and leaning forward.

Remember Champ every question they ask ya, turn it all around and make it about him. You know already what they are gonna ask you, it is going to be the usual bullshit like can you cope with his speed, are you too old, does you still have it etc, when they start that shit, what’s your answer?

Power is only half paying attention, he is more interested in the pictures and photographs all over the walls of what Geddes laughingly describes as his office. Power has seen all these pictures before and is in almost all of them, but never the less he still loves to come over to see Geddes and take a trip down memory lane. His first ever pro fight, his first minor title, the night he became Champion of the World, they and dozens more are all there and in every single one of them Geddes is never more then a few inches away. Power becomes aware of Geddes staring at him and it snaps him back to reality. I have done all this before you know G I do know what I am supposed to say. I like to think I am a past master at the art of psychological warfare. I did, after all invented the expression the dark arts and while most people think it is just about the rough stuff on the inside, we know it’s about the rough stuff inside the mind too. I have already decide on my plan of attack, stuff like… Sure I still got it, but does he have it, no one knows for sure, including him. Make in doubt his own ability, take his mind to some dark places and see if he can find the answers.

Geddes once again sips at his beer and smiles at Power. That’s beautiful baby.

That’s why I am the Champ.

Now two days on and at the podium it’s time to go to work, the fight has already begun before a single punch has even been thrown. The psychological warfare will be every bit as important as the trench warfare. Each man will strive to undermine, belittle, unsettle and intimidate the other at every turn and in any way possible.

CRY HAVOC AND LET SLIP THE DOGS OF WAR!!!!!!!

The press conference passes off without too much incident, most of the talking is done by the promoters and the managers, the fighters say very little, instead they are content to pose and smile for the cameras, both pretending to be completely nonchalant about the other whilst all the time looking for even the smallest chink in the others armour. Although the challenger did (as expected) make a reference to the champs age. The champ responded by taking a shot at the challengers age and inexperience in the end it was agreed that they were both potentially of diaper age much to the hilarity of the press.

HONOURS EVEN.

Afterwards Reynolds manager Mr Joe Backs affectionately known to his friends and enemies (and he has plenty of the latter) as tabba or tabs decides to pay a visit to Reynolds trainer to discuss the forthcoming bout. Backs, a short heavily built man with a beard and black sunglasses which he never appears to take off is a former car dealer, time share salesman, night club manager and countless other jobs all of a dubious nature has finally found his niche in life in the fight game. He knows that in Reynolds he has the rarest of all animals, a fighter that transcends the sport, someone who can get the whole family together, sitting around the T.V. just to watch him fight. So he is taking himself off to see Donovan grumpy Eccles, Reynolds trainer since he first turned professional. Eccles is a very highly thought of in the sport having already brought through some six world champions and he says Reynolds is the most outstanding talent he has ever had. As Eccles has been in the game over 30years as a trainer that is considered to be quite a statement. His nickname of grumpy couldn’t be further from the truth despite his burly physique he is a genial pleasant man, always happy and smiling and always says what he means and means what he says in a business of double dealers and liars, old grumpy is what they refer to as a straight shooter, the exact opposite of Bachs in everyway possible. In fact just about the only thing they have in common is a beard and even there as different as can be, Bachs has a short black beard, not much more the stubble, whereas Eccles has a huge long white one resembling the unhappy dwarf of the same name.

After a very brief conversation between the two men Eccles informed Bachs that he was at the gym looking for prospective sparring partners for Reynolds to use, he has a short list of fighters he wants and one of them is due at his friends gym today. Bachs is unhappy at having to travel across town, but has little option, he drives far too fast and gets to the gym in double quick time, slams his car door and wobbles at a heavy pace into the gym were upon he spies Eccles standing in the corner stop watch in hand. He walks straight up behind Eccles, does not bother to say hello or cough or anything else that may make his presence known, but just goes straight into a conversation.

Well it’s done.

Eccles doesn’t register any surprise nor does he even bother to turn round, he just talks out of the side of his mouth while still keeping his eyes on the stopwatch. What is?

A somewhat startled Bachs hisses. The fight dopey, what else?

That’s grumpy thank you. Or in your case Mr Eccles and big deal.

Bachs still hissing and trying to catch his breath puts his hand on Eccles shoulder and leans into his ear. Your very cool about it considering what’s on the line.

Eccles looks at the hand then the fat face of Bachs. Not my first big fight and it won’t be my last.

Yea ok I get that, but come on a bit of interest a bit of passion wouldn’t be out of line here would it?.

Eccles turns his head slightly and squints at Bachs Interest, passion, what’s up Joe, what’s bothering you?

Bachs looks both ways and once again tries to whisper to Eccles. Can we take him?

Eccles shakes his head and takes a deep breath. Oh for fucks sake Joe we have been through this a thousand times.

He looks strong and confident to me grumpy.

That is still Mr Eccles to you. He is strong, strong as an ox and he’s been champ for pushing 7years, he’s bound to be confident, you think he was gonna see Ray and shit his pants, drop to his knees and beg for mercy.

Have we taken the fight a bit too early. Couldn’t we have waited another six months, maybe a year?

Eccles sighs, the way someone does when they are tired of repeating themselves. We could have waited another six months, maybe a year sure, sure we could, but how do we know Power will still be about, this will be Powers sixty first fight, after God knows how many years and fifty seven of those fights his mean black ass has never touched the canvas not even once, now in two of his last three fights he has been dropped three times, twice against Lamouchi and the two guys who dropped him… . what did they have in common Joe ?

