A simple act at a boxing press conference brought honor to a sport from a man who well knows the risks this dangerous profession presents. At BB Kings in Times Square in the heart of New York City, a man who once held the WBO Middleweight title led a prayer. His name is Peter Quillin.
The man he directed hopeful blessings for was Puerto Rican boxer Pritchard Colon, a man who a few short months ago was on the same stage, the picture of youth and excellent health and great prospects. One night changed all that, and since he has been hospitalized and in a Coma.
“I want to take the time to pray for him because I want to show my respect for someone who fought so hard.”
It said alot about this undefeated boxer who looks quite content in life and quite thankful to God for all he has. He spoke of his father and his simple introduction to this new country from Cuba.
“My father came to this country without a pair of shoes, without a shirt, just a pair of pants,”
Quillin pointed out,
“Now his son gets to see his son fight for a world title fight, its a blessing.”
Its why he is called “Kid Chocolate” after the original Cuban boxing great. Peter is challenging good friend Daniel Jacobs for his WBA middleweight championship tonight at the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, NY, the site of his first world championship victory. But the title is not his main concern. He vacated his first title to spend time with his family and even went back to school. He opened an account for his son to prepare for his future.
“No money can sell me out for that,”
Quillin explained.
“We all go in there for whatever reason we fight for and we want to be thankful for people who support us for positive reasons.”
So, as he spoke for five enthralling minutes, he reminded the press corp and those who read his comments that it never hurts to care about your fellow man and to be humble in prosperity.
