Charlo vs. McCarson—The Thoughts of the Writer’s Wife

Several years back, my husband told me he had joined a local boxing gym and was going to try and become an amateur heavyweight boxer.

When you’re married, sometimes your spouse comes to you and says some crazy things. And in that moment, you have a decision to make. Are you going to flip out, or are you going to be supportive?

Well, that amateur boxing dream never came to fruition, and so my decision to be supportive didn’t backfire.

But now something even more dangerous has come around.

He’s going to be in the ring. But not against other amateur heavyweights, most of whom won’t have what it takes to be successful as professional boxers.

Today, Saturday, Dec. 6, my husband will step into the ring with an undefeated, professional junior middleweight that is on the precipice of transitioning from an up-and-comer in the sport to a legitimate title contender. My husband is going to spar Jermell Charlo for three long rounds.

Now, this sparring session is for a good cause. Corbin Glasscock is six years old and lives in Tyler, Texas. In October, Corbin was complaining because his arm hurt. His parents took him to the doctor, and got what was probably the most unexpected and devastating news—Corbin has bone cancer.

When I scroll through Facebook and see his mom posting pictures of her two boys throughout the years and see photos of Corbin with Santa Claus, enjoying face painting and flipping the switch for the Christmas tree lights at the Dallas Children’s Medical Center, I always go back in my mind to that moment when his parents received that terrible diagnosis. It must have felt like their hearts were literally shattered into a million pieces, and left behind was just a big empty void.

But we’re never left alone, and when tragedy strikes we’re given the graces to persevere and be courageous.

When asked if he was scared, Corbin boldly responded, “Why should I be scared? God is with me all the time.”

And when my husband steps into the ring with a professional boxer on Saturday, I’m going to remember Corbin’s words because I’m going to need to be courageous too.

Truth be told, I’m terrified. Sure, I watch boxing every weekend and enjoy knockout victories and all-out ring wars like everyone else. But when what you see on the screen is all of a sudden brought into your own personal life, it’s different. I don’t want to see my husband get punched. And then get punched a lot more.

I asked Charlo if he was going to take it easy on my husband. I told Charlo that I needed my husband.

“I’m gonna beat him up. He gotta get tortured because I’ve been tortured all my life and career,” Charlo answered.

With Charlo stepping into the ring on Saturday, with the need to protect his pride and all he’s accomplished, I’m left to face the possibility of seeing my other half battered, bruised and bloodied.

But when I’m standing outside the ropes, I’ll remember that sacrifice is always fruitful, and I’ll say to myself what Corbin says: “Why should I be scared…”

Want to be a part of this good cause? Go to gofundme.com/TeamCorbin to donate. $5 or $500—Corbin and his family need whatever you can give.