Yuri Foreman

In boxing, you learn quickly not to judge people by appearances.

The quiet, unassuming guy may end up giving you the hardest fight of your life. The muscular, angry-looking fighter may turn out to be wearing a mask, trying to appear tougher than he really is.

One of Vladimir Vysotsky’s songs speaks about taking a man to the mountains if you want to know who he truly is. The mountain is a test. A challenge. A place where excuses, masks, and facades are stripped away.

Boxing does the same.

The ring has a way of revealing character. Under pressure, people eventually show you who they are.

Maybe that’s why I like this quote so much.

Never judge a dog or a person at first glance.

Time, adversity, and challenge reveal what appearances cannot.

and