They were both southpaws.

Exactly. Just like our guy they came at him from a southpaw stance.

But

But nothing Joe.

Bachs presses on Eccles shoulder and turns him around. I watched both those fights, he was never hurt he just got caught square on and he came back to stop both opponents late on.

Eccles rolls his eyes. I know Joe I watched them too, Lamouchi was a world champ at lightweight a year before that fight, Power was always gonna have an edge in strength and power going into the later rounds, but in the early rounds Lamouchi was using his speed and skills to give Power lots of problems.

I hear what you are saying here, but Lamouchi was a quality operator at lightweight he had been champ for some time himself.

Ok Joe for the very last time the two key words there are was and lightweight. Look Joe we have been over this before, it’s a fight the kid can win. Lamouchi was quick but our kid is quicker. We sat down and discussed this all before, this is the best time for us, yea it’s a risk, but it’s risk against reward, you want the huge sums of money, you gotta take have big fights, big fights equals big bucks, but they also equal risk. Reynolds will be set for life win lose or draw, and god forbid he loses, he’s 25 he can come back again.

Bachs suddenly smiles. He’s 24.

"Then even better for us. You gotta remember Joe that the two lads who decked him, Lamouchi and Becks were only about his height, Heinz Becks is a good complete fighter, he’s European champion, but that’s about his level. His shot’s didn’t hurt Power, your right but he was able to get angles on him, when he caught Power square he knocked him over. Our guy is 6’1 and hits like a motherfucker, his jab is gonna be coming from the other side of the ring and when he uses the angles too, Power’s gonna have problems, he can’t just ignore the kids punches like he did with Becks, if he tries to we are in for a short nights work. Angles are gonna be the key, the champs legs are starting to go that’s why he suffered the knockdowns, your right he was caught square, but that is because his legs are going and so is his speed hence the knockdowns.

Bachs sighs like a huge weight has been taken off his shoulders. Your right I know your right.

Eccles pats him on the shoulder and returns the smile. Good now piss off I have work to do and after that I will want to read my paper, the sports section in particular apparently there’s something in there about a big fight coming up.

Bachs laughs and once again sighs. See ya later Grumpy. And walks towards the exit at a much slower pace then his arrival.

Eccles turns away without speaking and begins to watch the two young men who are about to spar.

June 20th

It is one of boxings greatest ironies that black young fighters born and raised in the ghettos can and do attract affluent white business men to there workouts. Reynolds unlike Power is holding an open camp, were people can pay $20 per head to go into the gym and watch him train live, it’s so open in fact that today’s workout is being televised into a specially sectioned off V.I.P area in the hotel bar set up specifically to accommodate the throngs of admirers all of whom for a mere $10 per head (of which 50% goes to the house the other 50% goes to the Reynolds camp towards costs) can come in, drink beer at ridiculously inflated prices and watch the No.1 contender train. A move which has proven so popular that after only a week they are considering upping the admission fee to $15.

Much to the amusement and bewilderment of the Reynolds training team Reynolds is given a rapturous round of applause upon entering the gym by a brigade of white middle men and women, most of whom appear to be decked out in Armani. Even in the V.I.P. area the fans go wild the second his image comes on to the screens. Reynolds flashes am almost embarrassed smile and cocks his fist, this sends the crowd into a frenzy, whistling wild clapping and even barking as they react to whatever Reynolds does with an almost childlike enthusiasm. Reynolds spends the next few minutes signing autographs and posing for pictures, before Eccles finally loses patience and chases the never ending line of fans back to there seats. Enough. He barks at no one in particular, before whispering into Reynolds ear Come on son, time to get serious, we got work to do. Reynolds looks straight into Eccles eyes and immediately his whole facial expression changes, the warm sunny smile has evaporated and been replaced by a hard icy stare, in a split second his whole psyche has completely changed, he is now completely re focused and ready to go to work.

Once he finishes his warm up, he gets into the ring and his hands are placed into a pair of weighted gloves. The gloves at first glance look just like any other sparring gloves, but they are weighted and as such are particulary heavy. The reason for the gloves is twofold, firstly they will strengthen the arms of secondly is that while his punches will be slower while the gloves are on once he takes them off his hand speed will improve significantly. Reynolds spends the first three minutes throwing short straight punches in four and six punch bursts. By the second round he has already started to show that incredible hand speed and this is while he Is still wearing the weighted gloves. His combinations draw whoops and whistles from the crowd and at the end of the round another round of applause, this time, however Reynolds ignores the cheers and claps and listens intently to Eccles who gives him instructions whilst removing the weighted gloves and replaces them with standard bag gloves. In round three Reynolds start to cut loose with rapid fire combinations, his hand speed is frightening and his mid range punches especially are little more then a blur as time after time they slam into the hand pads. If the hand speed is frightening then the power is terrifying.

A very happy looking Eccles greets Reynolds on his way back to the corner. Just let the punches flow Ray, don’t worry about power just give me the speed son. You know the saying son speed kills, power, power hurts them, but it’s the speed that kills them.

Reynolds promptly explodes with a laser fast combination steps to his right and explodes with another combination from a different angle. The crowd goes silent as they stare intensely at the speed, grace and power of the handsome young man who stands above them. Even with all the emphasis on speed and accuracy the punches still land with considerable authority, time after time Reynolds slams his fist into the hand pads and time after time there is an inhaling of breath from members of the crowd, drowned out by the deadening thud of Reynolds punches. He hit’s the pads with such authority that at the end of the round Eccles walks to a neutral corner wincing and wringing his hands.