Strike the right balance always

Preparations for a boxing contest can be mentally challenging and physically demanding. But yet it can be an awesomely fulfilling exercise. Boxing preparations, from the lowest to the highest levels, demand massive knowledge, expertise, commitment and discipline.

The objective of tuning a pugilist is to deliver on the day a well-trained, well-rounded pugilist who will condense every single bit of what has been implanted into his body and mind, in one single performance within the few minutes  allocated him – in the style that is best suited for him-be it a brawling, swarming or silky smooth style of fighting: cometh the hour cometh the man.

Within what they have to present, trainers know and therefore have a desire  and the determination to input superb condition,  skill, power, durability and speed to their charge.   Mental preparation cannot be overstated as all skills and abilities count for nothing if there is no sense of self and confidence.

Different boxers, trainers and technical teams have different strategies and philosophies. It is these ideas that, pitted against one another, make the difference between winners and losers. That part in itself is a special skill that resides in the fighter himself, the trainer or the collective.

Today we live in a world of technology excess. There’s so much to choose from to improve physical and mental capabilities. Choices range from machines to information, and to dietary guides.  Athletes can  access this with  their fingertips.  Today’s performers are subsequently better prepared than their predecessors.

With boxers there’s no more dependence on only roadwork, the punching bag, gloves and the axe to make them fit and strong.

Readiness to fight today is described in terms ranging from explosiveness, mental alacrity, sublime finishing abilities and all the other scientific superlatives one can think of.

With all of the above intentions, and the material for assistance, there is still that God-given human touch that makes all the difference at the most important of times.

The teaching,  training and producing the best out of a boxer becomes a special skill or gift. As in all aspects of life, boxing has its own experts. They range from the boxers themselves, to trainers, cornermen and fight strategists.

Unfortunately within the maze of information,  preparation and expectations, the best-laid plans can go horribly wrong. There’s very little difference between training and straining, or between adequate training and over-training.

How many times have you a seen a boxer who you know has worked zealously and tirelessly for a fight, come into the ring and produce a listless performance, with stumbling legs, fumbling hands and no power or direction.  In most cases such boxers have overdone maybe one or two of their training categories.  In most cases it is the roadwork – which also happens to be the basis of all training and exercise.

There are different reasons why boxers overdo their roadwork, the one reason usually at the forefront of it all being weight reduction.

In conclusion, it is important for trainers to learn as much as they can about their chosen field of play, managers to amass as much expertise and experience around their boxers,   and the boxers themselves to select and surround themselves with people who actually know what they are doing.

That way there will be more tension and excitement whenever our boxers take that all-important walk to the ring.

The fans will relish the fulfilment they derive from the emphatic performances and love our art of pugilism more.

I love it already – but then I was born for it.