Have you ever asked yourself how boxers get the strength, agility and skill they have? Some fighters really may look rather small in structure and you can’t help but wonder where they get the strength to make such intense blows to knock out their opponent! It takes quite a lot to qualify to become an amateur boxer and this training is considered one if not the most rigorous sport training programs. Obviously, the degree of training depends on the level of the boxer, for example a beginner would only go thorough very basic routines like hitting different kinds of bags (heavy bag, speed bag, double end bag) all with the protection of MMA gloves, shadowboxing which is used to as a warm-up to prepare the muscles for more vigorous physical training, and of course sparring which prepares the fighter for the actual fight. Other regular workouts include jogging, skipping and calisthenics all which increase fitness, flexibility and strength.
When a fighter has scheduled fights fast approaching, more intense and rigid training is required and may include changing of diet and sometimes even some solo time to clear your mind. Practice always makes perfect when it comes to boxing and sparring is the best way for fighters to improve their skill and abilities. Sparring partners wear more than the normal protective gear like shin, head and groin guards and sometimes agree to only make contact with the fighters’ body and avoiding the head, this policy protects the boxers head from serious injury while allowing the boxer to experience a real opponent. Whether it is fundamental boxing training or training done by professional boxers, boxing equipment is a must. These commonly include:
Safety gear like:
• MMA gloves- protects the boxers hands
• Headgear-minimize or prevent head injuries
• Mouthpiece-to protect the jaws and prevent biting one’s lip
• Hand wraps- protects the knuckles and wrists
Training equipment:
• Punching bags-has many variations (heavy bag, speed bag, double end bag) all used to improve the boxers speed, coordination and timing
• Jump rope-improves foot coordination
• Focus mints: worn by the trainer to help boxer focus on specific targets
• A mirror- for shadow boxing
All training programs are designed to fit the fighter’s specific needs and enhance their strengths and must be able to develop both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Getting the perfect combination of workouts and sparring sessions is where personal coaches come in and it is not recommended that you embark on your own work-out routines. Only they are qualified to develop the most effective training plans that combine strength, agility, speed and coordination.
Now you know what kind of training Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan, Ricky Hatton and the like have been through to get to where they are now. Boxing is indeed one of the most physically demanding sports and the one with more cases of injury as is seen in the necessary safety gear like MMA gloves. Qualifying in the WBA definitely isn’t for everyone and only the strongest and most determined survive all the training.