Doggy Bag: Critiquing Strikeforce

Jeff Sherwood/Sherdog.com

Escovedo is back.

Hi Loretta, great story on the Apache Kid. Those are the kinds of positive stories I enjoy reading and hearing about. We don't hear enough of the sacrifices some of these athletes have gone through to get to the top. I would much rather read a positive story then most of the negative s--t that most writers try to find and write and throw a few exaggerations in to boot. Good job.
-- Vinny

Vinny, thank you for the kind words. I, too, was inspired by Cole Escovedo’s story. I had watched a handful of his fights in the WEC and was disturbed to see such a young, promising athlete barely be able to hobble around with a cane at a show after his surgery. That image stayed with me so much, that when the PFC announced that he’d be on its next card, I knew I had to find Escovedo and get his story.

I’m sure it wasn’t easy for Escovedo to share such a humbling experience, so my thanks goes to him for agreeing to talk about his life-altering experience and his journey back.

For those that watched Escovedo’s second-round TKO victory over (then) undefeated Michael MacDonald at the PFC last week, you could see that he looked better than he’s ever been.

Regarding your comment about “negative” stories, it was one that certainly gave me pause. It’s easy to get caught up in the happenings of this sport, and focus on the less savory ones. Sometimes I think that’s all the readers want, so thank you for reminding me that people still want to be inspired. In return, I promise that I’ll be on the lookout for more motivational tales like this one.

I find myself in a very lucky position -- I have been moved by so many people in this sport over the last eight years, from fighters to promoters to managers and trainers. It would be my honor to bring more of their stories to you.

As for Escovedo, I spoke with him on Friday. He said he felt strong and healthy at 135 pounds, and has already been offered his next fight with an upstart promotion in central California in June. After a week of cheesecake splurges, he’s back in the gym -- right where he ought to be.

Please send feedback to mailbag@sherdog.com. Your letter could appear in the next edition of “The Doggy Bag.”