Im 17, in september 2012 I decided to fulfill my dream of becoming a boxer. Things went well, and within 3 weeks I was sparring. Constantly my coaches/peers tell me how natural and good im getting quickly, so good that I had a medical and was told ill have my first fight on the 31st of Jan (today). I weight 65.5kg, im a light welterweight and we drove all the way to the most prestigious university in the UK. Surprisingly for the whole day ive had no nerves, once we got there my opponent was too light (60kg) so I was thrown in with another guy who has fought once before. Ive been so calm, I was excited to prove myself when it matters, I walked out as my bout (the first of the night) commenced with 400 odd people cheering and cameras flashing. The bell went and after 15 seconds I knew he was too good, my nose popped and I could feel blood across my face, he never used his jab so I couldnt use my strongest skill and parry, he kept lunging with extremely fast hooks which kept rattling me. This continued for all 3 rounds, I knew id lost in the second and when I was on the verge of turning groggy through a bunch of punches, I thought atleast finish the fight. I did, and I was covered in blood, the whole night people kept looking at my bruised up face, it was so embarrassing to get destroyed infront of 400 people. The positive is im so motivated to become fight prepared as I now know what to expect, its not like sparring. On a negative side I feel like my career is over lol I was so focused on winning losing was not an option, especially that badly. I feel like it is not possible to become a big pro, now ive lost. And I know losing was likely as this guy has fought once before, and was so much more skilled.
The best boxer I know lost his first match. If you can come out of this more motivated - instead of being broken - that's a victory enough. Don't be so hard on yourself, i'm sure you fought well against a tough opponent. Seriously, I feel like some losses are almost irrelevant as an amateur because the difference in talent can be so dramatic. Some guys get a good record fighting crappy guys because their coaches don't want them to be over matched. Similarly, you can be an amazing fighter who keeps getting matched with other really good fighters and ending up with a not so great record.
Thank you, you are right. Ive realised in the world of boxing im not ashamed to say I lost as we know how this game works, but those who dont will be quick to judge a loser. Its wrong, and ill try not to let it get to me, im motivated to go from being a good hot prospect to a cut above the rest, thanks for your comments.
This is not a bad thing most do lose their 1st amateur fight, usually due to one of two things, Nerves or being un prepaired, I wouldnt have had you fight so soon to be honest I would have had you in the gym for about six months 3 just to get you in shape, 3 more months to get you in fighting shape with proper sparring and to make sure your ready for the fight. it takes time to learn this game, even getting the breathing down can be a *****, its like Macka Foley says in this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n98qDKb5LwA Take it for what it is but its the honest to gods truth
Sounds like you were a bit rushed. The upside is; you know you can take a shot and that your game for a tough fight. Chalk it up to experience. You wont settle into your style as a boxer until around your 10th or so fight anyways tbh, and nobody goes undefeated as an amateur. Keep training and with time everything will come. Also the first loss always cuts the deepest. Don't let it affect you, with time you will realize its just a very small (and pretty much meaningless tbh) moment in the large journey. You are one step closer to your dream pal. Don't be bothered with what anyone else thinks or says. Only a special few have the guts to climb in the ring.
Sounds like you were overmatched. You won a victory in there: You acted like a fighter, and you did your job. It sounds like you were never going to win that fight; Just over your head. But you toughed it out and showed heart. You'll improve, and it's obvious that you've got the stomach for the fight game. You took the guy the distance, made him worked, and laughed off your own blood. Way to go, man.
think eubank lost his first couple johnny nelson lost his first 7 i believe loads of goof fighters lose a load in the amateurs
A loss doesn't mean anything except an opportunity to learn. You have balls to step in the ring, bigger balls to admit you get smashed and even bigger balls to be thinking of your next fights already.
yes you are clever ,,i can tell buy you words of defeat ,,there was more words of being big headed and making it sound better than it was ,,(flashing lights & 400 hundred people ) a simple case of looking good in the gym but couldn't handle the vacation ,,,you got stage fright & didn't know what to do,,, your first fight & wasn't nerves ,,,you've got my attention & wasted my time ,,learn from your experience don't disrespect the sport,,,a true boxer would be shitting himself no matter what level they are,its the bell & adrenalin that makes the boxer fight is best
True boxer would be shitting himself? Not quite. He was excited, not scared, for his first fight. I see nothing strange there. I was the same way throughout my pro career.
Thanks everyone its been a day since and I trained today, I feel sharp and I went a lot harder in the gym, no coasting because my coaches might give me praise, its hardwork non-stop now. For the only negative comment, I think your a troll, but if your genuine i'll say this, to be specific the facebook event for the show had 457 people attending, it was a traditional boxing show which is staged at cambridge uni every year, the 106th event. Im sure you can imagine the atmosphere and thats what I was reffering to when I stated it was a "HUGE" debut. And ive I admitted I got beat up and bruised, why would I lie about my feelings going in? theres no logic in that. I was so calm, no nerves or jelly legs, the highlight was the ring walk when everyone started cheering and I held back a smile. I went in cool as a cucumber, I took a beating and walked out with my chin up and thats 100% truth. Goodbye to you sir, Thanks everyone else for your answers so far
In the amateurs, especially when you're just starting out, its more about getting experience than winning or losing. The ams is the place where you may recieve many losses, but thats alright because you should learn from those losses to prepare yourself for the pros.
