BWAA Awards

Celebrating wins, no matter how big or small, is crucial. Oftentimes, we put forth tremendous effort toward accomplishing a goal, and then we quickly move on to the next one without savoring our achievement. But it’s crucial to stop and smell the roses after you accomplish something so that you can truly appreciate all your hard work. Because that's what makes the achievement so gratifying, knowing how much effort was required.

With that in mind, I would like to celebrate a recent win of mine. Last week, The Boxing Writer’s Association of America (BWAA) announced the winners of its annual writing awards.

Each year, BWAA members submit entries and a panel of judges votes for the best pieces in six different categories: Event Coverage, Column, News Story, Feature Under 1,500 Words, Feature Over 1,500 Words, and Investigative Reporting.

I submitted two entries for 2022, one for Event Coverage and another for Short Feature. I wrote about the Shakur Stevenson-Oscar Valdez unification fight, and I also did a profile on Maxie Berger. My feature on Berger received an honorable mention in its category (image below). To be mentioned alongside other great writers like Tris Dixon and Chris Mannix makes me very proud.

I started my writing journey in 2016 and have written nearly 100 articles so far. It hasn’t been any precocious talent that has led me to receive this honorable mention. It has taken a lot of dedication to working on my craft over the years, and it is nice to see my effort rewarded. Although I would still feel that way even if I hadn't received the mention, it feels satisfying and encouraging to be recognized by my colleagues.

I was inspired to write about Berger because he is from my hometown of Montreal and shares my Jewish faith. I thoroughly enjoyed researching him and learning about his career through old newspaper articles. I even went to the local YM-YWHA to find pictures of him in his youth. Like all my articles, crafting and polishing the piece took much time. I am grateful to my editor at The Fight City, Michael Carbert, for featuring my writing and for the valuable feedback he gave me throughout my writing process.

Thank you all for your support, and feel free to share some of your recent wins in the comments. I always like hearing your replies.