How many of you box?

He didn't go by the name of Calzaghe did he? First name Enzo??

 

Used to do a bit, on and off from age 11 til 22. Havent been in a boxing gym in years, well, to train anyway. Had some tough spars against very experienced top Ams as i was a bit big for my age and was put in with them. To tell the truth they didnt open up as much as they were capable of, but to me it was real tough. What always sits fresh in my mind was being incapable of lifting my arms to take off my vest after a particular fight. It was only 2X2mins 1X3 min rounds and was my 4th or 5th fight and i was completely shattered as the guy was considerabley older than me and was strong, though limited. I think that unless you have done a little boxing, people dont realise how hard it can be at the start to just hold up your guard for 3 rounds , nevermind fight.

 

AMEN! j. Very quickly 16-ounce gloves weigh 16 tons

 

Boxed for four years as an amateur. 18 OFFICIAL fights. Continued a boxing workout for 15 years beyond. Train now in Martial Arts (Tang Soo Do) and when sparring, find the boxing experience to be invaluable. Always fought off the back foot and countered. Still do. Most of the guys I spar want to go in straight lines forward and back and my understanding of space and angles serves me well.

 

That was my experience in taekwondo and karate... however getting a roundhouse to the jaw is possibly the worst thing ever...

 

Lancaster? Can the Amish fight?!

 

Seriously, if this thing ever takes off, I'll be in touch.

 

Fortunately I haven't experienced that yet, LOL. I find a lot of guys want to be pretty and in the air. When they're in the air, I'm easily sliding elsewhere and countering. Again, the boxing experience with the balance and footwork is invaluable. But it's all relative. I know there are guys out there, who I fortunately haven't met yet, who will kick the hell out of me.
Another thing to add about boxing compared to Karate/Tang Soo Do, etc. It's not short bursts for points. Three minutes can be a LONG time. Anybody who's done it knows that. You have to learn early on how to be relaxed in there and not waste or burn nervous energy. Another advantage it's given me.

 

Not just a fan. I box. If you have a keen interest in a sport it naturally compels you (at least it did me) to go and see what it is all about. It isn't easy but it can be fun. Even the simple act of sparring regularly will teach you a lot about yourself and really show you what a mental game this is. For those that don't want to compete I suggest that at least sign up at your local and TRAIN like a boxer. Many guys at the gym are business pro's that have no intention of ever competing but they are in incredible condition. Give it a go!

 

I've been kicked like that once during a tournament, and once is definitely enough...But to me boxing moved much much faster than a taekwondo match...Funny thing if you move like a boxer away from a taekwondo man's backfoot it can mess with them big time...But you still have to watch that front kick. But if they go wide with it, you are right there to the inside.

 

Just saw your post...that is my feelings exactly.

 

Stonehands, that is a brilliant idea you have. I have always thought a system like that used in California at the Inglewood Forum, would be a sure fire way to get interest in boxing and establish good fighters.

 

Lancaster, PA had a great midleweight I'm sure many of you all heard of named Leo Houck. An excellent fighter whom I've considered doing an article on. He fought EVERYONE and later headed the boxing program at Penn State for many years. He had an amateur sensation named Billy Soose under his wing at one time.

 

There are Robinsons and Armstrongs out there in the streets getting mixed up with gangs and junk because they have nothing to hold on to.

The key for me would be to have the capital. That way, I'd answer to no one and design it the way it should be designed. That would also enable the ticket prices to stay very low, which would generate interest.

The other critical part is getting good trainers and giving them enough salary to make a living. I know a few who really know their stuff. The rest would have to interview with me. First question: Who was Lloyd Marshall? Second question: Describe the Fitzsimmons shift.

 

Make sure the dream's only deferred as it's a fantastic idea and you'd have no shortage of support from all here at ESB.

It would be interesting to see if the young inner city kids would appreciate having a resource like that availiable for them.You know,I reckon they would.