(JULY 27) Once in a great while a
man comes along that truly understands the complexities of women
in boxing. Such is the case of a man by the name of R. Douglas
Brocking. A father, avidly involved in the lives of his
children, it was a rare occasion for him to miss any sports
activity they participated in. A Coach, cheerleader,
inspirational motivator, whatever it took, he was right there
and he was dynamic!
Boxing being a favorite sport of his, he knew every move, every
punch combination, and every great fighter. Soon after his
daughter Lia introduced him to Ann Marie Saccurato, he instantly
fell in love with women’s boxing.
I met Doug Brocking at Saccurato’s second fight with Holly Holm
in New Mexico. Doug was a rough and tumble, very New York kind
of guy. We hit it off and shared hours talking Women’s Boxing.
It was at that time that Doug revealed to me that he was gravely
ill. “I may not make it through this” he said. “If I don’t…I
want you to do something for me. You and I think alike…would you
remember me in some way that would make my children proud?” I
asked him what he thought that would be.
“I don’t know, he said….Inspire Me.” Doug did not win the fight
against his illness and passed away in November of 2012. Doug
was fearless in the face of this illness. He fought
relentlessly. His courage was incredible and he was indeed
inspiring. In his honor we, his daughter Lia and Bad Girls
Boxing have created The Brocking Project.
The first Annual R. Douglas Brocking “Inspire Me” Competition
will be hosted by White Center Pal, Coach Tony Rago and Bad
Girls Boxing, Inc. on Saturday July 27, 2013.
The event will be held at the
Evergreen Campus, 830 SW 116th St in Burien, Washington.
Attending this event will be Sue Fox from WBAN, 3 time WBC
lightweight Champion Ann Marie Saccurato, Mary “Merciless”
McGee, Gloria “La Bombita” Salas and Elite Amateur Coach and
Professional boxer Tricia Arcaro Turton Head Coach of Arcaro
Boxing in Seattle.
The first bout begins at 5:00 pm. The cost is $10. Coaches and
boxers may enter at no cost by showing their passbook. There
will be a drawing for prizes and the Most Inspirational Boxer,
both Male and Female will receive a special Trophy, new headgear
and gloves. Please join us in celebrating R. Douglas Brocking’s
love of life and boxing and become “Inspired” by his legacy.
WBAN
ON TWITTER -
