John Locher, a veteran photographer who has been covering boxing for more than two decades, recently captured an extraordinary moment at a super lightweight title bout in Las Vegas. He describes the photo as a classic peak action shot that he tries to capture at every fight, calling it a “squishy face” photo. Locher explains that he used a 24-70 millimeter lens, which he often refers to as his “boxing lens,” as it allows him to zoom in tight enough to catch connection photos like this one and quickly zoom out to capture a knockdown. He emphasizes the importance of being prepared and not missing key moments during the fast-paced action of a boxing match.
The photographer highlights the intimacy of covering boxing from ringside, noting that the fighters are rarely more than 20 feet away. He describes the experience of being so close to the action, with his elbows resting on the mat and the occasional spray of sweat and blood. Locher believes that the photo works well due to this intimacy, making viewers feel like they are right in the ring with the fighters. He also emphasizes the power of photography in capturing a fraction of a moment in time, freezing the details of Rolando Romero’s contorted face and flapping ears after being struck with a powerful left hand by Isaac Cruz.
Las Vegas has transformed into a sports town in recent years, with the arrival of professional franchises such as the Raiders football team and Aces WNBA team, as well as homegrown teams like the Vegas Golden Knights. Despite these additions, Locher still sees Las Vegas as a boxing town, as it was the main sport he covered before the influx of new teams. The photographer credits the success of Las Vegas sports teams in capturing the hearts of the residents, but his personal passion remains with boxing. He expresses his admiration for the sport and the thrill of capturing such moments through his photography.
In reflecting on his career covering boxing and capturing iconic moments in the sport, Locher acknowledges the simplicity of photographing boxing itself. He explains that it involves anticipating punches based on the boxer’s movements and hitting the shutter at the right moment, combined with a bit of luck. The photographer credits his experience and expertise in capturing these fleeting moments in the ring, showcasing the raw emotion and intensity of the sport. Locher’s dedication to boxing photography shines through in his ability to freeze these captivating moments in time for fans to appreciate.
As a ringside photographer for numerous high-profile fights, including ones featuring legendary fighters like Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Manny Pacquiao, Locher has witnessed the evolution of boxing over the years. He acknowledges the brutal nature of the sport, which often results in close-up shots of fighters in intense moments of action. Despite the physical challenges of being so close to the ring, including being sprayed with sweat and blood, Locher’s passion for capturing these moments remains unwavering. His ability to convey the emotion and intensity of boxing through his photography has earned him recognition and admiration in the industry.
In conclusion, John Locher’s recent photo from a super lightweight title bout in Las Vegas is a testament to his skill and dedication as a boxing photographer. Through his unique perspective from ringside and his ability to capture intimate moments in the sport, Locher continues to showcase the raw emotion and intensity of boxing. His commentary on the photo and his approach to capturing these moments offer insight into the artistry and technical skill required for sports photography, particularly in a fast-paced and dynamic sport like boxing. Locher’s work serves as a reminder of the power of photography to freeze fleeting moments in time and provide viewers with a deeper appreciation of the sport.
