Here’s a name I bet very few know but I do, because he’s a local kid from that crazy town, Malden, where I grew up. Guess what’s so special about him – He went the distance with Micky Ward, “The Fighter”.
I knew John Rafuse and his family and what I love about this story is he found his place to excel. He was like many of the kids I grew up with and most didn’t find their place, he did. It wasn’t in school or business, rather the boxing ring, and cheers for him.
We all need to find our place where the fit is good and then we can soar.
Brick
I agree Jon! We’re all searching for our place in the world. In my sport (boxing) we tell our fighters that the ring is the ultimate equalizer and that no matter their station in life it’s the one place where they can stand and proclaim their presence to the world. For many of my fighters it’s the only place.
“I am here.”” I am strong.”” I am a man.” “I am present.” Make no mistake, we’re ALL looking to carve out a place in this world for ourselves and to proclaim our presence in the world. Just thank God you have choices on where you can do that. When you run out of choices then you show up at my gym… and where I’ll give you a place…that’s my place in the world… get it!
Keep it up Jon! Enjoy!
Cool, thanks for the feedback and great context!
Johnny was a tough boxer . I CAN SAY FOR A FACT THAT THERE ARE ATLEAST 4 MAYBE 5 LOSES ON HIS RECORD THAT WERE WINS.. ONE TIME HE FOUGHT A GUY RANKED 4TH IN THE WORLD AND BEAT HIM FOR SURE. THE PROMOTERS CAME INTO THE LOCKER ROOM AFTER THE FIGHT AND TOLD HIM SORRY ABOUT THE DECISION AND GAVE HIM AN EXTRA 500 BUCKS. I DONT WANT TO USE THE BOXERS NAMES BECAUSE I HAVE GREAT RESPECT FOR THEM ALL. WATCH HIS FIGHTS AND COUNT THE WINS THAT WERE RECORDED AS LOSSES. BUT HEY THATS BOXING. DID YOU KNOW HE ( JOHNNY ) JUST FOUGHT A PRO MMA MATCH IN MINN. AND KNOCKED OUT A 27 YEAR OLD FIGHTER WHO DEFINETLY CAME TO FIGHT. HE IS ALMOST 51 YEARS OLD. THATS OUR BOY… PEACE STEVIE RAY
Thank you my brother
Thanks, Malden certainly has produced their share of “tough” characters.
Thank you Brick for the write up, just seeing this 9 yrs later. I appreciate you, and Malden your my Home and always will be.
Hey John, how the heck did you find this after all this time? Happy to give you props. Hope you are well these days, Brick