Tough

When a martial artist runs out of gas and is unable, mentally or physically, to continue, it is called “tanking.” He or she is exhausted and frustrated at their inability to control the situation and their emotions, so they quit.

In June 1980, welterweight boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard faced challenger Roberto “Hands of Stone” Duran, who was known for his deadly punches, Duran had “bad mouthed” Leonard so Leonard wanted to show him a lesson, so Leonard stood toe-to-toe with Duran and fought it out. Duran’s punching prowess was better than Leonard’s was so Leonard lost his crown.

In November 1980, Leonard faced Duran again for a rematch. This time, Leonard fought his fight, dancing around the ring, using quick stinging punches while avoiding Duran’s punches. In the seventh round, Leonard was so confident he began showing off. He wound up his right hand, as if to throw a bolo punch, and then surprised Duran by slapping a left jab in his face. Duran was not only losing the fight, he was being humiliated.