Every now and then the world throws humanity an obstacle, often in these times of great confusion and tragedy humanity rises from the ashes and proves its undying value. A resilience steeped in blood, sweat and tears that often flows freely and transcends all race and gender.
The world has possibly witnessed the two biggest fights of 2015, one a boxing match inside an air-conditioned amphitheatre in Las Vegas and the other a devastating earthquake that has crushed Nepal.
Clearly judging by the media and hype this was the biggest fight in history, even bigger than the night Ali shocked Big George in the rumble in the Jungle. On Sunday the world stood still and watched.
I chose not to watch the boxing match, for me it was a personal choice, as I could not support a fight that grants a boxing licence to a fighter that has multiple convictions recorded over a number of years that involve violence against women.
Although I was not alive when it happened, I do wonder if the last time that the western world was struck with such anticipation, Neil Armstrong was zipping up his pyjama suit and about to say "one small step for man".
I personally was also surprised at the number of celebrities supporting the fight with their attendance. Here is a quick list to just name a few, Beyonce, Justin Beiber, Nicki Minaj, Jake Gyllenhaal, Denzel Washington, Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Mark Wahlberg, Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymoore, Donald Trump, Michael Jordan and Michael J Fox.
In no way would I ever condemn a celebrity or anyone for that matter for attending a boxing match, I wonder what message it sends to our young generation?
I can't help but feel sad that whilst all this is going on halfway across the Globe there is a far more important battle raging that the world needs to come to come together to fight.
An estimated five thousand are dead and countless are injured or missing. A nation that is not well equipped for crises or tragedy is suffering, many nations have utilised their skill sets by sending just as important human resources as well financial resource.
Israel, Japan and China has sent hundreds of search and rescue specialists to help at ground level. Nepal's government could be described as fragile at best before the 7.8 magnitude Quake hit and a huge combined international effort spearheaded by the United Nations is required in this delicate situation.
I'm not against boxing, and I respect that my opinion is well just that ......my opinion. But it does hurt me a little that the world stops for an event such as it did, whilst we have so much more important mountains to climb as a people and as humanity.
Josh Hinds is a school chaplain on the Gold Coast, a family man and PSI's IT professional. Josh is an experienced writer on international sport.
Josh Hinds' previous articles may be viewed at www.pressserviceinternational.org/joshua-hinds.html
