Ian Cannon's Story:                
By Mike Natalino                                                                                 

I recently covered a night of Golden Gloves Boxing at Nomads in South Windsor, Connecticut.  After witnessing the intensity of these young lions in the pre-fight, my intuition told me there would be something special about this year’s cast of participants.  Could it be depressive times, like the one we are living in, that endow tough, creative character, or is it the cry for the substance that is lacking in our daily lives that these youths seek.  As a historian, I know that history has a way of repeating itself.  It is clear for me to see that these young combatants are making history right in front of our eyes.  Very few people tend to amaze me, but this night, that would change.  I would not just witness the superb performances of these young fighters, but I would stumble upon a unique young man by the name of Ian Cannon, who would stand out this night more than any other. Unexpectedly, I had the pleasure of being seated next to him, and it did not take long for us to hit it off. After a bit of small talk, we got right into a heavy discussion about life.  Besides the confident, outgoing personality that this young man possessed, what impressed me the most was how vibrant he was, despite being confined to a wheelchair due to Cerebral Palsy. I do not use this factor as a crutch to distort the truth of this story, or to make Ian’s accomplishments and potential look more attractive; instead, I will take this chance to preach his story and incorporate Ian’s wisdom and courage into my own daily life.  He is one of those individuals that comes along once in a lifetime, and captivates and inspires all.  Ian’s battle is not a one-night event in which preparation is the key to victory, but a long war that was initiated against him before he was consciously aware of his condition and could adapt a game plan. It was his game heart that carried him through this period until he reached the point where he could intellectually react.

At the age of one, Ian’s family would notice a period of weakness that caused them to become concerned.  For the next two years, they would search for the truth, until finally, an MRI conducted at a facility in Boston, Massachusetts, revealed Ian’s fate.  There was devastating news of verbal abnormalities, along with neurological issues.  The painful world of Cerebral Palsy would enter their lives.  The dramatic diagnosis revealed that Ian’s left side would never fully develop. Ian would not even be able to perform basic skills, such as picking up a drinking glass.  This news derailed the entire family.  As time heals all wounds, they too would find ways to seek alternatives and defy the odds set before them.

After years of exploring options with minimal impact, Ian’s family would turn to extreme measures.  According to Western philosophy, medicine and therapy were the only answers.  At this time, little did they know that their newest trial would be one of the Western world’s old secrets.  Yes, at thirteen years old, with his mother’s blessing, a green Ian Cannon would defy the odds, and enter the sport of boxing.  The task would be put in the hands of trainers Peter Cardona and Chris Lombardi.  Within a year’s time, with the help of these trainers, Ian would blossom in to a promising young apprentice.  A little over a year in to their relationship, the team would be dealt a severe blow…the closing of their gym.  On the surface, it appeared to be the end, but the team was resilient, and found new prosperity at the Lion’s Den in Middletown, Connecticut. Here, Ian would come full-circle, adding new associates to his team of champions.  This newly assembled team, whom Ian considers family, consists of Mike Belzo and son, Hunter Belzo, whom are in charge in teaching techniques such as focus mitts, and sparring, along with intellect John Callase, and boxing great John Scully, who serve as advisors to this young man.  This pool of knowledge, both physical and psychological, that the team would be able to endow on Ian would be priceless.

Remember, before entering in to this sport, Ian was not even able to lift a drinking glass with his left hand.  Even though he had come so far, the doctors kept pressuring the issue of spinal surgery.  Ian decided to let boxing continue to be his treatment. Through focused mitt workouts, along with basic boxing exercises, the Cerebral Palsy began to show signs of stabilization.  The intense concentration, along with the physical use of his left side, made movement begin to come naturally to him.  At this point, Ian could basically lift every weight in the gym!  Unfortunately, with this new found success, also came a time of depression.   Although his body was peaking physically, Ian began to fall in to, what he called, a “major depression”.  He was frustrated with the fact that he was still confined to a wheelchair, and forced to have this “inequality”.  Over time, frustration would turn in to anger.  As Ian puts it, “Being a hot-headed Irish-man, you have to take the tantrums that come with it.”  Ian compares this period in his life to getting punched in the face with a right-hook that you don’t see coming.  He would have to face the facts, because without movement, his body would only become weaker. Ian would once again have to dig deep and find that warriors heart that guided him through his early years in this psychological time of despair.

Fortunately, Ian would conquer this challenge with the same courage he has exuded his entire life.  After licking this last emotional hurdle, Ian would transform in to a machine, both mentally and physically.  He began to ooze such confidence that even the gentlemen in the gym, at its busiest of hours, when it was packed from wall-to-wall, would make way for Ian to perform his craft.  This young gentleman has become an inspiration for his stable mates, along with an advocate for the sport, and an inspirational role model for all.  He clearly states that the discipline that boxing teaches propels every aspect of his life.  What impresses him most about this sport is the humbleness of its fraternity.   The boxing fraternity in itself was always a place where Ian felt secure.  It is a place where he can find salvation, and not be looked at peculiarly by young children, who do not know any better, and are wondering why he is in a wheelchair.   In boxing, it was never through pity why he was viewed as an equal.  That is why the public portrayal of boxers as knuckleheads, barbarians, and ex-cons, baffles him.  He sees boxing as a world of poetry and discipline, in which money can’t buy you a way in.  I second that notion.
​ From my experience, the loudest guy in the gym, with few exceptions, has always been the weakest.  The one that tells you it can’t be done, can’t do it.  In the words of Ian Cannon, “If someone tells you it’s impossible, don’t debate.  Proceed to your corner quietly, go in to seclusion, and arrive back on the scene ready for victory.”  This philosophy is one that Ian lives by.  It has worked for him, and I believe it can work for all of us too.

Two weeks after covering this story, I began touring with Ian to promote an exibition he will perform in with a target date of early June. We have been receiving an outpouring of support from the world of boxing and the public. We ask you to stay tuned for any news and dates for Ian's upcoming events. Please remember that your comments are always appreciated .  Feel free to leave feedback in our guestbook.                                                              

Thanks,

Mike