When a Loss is not really a Loss....

In 1996, I entered my first Daily News Golden Gloves Tournament. My trainer had prepared me as best as anyone could prepare a fighter. I had been living on my own since 15years old in NYC, so fighting and my dreams was pretty much all I had. I won my first two bouts and made it to the finals that would take place at the Paramount Theatre in Madison Square Garden. This was a crazy tough fight, but my trainer, the announcers and myself thought I had done enough to win until the official decision was announced and I had lost a split decision.

I truly believe that each difficult moment has the potential to open my eyes and open my heart. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve my performance for the next time. That first loss taught me the meaning of resiliency, perserverence and faith. I should have won that fight, but there was a lesson to be learned. In 1997, I entered the Women's USA Nationals and trained even harder. I won my first 3 bouts making it once again to the Championships Final against another tough opponent. My performance that night made me the 1st Female ever to be voted "Athlete of the Year" by the USA Olympic Committee. This victory would not have been as rewarding without that first loss.

This past Wednesday, March 7, 2012 was suppose to be my moment to shine at BB Kings for my 6th professional fight. My team knew that by taking this fight we were in for an uphill battle as my opponent for this bout was represented by the promoter putting on this event. However, that was not going to deter me from putting in the hard work and lose focus on my goals for boxing. I had 4 weeks to prepare properly and I am ever so grateful for the great training & sparring partners & support I received at Trinity Boxing.

I have always felt that if you are willing to work hard and make the necessary sacrifices in all areas of your life, you can make your dreams come true. The big day had arrived and I did my usual routine of prayers and visualization. I had put in the hard work and I was mentally & physically prepared.

Being in the ring prior to that first bell, I felt at home as if this was where I was suppose to be. All my life I have fought for my beliefs, my rights, my dreams and that night was no different. The bell rang and although my opponents style was awkward and different, I was still charging forward and trying to adjust. In the 2nd round, my opponent stepped on my foot and I got caught off balance where this was called a "knockdown". For the first time in my professional boxing career, I was behind in the cards and knew I had to dig deep and never give up. I rallied and threw hard punches right thru the next 4 rounds which resulted in me knocking down my opponent in the fifth round and causing her legs to buckle a few times.

The end result once again was losing a tough split decision but I realize that every trial endured and weathered in the right spirit makes my soul nobler and stronger than it was before. This loss is no different..It has left my spirit untouched and know in my heart it happened for a good reason. A loss, injuries & heartbreaks are minor setbacks that have made me the fighter I am today and I will take this opportunity to build on my faith to make me a stronger all around athlete and person as well as continue on my mission of being a good inspirational example to women, athletes & everyday people around the world.

In closing, I would like to thank my boxing Team, loved ones, family, friends & fans for the wonderful love & support on this tough road that in the end will make all of us believers of always fighting the Good Fight and relying on Faith, Strength & Courage!

Much Love,
Patty Boom Boom
www.patriciaalcivar.com