Background information
More than just bratwurst, beer and cheap cigars: impressions of «Schwingfest» – the Alpine wrestling festival
by Patrick Bardelli
Blood, sweat and heaps of fair sporting spirit at Boxeo in Basel
28.9.2022
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson
Boxing is often more of a show than a sport. But not so today in a gymnasium in Kleinbasel. At the 37th Boxeo, pros and amateurs present the sport from its best side: warts and all, real and full of passion.
Boxing fascinates me. A fight by fist alone, subject to clear rules – a gentleman’s sport, as they say. In theory, at least. Unfortunately, all too often, the sport turns into a show that doesn’t reflect the spirit of the game.
Not so today. While it’s pouring rain outdoors on this Saturday afternoon, it’s dripping sweat and blood indoors. Boxeo’s on for the 37th time. Organised by Boxclub Basel and its dedicated president Angelo Gallina. The event is part of a large block party in Kleinbasel.
Only at Boxeo: bringing grandmas and grandsons together
This afternoon no fewer than twelve amateur fights are scheduled, before the pros take to the ring in the evening. One of them is local hero Gabi «Balboa» Timor from Boxclub Basel. But today I’m all about amateurs. It’s my first time at a real-life boxing event, and I want lots of boxing with as little show as possible. None of that fuss with the entrance music and long introductions of the athletes.
Just a few minutes in and I’ve already been transported back to my childhood. As if time stood still in 1975. Vintage. That’s what the old gymnasium looks like, too. Kind of yellowed with a lot of patina. In stark contrast to this are the fights. Nothing’s yellowed here. Quite the opposite. It’s down to business. I like both. The ageing gym and the dynamics of the boxers.
In the red corner, a young boxer from Zurich is fighting an opponent from Basel. It’s the latter’s first fight, which he’ll win on points. I’m joined by a lady who kneels next to me by the barrier to the ring. She says: «That’s my grandson in the red corner».
This grandma is visibly feeling for her grandson during the three rounds of three minutes each. She complains that the young boxer from Zurich has neither received water nor been fanned by his coaches during the short breaks between rounds. Unlike his opponent from Basel, who’s being treated to an all-round service courtesy of his coaches.
Passionate fights meet sporting spirit
Today, numerous boxers from the Basel region and all over Switzerland are fighting against each other. There’s a boxer from Aarau taking to the ring to meet her opponent from Lausanne. The fighter from the French-speaking part of Switzerland will win by a narrow lead on points. Two of the three judges score in her favour. A result her opponent acknowledges with a mocking laugh.
I also thought the woman in red was at an advantage. After all, the fight left visible traces on her opponent’s face. If the referee hadn’t started to give the fighter from Aarau the count a few seconds before the end, the judges might have scored differently.
What strikes me in this match, as in all others, is their tremendous fairness and sporting spirit. There’s no moaning or complaining. The judges’ verdict is accepted without grumbling. What’s more, the boxers go over to their opponent’s corner and thank the coaches for the fight. Impressive stuff.
I want some of this
After three hours, I head home. What am I feeling after my first live boxing event? I’m fascinated by the fist fighting, full of respect for the boxers and their courage for stepping into the ring and in awe of their achievements.
Two years ago, I took part in a taster course at Boxclub Basel. Shadow boxing alone had me pushed to my physical limits after a short time. That’s without an opponent trying to cause me pain. With this in mind, I can only imagine the level of endurance required to last three rounds of three minutes in the ring. And yet, or maybe even because of that, I want to try this out at least once in my life. To find out if I have what it takes. I just have to try it. Someday.
Immerse yourself in a new (sporting) world
Get out of your bubble and open up to some new experiences. Is Alpine wrestling old-fashioned, baseball boring and boxing more show than sport? Every now and then, I try to get to the bottom of questions like these. You can see what I’ve previously written about this topic below:
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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