In 1955 Carmen Basilio knocked out Tony DeMarco in the
12th round to win the World Welterweight Championship. The victory was a highlight of Basilio’s
career, forever earning him a spot in the memories of fight fans around the
country.
Many fight aficionados consider their bout to be one of
the best ever. It was the golden age of
boxing.
The fight between the two boxers was immortalized by a
perfectly timed photograph of DeMarco lying on the canvas, attended by his
corner men, while Basilio is lofted victoriously into the air by his
handlers. It is the perfect contrast of
victory and defeat.
In 1990 Basilio’s hometown of Canastota, New York became
the site of the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
For many years a good friend and I would make the
pilgrimage to Canastota for the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Weekend. During the event fans can meet and chat with
boxing’s best fighters from the past and present.
I met Basilio during one of these events and he signed an
enlarged, authentic print of that iconic photo of his fight. I framed the print and it hangs in my office
directly in front of my desk. Over the
years I’ve often studied that photo and wondered which of those two people –
the victor or the defeated – I was at that particular moment.
“I’ve often studied that photo and wondered which of those two people – the victor or the defeated – I was at that particular moment.“
During the Great Recession and other difficult times in
my life, I’ve felt like DeMarco, the defeated.
Personally, I went through a divorce this year and spent a lot of time
on the canvas. At other times, such as
when we’ve picked up a new client, or a new project emerged at just the right
time, I’ve felt like the triumphant Basilio, victorious over the challenge.
The one thing I’ve learned is that both emotions are
alternately experienced, and neither is permanent. Life and business will expose you to vicious
body shots as well as cheers from the crowd.
I think the secret to getting through it all is maximizing and
appreciating the times you are on top, then pushing onward during the lows and
reminding yourself that you’ll get up to fight again.
I hope you’ve been the person hoisted in the air more
times this year than what you’ve been on the canvas. Whichever position you find yourself in,
remember the words of Mike Ditka: “Success is never permanent, and failure is
never final.”
As we spend time with family and friends during this
Holiday Season, let’s set our sights on 2014 being a Championship year-both
personally and professionally.
Happy Holidays,
