Strength and conditioning coaches. Are they really needed?

Maybe if you're making a big jump up in weight like Hopkins did from 160-175 or Jones from 175-190+ but other then that I think they're overrated.

 

Not needed , only there for ego's . A good trainer should be able to do the job, the only addition i think a fighter should have in todays sport is a dietitian.

 

I think any marginal gain you can find is worthwhile.

When talking about "stamina" in boxing though, so much of it is about staying relaxed and not burning energy unnecessarily. It's no coincidence that fighters regarded as having great stamina are generally loose and relaxed in the ring (eg Mayweather and Calzaghe).

A case in point is 70s Foreman Vs 90s Foreman. The younger version was clearly in better shape as measured conventionally, but the older version had none of the stamina issues that his former muscle-bound self suffered from.

 

not needed, but they can help depending on the type of fighter you are. Some fighters are just so tense and waste so much energy, that it doesn't matter. I remembered reading an article on expertboxing.com that explained that and how increasing your stamina won't keep you from getting tired, it just gives you more energy to waste if you have bad technique.
And I thought that Andre Berto was perfect example of that and the Zaveck fight is a good display of it (his first fight with Conte).

They can be beneficial though. Ariza did help Khan and look at Marquez, but like mentioned before, they were moving up in weight

 

Answered your own questions!

Yes strength and conditioning is essential in any sport in this day and age.
Its just the way things have gone, ever wonder why PEDS are a far bigger problem these days?

 

For some fighters, yes.

 

I would think being a professional athlete involves putting yourself in the best condition to compete. As such, yes, a strength and conditioning coach should be a part of a boxer, or gym's, team.

 

I remember Morales got a strength and conditioning coach......got KO'd in 3.

 

Are you a fan of "box-only" regimens SJS19? Not necessarily an excessive amount of sparring, but only using boxing mechanics (although Toney and Chavez did go fairly far with simply putting in rounds all day in camp.)

 

Not necessary, but certainly can be helpful.

 

This whole concept that S&C coaches are integral to the "team" is nonsense.

Some fighters may need extra help in the "diet" aspect. But any coach worth his salt should have the "conditioning" aspect of their fighters, completely wrapped up.

Imo, all that you need are within the traditional workouts. It's really up to the fighter to know what to do with it.

 

Right, that's why I included the "without excessive amounts of sparring" part. I meant to ask if you prefer exercises that only use boxing mechanics; shadowboxing, punch-outs, mitt-work, technical drills, bag-work, constructive sparring, etc.