Hey guys, I've been doing some reading on here before making my first post, but decided it's time for the first one lol. Well, I've been boxing for about 5-6 weeks now and my trainer hasn't told me specifically yet, but I think he plans on putting me in the ring to spar soon. I was trading jabs with a kid who was also relatively new to boxing when I was the gym today so i figured that was a good indicator. I was just curious if you guys had any pointers for me, things to do or people to try to mimic when i fight or any advice in general. Also I have a few other questions: I'm 6'4 and right now weigh about 178-183 pounds i'm thinking about cutting to 165 to fight (when that time eventually rolls around), think that's too low? Also looking into buying my first pair of gloves (i'll be using it for the bag, pad and probably sparring as well my gym is just a rec center in North Pihlly part of the boxing program in Philadelphia so it isn't that well equipped). And anything else would be appreciated too thanks guys!
165 is a realistic weight I think, depends on your bodyfat %. You're really tall for the weight, use your long reach. Watch the Don Familton instructional videos (there's a post on the top of the page), it will give you some great tricks. Use your height to the max, stick the jab, hands always up and chin tucked down.
sparring is where you see how its all supposed to go together....trying for the first time to be hitting a moving target is good fun and a lesson all by itself,and I think its important to remember to breathe and manage the distance between you and your spar partner. Sparring is for learning,and no better learning than in the Sparring ring. Remember it aint supposed to be a fight! if you go lightly the other guy may feel free to do the same. The most important aspect is to have fun and relax....:bbb have fun mate.
Don't try to force yourself into a particular weightclass. Just concentrate on getting into good condition and see where you weight falls. Your particular circumstances might dictate that you can lose 15lbs, or 5lbs, so don't try to pre-empt what weight loss you can achieve. As for gloves, ringside.com have got a sale on IMF tech training gloves at the minute, I think thay are about $80. They are a very good pair of gloves, and will cover everything you need for the moment. As for sparring, the guys above have got nearly everything covered. As already mentioned, manage your distance, stay in gaurd, keep popping the jab and keep moving. If your partner gets in close, just tie him up, break and go back to work from behind your jab. one other thing to remember - BREATHE, everyone new to sparring forgets their breathing! Best of luck!
Keep looking at your opponent no matter what happens, and as Bodi said, keep breathing. Just don't look away when hit, I think that is the most important thing for now.
yeah ,really good advice on the breathing(relaxing in other words) ! i also think its its good that you are swapping jabs because that is your basic punch ,especially as you are tall for your weight. aim for the nose !
if you re new to boxing i wouldnt recommend you spar at all- just get into the training for a good period of time. when you re ready for the ring - step in and just exchange jabs lightly with your partner - who should be more experienced than you. which is what your coach is doing. too many kids enter the sport with delusions of grandeur and sparring more often than not provides a jarring shock to the system- and puts most off the sport very quickly. everyone thinks they ll be roy jones in there- then after recieving the first right heavy- realise its a painful painful sport, with headaches that last for days. - youre essentially going to battle- dont get in there unless your prepared, mind body and soul. id suggest going slow- try and concentrate on your breathing , and relaxing, your partner will try to do one of two things- take it easy on you and bring you in gently - or **** you up and get you off it right away.
Well I'm not THAT new. I've been going to the gym for about 2 months now? And I started trading jabs for the first time about 2 days ago, I'd say I'm on pace, trust me I am not trying to rush into the ring at all. I planned on waiting about 4 months before I sparred. I'm not the average ignorant 19 year old kid.
Sparring is the single best thing besides the fight itself. Im saying that from an experienced point of view. I remember my first spars and no matter what happened or who did what i always walked away with something i needed to work on. I do agree that learning some stuff before you get in there is not a bad idea! lol...... Youve been in the gym a couple of months so thats long enough to be able to glove up and have a bit of fun.....thats what it should be as opposed to getting "taught a lesson" by some old skool hard head with issues :huh