"Stick that jab!"

In helping to prepare a couple young men for the Golden Gloves, I went through some old letters from former middleweight contender Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, from the early 1970s. I was reminded of some of these a week ago, when a group of boxing folks got together to discuss the "Rumble in the Jungle," when Ali regained the heavyweight title by upsetting George Foreman. Ali had been supporting the Hurricane's efforts to get a retrial. And I remember Rubin telling Ali about how to prepare for the fight in Africa.

The quote below is taken from a letter from Rubin from Tuesday, September 27, 1973:

"Whether you are a puncher or a boxer, get into the habit of tucking your chin into your chest. Squat. Get low down. Put your entire weight behind each punch.

"When you jab -- shift your weight to your left foot -- your right foot is only there to balance you.

"Whenever you begin your attacks, your weight should always be on your front foot. But when you retreat -- always do so in a crouch, with your weight shifting to both of your feet for smoother movements.

"Never back straight up! Always side-to-side -- always looking for that opening to start your attack again. Remember: the best defense is a helluva offense, and catching your opponent coming into your strength will always result in that man being hurt.

"Be relaxed -- always THINK relaxed, and you will never get tired.

"Stick that jab -- stick that jab -- stick that jab -- stick that jab ..... until it becomes part of your every move ..... stick that jab -- stick that jab -- stick that jab -- stick that jab! And you'll find that you're doing it and don't even know it. That's what instincts are all about. Can you dig it?

"Even as you read this letter, the rhythm should show you what I'm talking about -- stick that jab -- stick that jab -- stick that jab!"