Maharlikan Times

Less understood neuro-science of boxing: The Jet-weight Theory of Conservation

By Granville Ampong, Philboxing.com

        I will never forget the thrill of witnessing a boxer at the emergency room whose admitting electrolytes in the blood were as follows: Potassium 2.2 (3.5 to 5.5 millie-equivalents per liter), Sodium 112 (135 to 145 millie-equivalents per liter) and "the miracle mineral", Magnesium 1.1 ( 1.7 to 2.2 milligram per deciliter).

       According to report, this said athlete, 5'7" weighed 154 lbs. on the tip of the scale during the official weighing, weighed 181 lbs. when he was admitted at the hospital. Sure, he was over-hydrated and malnourished.

       Then, in less than two hours, another boxer was admitted who looked so drained and malnourished as well, 5'10" in broad body frame but weighed only 147 lbs. on fight night, of which his usual pre-fight weight was 154 lbs. But , as for this fighter, he tipped off the scale at 144 lbs. after three months of some sort of "body-conditioning", they said. He was impractically tamed to live in the third world country where the scarcity of food made its mark as headlines in the newsprint, which Oscar de la Hoya somehow was put to a poignant test.

       Well, Frank Lotierzo of Sweet Science must have said it well and unknowingly must have helped me expound my talking points when his article got published on September 22, 2009, that which my article as well, "Jet-weight is Mayweather's story of a boxing scientist", surfaced on the newsprints on September 21, 2009. Lotierzo's article was titled: "Cotto should emulate Mayweather and weigh-in at 147."

      Now, let's talk about Mayweather and Marquez weight issue and my theory.

       "Jet-weight theory of conservation", as coined by this writer, is void of newness at all. But, as to the world of new trend in boxing, it is one of direct attempt of subjugating the very intent of "catch-weight". In fact, it corrupts, if not forfeit, the very purpose of catch-weight acclamation.

       As of this writing, I received 2038 e-mails commenting on my article published last Monday regarding " "Jet-weight" is Mayweather's story of a boxing scientist".

       Of these numbers, I spent nearly six hours spot-reading their respective contents.

       To my surprise, the majority gave good comments. But, I would like to address one out of dissenting thirteen who clearly misunderstood my supposition.

       And for the senders, I thank you for expressing your opinions.

       Here's one of the comments:

       "Your moronic comment doesn't appear to be convincing to me. If Floyd is not foolish, he shouldn't agree to fight at the agreed weight of 144 lbs . He has no honor then! That's why lots of people call him Fraud Mayweather. He should fight the real welterweight then!"

       My take as premise: The fight as per agreed changed of the contract was at catch-weight of 144 lbs. binding in the Welterweight limit of 140 to147. In other words, Floyd Mayweather,Jr. had the latitude of freedom to deviate from the agreed catch weight limit of 144 lbs. on the condition of paying the penalty as stipulated, or to adhere to it so long as "he tries to work it out" on such time of official weigh-in, which he did, in fact. But it's just he weighed-in 146 lbs. - still a pound below the Welterweight limit of 147.

And as reported, its entirety of the contract was agreed as well by Marquez as manifested by his signature, to work it out within the Welterweight limit.

       Of the stipulations, however, both parties also agreed that any excess of weight on the official weigh-in carries a penalty of $ 300,000.00 for each pound. And the contract and its inclusive terms remained enforceable to materialize the fight, as clearly discussed and as they made sure no one exceeded 147 lbs. on such exact time of official weigh-in, which Mayweather made it to 146 lbs.

       Therefore, there's nothing wrong with Mayweather's tactical plan, if, indeed, he ever planned to deviate from catch-weight. That's his power of choice. He paid the price of his choice, which he deemed as his best alternative course of action. Likewise, there's nothing wrong with Marquez's choice of just reaching 142 lbs. during the weigh-in.

       But, what truly set their choices apart was a matter of principle and understanding of their own philosophy along with the pulse of time, in that the fight must transpire considering the millions of dollars being spent for the campaign: "Number One versus Numero Uno".

       And here's the complexity of their respective power of choice: it's operative and can only be rescinded unilaterally at the option of Marquez, which Marquez did not pursue believing that he can still weaken and take down Mayweather, So he agreed to all terms, nevertheless.

       Rightly so, Marquez consented to its legal narrative of terms, simply penalizing Mayweather by having him pay $ 300,000.00 per pound of the excess based on the agreed catch-weight limit. Otherwise, there could have been no fight at all last Saturday unless another counter-offer was agreed upon.

       Conversely, in any event, this was something foreseeable.

       So, why sour-grape when the "grape juice" has turned into "unfermented wine"?

       That's part of sweet science!

       My proposition as to "jet-weight theory of conservation" has become an effective, winning ploy only for those who understand the effective management of fluids and electrolytes in their body, which, I think Mayweather understood its significance and the trap of "catch-weight".

       And, it's nothing new at all.

       But, remember: Size does not translate strength and speed, which, for Mayweather, it successfully enhanced both, if not physiologically maintained his metabolic advantage.

Meanwhile, whatever my supposition in that said article as commented should not be treated as mere intellectualization but rhetorical one.

       And it can be "moronic" as one said, or I must say it's "viagratic" by intimation, so to speak. But, that's the intricacy of my theory potentially rationalizing a tactical, counter-strategy for low riders of "catch-weight".

       And let me tell you this: If only Oscar de la Hoya opted to this supposition, then he could have "pulled his trigger" and nullified Freddie Roach's nagging statement saying that "Oscar de la Hoya can no longer pull the trigger."

       What if De la Hoya weighed-in at 147 lbs. at such time of official weighing and entered the ring at least 10 pounds or a bit more and not necessarily becoming over-hydrated?

       What if Oscar de la Hoya's transport of oxygen through his hemoglobin was one of a healthy athlete?

       What about his muscles which, in some way of his momentary stupor in the ring, had been so poor in tone and mass, if not edging into the state of becoming lethargic?

       And, what about his thinking process being affected by all these imbalances?

       When Pacquiao fought De la Hoya, was it just about the speed and style of the former that made the big difference?

       Was it just about the display of the law of physics? Or, was it not also about the invincibility of the law of physiologic balance?

       Yes, it's all about the balance of fluids and electrolytes as well.

       And I call it : "The Jet-weight theory of Conservation".

Note: You may send your comment(s) to granvilleampong@maharlikantimes.com.