Stick and Move!

Understand, before you begin reading this blog . . . it is written by a father (ME). This means that, while objectivity is a goal in most writing, it does not apply to any blogs written about the children of said father (ME). In fact, as objectivity is thrown out the window, clarity is the next target of parental omission. So, this blog may be one-sided and incoherent, but it’s written by a father (ME), so be forewarned! Check out Legends Boxing at: http://legendsboxing.phastcat.com/

http://media.heraldleader.com/static/pagepdfs/a1.pdf

http://kentucky.com/141/story/132614.html

Check out the above links to the Lexington Herald-Leader that contains an article with pictures featuring Thomas Alexander Kinchen, III (MY SON; aka “Rocky”).  Thomas and Jevon are shown boxing in their first match. Thomas just turned 7 while Jevon (aka “TNT”) just turned 9; thus the obvious height differential–although, being a Kinchen, Thomas may be plagued by this affliction for life!

(Editor’s note: If you read the full article, know that Thomas, Rocky, is not a “troubled” youth. He has however, created trouble, at times, for his mother and me, various law enforcement agencies, the Ice Cream Man in our neighborhood . . . and, now, for his opponents in the ring. One-sided, biased . . . told-ya’-so.) 

Both kids did awesome for their first fight. The picture itself is pretty cool, simply for the “Rocky” (as in Balboa) officianados in the group. Thomas is called “Rocky” after Rocky Marciano (for Thomas’ deadly left hook–every preacher’s kid should have one!), yet the pic of Rocky & TNT is classic Balboa & Creed. Remember the end of Rocky III, where Balboa and Creed shared this same pose at the end of the movie (a “favor” owed to Creed by Balboa as payment for Creed training Balboa to fight Clubber Lang; which he did . . . and won!)? The pose was captured on canvas and was seen in the recently released ”Rocky Balboa”–a picture on the “wall of fame” in the back of Rocky’s Italian restaurant, “Adrian’s.”

The first round all Thomas threw left hooks (literally; but it’s his “signature punch”, he just signed one-too-many autographs in the first three minutes). Yet, by the second and third rounds he was actually boxing! (Combinations; stick and move; slip and jab) Which was impressive considering the fact that it was his first time out–heavy bags and boxing mits don’t hit back nearly as effectively as live opponents. He took a couple of stiff jabs but he has no “reverse” gear in his stocky little fear-inspiring frame (bias, I warned you).  In fact, at one point during the fight, he actually climbed out of the ring and went after a heckler in the front row! Not really, but wouldn’t that be cool; I’ll put that on my “things to teach” list for next time. 

Anyway, the Mayor’s Cup, Thomas’ (and probably Jevon’s) next bout, is this Saturday at 4pm at Legends Boxing in Lexington. Rocky trained for 10 rounds today, another 10 tomorrow, and perhaps another 5 Friday (we’ll be travelling back from Florida). He loves it and has, what his coach says, is a natural ability in the ring! PAY PER VIEW!! PAY PER VIEW!! (again, forewarned . . . bias; incredible bias)

The cool thing about the gym where Thomas trains is that the coach is also a pastor: William “Sarge” Farris. Sarge does an awesome job with the kids. He teaches them boxing (a boxer himself while in the military) but also teaches them about the love of Jesus. (See first link listed for the gym where Sarge trains: Legends Boxing) Sarge pastors Maranatha Baptist Church, here in Lexington, Ky.

I suppose that’s enough for now; only because I’m going to watch a movie with the family. I think it’s Masters of Pugilism or Kings of the Ring, or something like that . . . or maybe Dunston Checks In.