The boxing arena erupted with the shouts of expectant crowds as the long-awaited rematch for the world heavyweight championship unfolded. This bout was a sequel to the controversial first fight between the two unbeaten titans, Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. Usyk had claimed victory by split decision, leaving Fury reeling from his first professional loss, which tarnished his previously unblemished record. Fury’s frustration was not entirely unfounded, as the split decision indicated that at least one of the three judges had scored the fight in his favor. In the months leading up to the rematch, Fury boldly insisted that he had been unfairly deprived of his win.
Usyk, on the other hand, never proclaimed himself the ultimate victor. He maintained a humble and sportsmanlike demeanor, contrasting sharply with Fury’s brash and dramatic persona both in and out of the ring. Their fighting styles also reflected this difference; Fury relied heavily on intimidation and physical dominance, while Usyk, with his smaller frame, depended on focus, composure, agility, and superior technique.
As the rematch concluded, the tension in the arena was palpable, with millions watching on TV around the world. The twelve rounds were fiercely contested, making the outcome difficult to predict. True to form, Fury raised his hand in anticipation of victory. However, when the announcer read the results, Usyk once again emerged victorious, this time by unanimous decision across all three judges' scorecards. Fury stormed out of the ring, claiming he had been wronged yet again, despite consecutive defeats to the same opponent.
The contrasting reactions of the two fighters left the boxing world questioning whether the issue lay in the scorecards or Fury’s inability to accept defeat. One fighter displayed humility, while the other seemed to believe the world revolved around him.
It is human nature to resist outcomes that contradict our self-perception or worldview. Many harbor a sense of infallibility, and any event that challenges this belief can wound the ego deeply. Objectivity is often clouded by preconceived ideas, emotions, and biases. People frequently ignore facts in favor of personal interpretations, finding justification for their perspective even in the face of clear evidence.
I observe individuals holding rigid, polarising views on issues, often unwilling to consider alternative perspectives. Seeing the world through a different lens feels uncomfortable for many. Yet, the world has never been perfect, and no one can claim absolute certainty in their beliefs. Despite this, many cling to their viewpoints without room for introspection or self-examination.
Socrates' famous assertion during his trial resonates: “The unexamined life is not worth living.”
I do not think our society has evolved to be curious and capable of reflective thinking yet; we have a long way to go in terms of putting ourselves in others’ shoes. We need to approach every belief system we are raised with, and hold dear, with a pinch of salt. While confidence and certainty in our viewpoints are positive attributes, they become detrimental when not supported by facts or logic. By selectively choosing evidence that reinforces our preferred worldview or standpoint, we limit our opportunities to learn about the world and coexist with others.
In a diverse society like ours, where a multitude of cultures, beliefs, and perspectives exist, seeing things from others’ points of view is crucial. Ignorance and unwillingness to understand different perspectives further alienate people, breed mistrust, and create a breeding ground for disagreement and conflict. No individual or group is inherently evil. At our core, humans share commonalities despite differences in background and experience. Cultivating a culture of listening, self-examination, and questioning one’s firmly held views can foster understanding.
The world is not black and white, nor are people absolutely good or evil. The truth often lies in the grey areas, where compromise, understanding, and consensus can be found. Demonising those who disagree with us leads to stagnation and obstructs progress. Unfortunately, many in society take rigid stances on politics, belief systems, and other issues, leaving little room for compromise. This inflexibility is exacerbated by online opinion leaders and the overwhelming amount of information available, which people often use to justify their views. Social media algorithms on platforms like Facebook and YouTube reinforce this, feeding users more of what aligns with their existing beliefs. What was intended to enhance user experience instead confines people to echo chambers, depriving them of alternative perspectives.
In today’s world, we need to embody the qualities of Oleksandr Usyk. Despite coming from war-torn Ukraine, Usyk remains humble, grounded, and objective about his prospects. His greatest strength is his ability to not take things personally, holding no grudges against opponents outside the ring. Even when faced with insults and threats, he playfully brushes them off, smiling and joking in his broken English or through a translator. His maturity and empathy are qualities desperately needed in the world, especially in Ethiopia.
Denial of facts is no more useful than Tyson Fury’s refusal to accept a decision made by a panel of independent experts. Ultimately, the sporting world is now evaluating not just the boxing skills of the two fighters but also their psychological makeup and worldviews. Usyk is gaining more respect for his character, even beyond his championship title. In contrast, Fury’s repeated refusal to accept defeat and his tendency to externalise blame is drawing scrutiny to his character.
People are often inclined to view the world solely from their preferred vantage points. However, building a better society requires a shift in approach, one rooted in engagement, trust, understanding, and mutual respect. As Mahatma Gandhi famously said, we must "be the change that we wish to see in the world."
PUBLISHED ON
Dec 28,2024 [ VOL
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1287]
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