Johnny Tapia and Manuel Medina trade punches during their IBF Title Bout at Madison Square Garden. April 27, 2002. Copyright 2002 Ed Mulholland.

This was the second fight I have covered, let me know what you think

of this shot.

If I were getting punched I would close my eyes too. I think this shot loses some of its effectiveness with both fighters having their eyes closed. Anyone will tell you that the eyes tell a story. This would be great if the guy giving the hit had that fierce look in his eyes as he punches out the other guy whose eyes are closed.

well caught

Superb, one of the best photos I've seen on this site!

Wow Simon, that's I pretty bold statement, I appreciate the compliment, there are alot of great ones on here, I just caught the right moment...

I would agree with Rick, about the eyes. It is a good photograph, but it could be better if you could see the eyes of at least one of the fighters. Or something, I just can't put a finger on it.

Good first effort!

Nice movement and action and emotion

In addition to aesthetics and originality, I've often thought there should be a rating for degree of difficulty. That would be pretty high for this shot given the limitations of a photographer in the audience and the constant motion and speed of a boxing match.

John,

 

While there is a high degree of difficulty due to lighting, speed of punches and constant movement, I wasnt in the audience, I was standing next to the ring shooting under the ropes, which helps tremendously, no ropes to deal with...

Amazing shot!! So HOW exactly was Ed supposed to get them with their eyes open?

 

It's so "Raging Bull"! With the little bits of flying sweat and saliva.