Despite Early Losses, a Dogged Resolution Took the Olympic Bronze Medalist Places as He Talks About Never Giving Up

All great boxers of yore share one common feature – defeats. So be it ‘Sugar’ Ray Robinson, Joe Luis, Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and many others, all these greats went through losses of varying degrees. But, contrary to popular belief, they are great not because they became world champions and retained their titles successfully. But they are great because they stood up and fought back whenever they lost. The tenacity to take it on the chin and continue makes people adore these idols. Olympic medalist Tony Jeffries went through a similar cycle of trounces, but they made him strong.

Thirty-eight-year-old Tony Davis Jeffries is an acclaimed and hugely respected boxing educator and trainer. The Sunderland-born orthodox boxer began to box when he was ten. He had an outstanding amateur career, which includes an Olympic bronze medal and a couple of awards in European championships, besides winning the National Championship nine times.

On February 27, 2009, he professionally debuted against Aleksandr Valavoda. He fought continuously for the next two years, but, unfortunately, hand injuries turned severe, and left with no choice, Jeffries decided to retire. He is settled in California with his family and runs a famous boxing gym. Additionally, his online presence has been quite profound. With nearly 2 million subscribers to his channel, Tony Jerries uses the medium to share some great advice and knowledge, as well as fascinating anecdotes and stories from the boxing world.

Tony Jeffries shares an important lesson

One such life story he shared today involves revisiting the time he lost two matches. But instead of getting daunted, he emerged a stronger person. His message on Twitter reads, “I lost my 1st two fights in boxing. At that time, I didn’t think I was any good at it. People thought I was crap… If I give up, then… I don’t know where my life would [have] ended up… maybe it would [have] been better, haha, But that’s highly unlikely. This is a BIG lesson I teach my kids when they feel like quitting or giving up on something. ”

The great Muhammad Ali famously said, “Only a man who knows what it is like to be defeated can reach down to the bottom of his soul and come up with the extra ounce of power it takes to win when the match is even.” So, perhaps, Tony Jeffries and all the greats want us to learn that defeats and losses are facts of life. But instead of treating it as an end, consider it a stepping stone to learning, standing up to charge again, and making the next attempt.

Read More: Olympic Medalist Gives a Cheeky Response After Learning About Floyd Mayweather’s Next Fight

Do you agree with Tony Jeffries? Do share your views and thoughts with us in the comments section below.

Watch This Story: Boxing News Roundup (April 14, 2023): Mike Tyson and Wiz Khalifa on their ‘fun’ deal, Oscar De La Hoya predicts Canelo Alvarez vs. David Benavidez, and more