Smoking cigarettes as a professional fighter may seem like an absurd idea. Not only does it offer no benefits, but it can also wreak havoc on the cardiovascular system, which is crucial for combat athletes. In today's age, where the dangers of smoking are widely understood, it's difficult to comprehend why any professional athlete would still engage in this harmful habit.
Notable Boxers Who Smoked
While smoking is generally discouraged for athletes, there have been some successful boxers who were known to be smokers. Let's take a closer look at a few of them:
#Masahiko Kimura
Masahiko Kimura, widely regarded as one of the greatest judokas of all time, was reportedly a lifelong smoker. He achieved fame by defeating Gracie patriarch Helio Gracie and breaking his arm with an Ude Garami, a technique now known as the Kimura. Unfortunately, Kimura passed away at the age of 75 following a long battle with lung cancer, highlighting the dangers of smoking even for elite athletes.
#Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey, a former UFC women's bantamweight champion and Olympic medalist in judo, has a complex relationship with smoking. In her autobiography, my fight your fight, Rousey revealed that she indulged in smoking, drinking, and drugs during a dark period in her life. However, there is no evidence to suggest that she continues to smoke today. Rousey's story serves as a reminder that even highly accomplished athletes can struggle with addictive behaviors.
#Joe Schilling
Joe stitch em up Schilling, a renowned kickboxer and former GLORY Middleweight World Champion, is known for being a cigarette smoker. Despite his smoking habit, Schilling has achieved notable victories over formidable opponents and has proven that cardio is not necessarily a hindrance for smokers in combat sports.
#Ricardo Mayorga
Ricardo Mayorga, a former two-weight world champion in boxing, is notorious for his heavy smoking. His smoking habit is a significant part of his bad boy image and persona. Mayorga's career in MMA, however, did not yield the same success as his boxing career, with him losing all three of his fights in the sport.
#Carlos Monzon
Carlos Monzon, considered one of the greatest middleweights in boxing history, was a chain smoker throughout his career. Despite his smoking habit, Monzon achieved an impressive record of 87-3-9 and is remembered as one of the sport's legends. Tragically, he died in a car accident at the age of 52 while on a furlough from a ten-year sentence for killing his wife.
#Jean-Charles Skarbowsky
Jean-Charles Skarbowsky, a former top fighter at Rajadamnern Stadium, is known for his heavy smoking and drinking habits. Although not primarily a boxer, Skarbowsky's inclusion in this list highlights the presence of smoking habits even among influential figures in combat sports.
#Kazushi Sakuraba
Kazushi Sakuraba, a true legend in MMA and one of the sport's all-time greats, is well-known for being a heavy smoker. Despite his smoking habit, Sakuraba's career was filled with remarkable achievements, including his famous 90-minute special rules fight against Royce Gracie, which is considered the longest fight in modern MMA history.
The Impact of Smoking on Boxing Performance
While some boxers may have achieved success despite their smoking habits, it is essential to recognize the detrimental effects that smoking can have on overall performance and health. Smoking damages the cardiovascular system, reducing lung capacity and oxygen intake. This can lead to decreased endurance and stamina, crucial factors in the demanding sport of boxing.
Additionally, smoking increases the risk of various health issues, including lung cancer, respiratory infections, and heart disease. These health concerns can significantly impact a boxer's long-term career and overall quality of life.
While there have been boxers who smoked and achieved success in their careers, it is crucial to highlight the risks and negative impact that smoking can have on overall performance and health. The dangers of smoking are widely understood in today's society, and professional athletes should strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle to optimize their performance and longevity in the sport.
Smoking cigarettes is not a practice that should be associated with professional fighters or any athlete. It is important to prioritize the well-being of athletes and encourage them to make choices that support their physical and mental health.
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