The Hindu Business Line : The boxer and the Mahatma

Evander Holyfield's comeback bid inspires with its reserves of tenacity and brave optimism. Perhaps unsurprising for someone who is himself inspired by the Mahatma.

On October 8, Evander Holyfield will make an unprecedented fifth attempt on the World Heavyweight Boxing Title. For Holyfield, who turns 43 on the 19th of the same month, age is only a fraction of a factor. He is in virtual compulsory retirement — the New York State Athletic Commission has indefinitely suspended his licence because of Holyfield's diminished skills and poor performance in the ring... and a rumoured heart problem. But faith moves mountains and Holyfield believes he has a great chance.

"I have spirit, and nobody says my skills are diminished. Nobody. My mother, my guiding force, always used to say that if you start quitting, you'll be quitting for the rest of your sorry life. So, how can I? Age is not a factor at all. George Foreman won the title at 45, so I have time yet."

Time will tell whether he wins or not. But even before the bell rings, Holyfield is already a winner. Because he believes he is. From enforced retirement to the ring is one big step. When you are twice as old as when you started, your opponent probably half your age, and cynics and critics say you should be in a home for the boxing aged, you have got to have spirit and then some to turn years and careers around. And that `then some', in Holyfield's case, is none other than Mahatma Gandhi.

And believe it or not, the boxer would celebrate the Mahatma's birthday (October 2) by participating in a peace rally in India. So, in this toe-to-toe, head-to-head contact sport, does Holyfield believe in turning the other cheek? No way.

"Boxing is sport, it's not about bad blood," he declares, "here you train to beat someone, you are not exploiting the helpless, like in the real world. What good is all my money if I can't help others?"

His spiritual mentor, Global Peace president Dr K.A. Paul, describes Holyfield as "calm, cool and always at peace. He is not a man of violence."

Believe it or not, boxing like all other sports — indeed the game of life itself — is all about Swami Vivekananda's calm mind and active body. Holyfield is returning to what he knows is his calling. In place of staying rich and retired, he is making a comeback. Sure, Mike Tyson's most-famous opponent wants the spotlight, the fame... perhaps even more fortune. But that is a fair trade for his gut call.

Robin Sharma, author of Who Will Cry When You Die? describes it best, "Find your calling. I believe we all have special talents that are just waiting to be engaged in a worthy pursuit. We are all here for some unique purpose, some noble objective that will allow us to manifest our highest human potential while we, at the same time, add value to the lives around us. Finding your calling doesn't mean you must leave the job you now have. It simply means you need to bring more of yourself into your work and focus on things you do best."

Holyfield has. I try too. To enjoy what you do, do what you enjoy. Life is a choice. Even when you compromise, you compromise out of choice. Hence, you may or may not be happy with your current job, social and family obligations, etc. Sure, you may not be able to change the situation initially and immediately. Work towards it, if possible. Meanwhile, choose to be happy with whatever apparent compromise you perceive.

The body goes where the brain takes it. Unfortunately for some of us, the brain is cluttered and confused — shot dead by the rifles of trifles. Holyfield is one of the best recent examples of not taking life lying down. He has cleared his head, his erstwhile-troubled heart, and medically-shot-down job by simply taking a shot at the title again.

In this he and we are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi's words: "Be the change that you wish to see most in your world." Like Holyfield, come out of your corner. Come out fighting, to perhaps change yourself... and your world.

The writer is the co-author of the book, `Fitness for Life'.

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