NO HOLDS BARRED

by Eddie Goldman

The champ looked stale
As he fought in Wales.
For speed he lost fat,
But he looked awfully flat.

Didn't cut off the ring,
Yet he still is the king.
Couldn't swat down a fly,
And we want to know why.

Adapt he did not
As Parker moved a lot.
Well, late in the fight
He did, but still looked tight.

And the power, where'd it go?
We all want to know.
Parker has a good chin,
But a disappointing win.

Yes, a doufus for a ref.
Amateurish at best.
OMG and the scores!
Were they judges or whores?

No creative offense
Yet we know he's not dense.
Where's the help from his trainer?
This should be a no-brainer.

Sure, this fight he cleanly won,
But the knockout streak is done.
Worse, no magic did we see.
A mere mortal is he.

Now the Wild Man from the States
Who imagines he is great,
Wants to fight for all the belts
Before the Arctic melts.

Now it's up to the suits.
And the fans they give no hoot.
Whatever brings in the most money,
Money, money, money, money.

Is it Ali we need?
Both in word and in deed?
In and out of the ring,
Whose praises we sing?

Not just the best in fights,
But who fights for our rights.
A Citizen of Earth
With wisdom and mirth.

So is Joshua our man?
Not today, as it stands.
He may triumph with gloves,
Yes we like, but not love.

Don't look for a new king.
Our world needs no such thing.
All they do is steal and loot,
In your back they will shoot.

Don't ask them for favors,
We can be our own saviors.
We can free ourselves, we can,
Everywoman, everyman.

(Photo of Anthony Joshua and Joseph Parker by Esther Lin/Showtime.)

Labels: Anthony Joshua, boxing, Champ Looked Stale, Eddie Goldman, Joseph Parker, No Holds Barred