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02/08/2006 Archived Entry: "Age-Old Fix to Boxing Withdrawals: Rock ‘Em Sock’ Em Robots!"
Age-Old Fix to Boxing Withdrawals: Rock ‘Em Sock’ Em Robots!
By Juan C. Ayllon
Photo courtesy of www.backtobasictoys.com
As if we still need reminding, the heavens assure us that it is still winter, as snow swirls down on the frozen tundra of the Midwest.
With snow-slicked streets and freezing temperatures, Midwesterners are prone to staying indoors more during these cold months. Driving down neighborhood streets at night, one spies the ambient blue glow of televisions lighting up living rooms everywhere.
However, for the homebound boxing fan, there is yet another alternative to the endless cavalcade of mindless TV serials, expensive but inadequate Pay-Per-View fights, and boxing highlight film re-runs.
Laugh not, but the old childhood favorite toy, “Rock’em Sock’em Robots” is back!
Designed by Marvin Glass, this colorful Matel toy originally came out in 1967. And, according to www.boardgamegeak.com, it was re-released in 2002.
For the uninitiated, the game consists of two, plastic boxing “robots” in a small, boxing ring, that battle each other via two hand held controls for each participant. The goal is to hit the opponent’s robot in such a way to trigger the spring-loaded chin to spring up, thus “knocking his block off.”
A quick search at www.ebay.com yielded “Buy now” prices ranging from $19.75 to $30.00. This does not include shipping and handling. If you are buying from E-Bay, make sure you get one of the older models which included a metal neck as opposed to the current plastic necks. The metal necks make a delightful fffrrrzzzztttt! sound when you score a knockout!
So, if you’re in need of a boxing fix in between quality boxing shows, don’t want to go to the gym, or watch the “same old, same old” on TV, maybe a rousing game or two of “Rock’em Sock’em Robots” will tide you over. Go ahead! Indulge your inner child.
And, if you’ve got kids, perhaps this will provide you ample opportunity to bond with them while indulging your love of the “Sweet Science.”
