Things I’ll Never Do As A Boxer
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The 11 Things I’ll Never Do As A Boxer (And You Shouldn’t Either)
As an Olympic bronze medalist and former undefeated professional boxer, I’ve learned a lot of valuable lessons over the years about what it takes to succeed in the sport of boxing. While I may have made some mistakes in my own career, I’m here to share the key things I would never do again as a boxer — and the reasons why you shouldn’t either.
1. Jump Rope Without Warming Up
Jump rope is an essential part of any boxer’s training regimen. It’s fantastic for improving hand-eye coordination, footwork, and conditioning. However, one mistake I used to make was jumping right into my jump rope routine without properly warming up first.
Instead, I recommend doing a dynamic warm-up to get your muscles primed and ready before you start jumping rope. This will help you get more out of the exercise and reduce your risk of injury. As I mentioned in my video on improving stamina for boxing, warming up is a crucial step that many people skip.
2. Hard Sparring All the Time
Sparring is an essential part of a boxer’s training, as it allows you to put all the techniques you’ve been practicing into a live, realistic setting. However, I made the mistake of going too hard in sparring sessions too often. This increased my risk of injury and left me feeling beat up after every session.
The truth is, you don’t need to hard spar every single time you step into the gym. In fact, I’d argue that light, technical sparring is far more beneficial for improving your skills. When you spar lightly, you can focus on things like defense, footwork, and countering – without the risk of getting knocked out or sustaining a serious injury.
Sparring is all about learning, not just trying to beat the crap out of your partner. If you have a coach who insists on hard sparring all the time, I’d strongly encourage you to find a new gym. That kind of approach is outdated and dangerous.
3. Rushing to the Gym
Another mistake I used to make was rushing to the gym at the last minute, without properly preparing. I’d grab my bag, run out the door, and get to the gym just as the session was starting. This left me feeling flustered and unfocused, and my warm-up and hand wraps were often rushed and sloppy.
Instead, take the time to properly prepare for your training sessions. Make sure you have all your gear ready to go, your hand wraps are clean and ready, and you give yourself enough time to do a thorough warm-up before you start training. Looking the part and feeling confident can actually give you a mental edge and help you perform better.
4. Letting Myself Go After a Fight
When I was an active boxer, I made the mistake of completely letting myself go after a big fight. I’d indulge in all the unhealthy foods and drinks I had been avoiding during my training camp, and I’d put on a ton of weight in a short period of time.
This was a huge mistake, as it made it much harder for me to get back into shape and training hard for my next fight. I looked up to fighters like Ricky Hatton, who were known for their “Ricky Fatten” phases, but I now realize that this kind of behavior is incredibly unprofessional and detrimental to long-term success.
Instead, I recommend maintaining a healthy, balanced diet even after a fight. Yes, you can treat yourself to some of your favorite indulgences, but don’t go completely off the rails. Stay disciplined, keep your weight in a healthy range, and you’ll be able to bounce back much more quickly when it’s time to start training for your next bout.
5. Relying Too Much on My Coach
Having a great coach is absolutely essential for any boxer, but I made the mistake of relying on my coach too much and not taking my own initiative to learn and improve. While I trusted my coach implicitly, I realized that I needed to be proactive about seeking out additional knowledge and resources to complement what my coach was teaching me.
Even the greatest fighters of all time, like Floyd Mayweather, have multiple coaches and trainers working with them. They understand that they need that one-on-one attention and specialized expertise to reach the highest levels of the sport.
So while you should absolutely listen to and trust your coach, don’t be afraid to look elsewhere for additional tips, tricks, and techniques. Check out educational resources like my Master Boxing course, where I share the exact strategies and drills I used to become an Olympic medalist and professional champion. The more knowledge you can absorb, the better.
6. Working a Job I Hate
When I was first starting out as a boxer, I had to work a variety of odd jobs to make ends meet and fund my training and competition expenses. As a nightclub doorman, I saw firsthand how easy it was to get distracted by the party lifestyle and neglect my boxing career.
That’s why I’m a big believer in finding a way to earn a living that complements your boxing goals, rather than detracting from them. One of the best ways to do this is by becoming a certified boxing for fitness instructor. This allows you to share your passion for the sport and get paid for it, all while maintaining the flexibility to train and compete as a boxer.
My Boxing Fitness Academy is the #1 accredited program in the world for learning how to teach boxing-based fitness classes. I’ve personally trained thousands of people using these methods, and I can attest to how lucrative and fulfilling this career path can be. It’s a great way to keep boxing as a central part of your life, even if you’re no longer an active competitor.
7. Taking Too Much Time Off
Injuries are an inevitable part of any boxer’s journey, and there are times when you absolutely need to take time off to let your body heal. However, I made the mistake of taking too much time off, even for minor injuries that could have been worked around.
Instead of completely shutting down your training, I recommend finding ways to stay active and work on other aspects of your game. If you have a hand injury, for example, you can focus on footwork drills, shadow boxing, and strengthening your opposite hand. The key is to avoid completely losing momentum and fitness during your recovery period.
8. Neglecting Nutrition
Proper nutrition is absolutely essential for any boxer, both in and out of the gym. I used to make the mistake of not paying close enough attention to what I was eating, especially in the days leading up to a training session or fight.
One of the biggest culprits was my reliance on sugary drinks. These can provide a quick energy boost, but they often lead to crashes and negatively impact your recovery and performance. Instead, I recommend sticking to water and maybe some coffee or electrolyte drinks.
Additionally, make sure you’re eating the right foods to fuel your training. A diet rich in lean proteins, complex carbs, healthy fats, and plenty of fruits and vegetables will give you the sustained energy and nutrients you need to train at your best. Check out my video on improving stamina for more tips on optimizing your nutrition:
https://youtu.be/W0oxbv3820I
9. Not Supplementing Properly
As I got more serious about boxing, I started incorporating various supplements into my regimen to support my training and recovery. However, there was one supplement that I wish I had added sooner: creatine.
Creatine is one of the most well-researched and effective supplements for improving athletic performance, and the benefits go beyond just muscle building. It can also enhance brain function and cognitive abilities – both of which are crucial for success in the ring.
If you’re looking to take your boxing training to the next level, I highly recommend adding a quality creatine supplement to your routine. It’s an inexpensive and proven way to boost your strength, power, and endurance.
10. Not Cross-Training Enough
As a boxer, it’s easy to get laser-focused on just the technical aspects of the sport – things like bag work, sparring, and strength training. However, I’ve learned that cross-training and incorporating other forms of exercise can be incredibly beneficial for overall fitness and performance.
Activities like running, cycling, swimming, and even yoga can help improve your cardiovascular endurance, flexibility, and mental focus – all of which are crucial for boxing success. Plus, mixing up your training routine can help prevent boredom and keep you motivated.
So don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and try new things. You might be surprised at how much it can improve your boxing skills and overall athleticism. And if you need some inspiration, check out my video on 4 boxing-specific home workouts that require no equipment.
11. Neglecting Mental Training
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes I see boxers make is neglecting the mental and psychological aspects of the sport. While physical training is obviously crucial, your mindset and mental toughness can be just as important – if not more so – when it comes to achieving success in the ring.
Things like visualization, goal-setting, and stress management can make a huge difference in your performance and ability to handle the pressure of competition. I’ve found that incorporating these types of mental training techniques into my own routine has been a game-changer.
If you’re looking to take your boxing to the next level, I’d encourage you to explore resources and programs that focus on the mental side of the sport. My Master Boxing course includes a comprehensive module on the psychology of boxing and how to develop a champion’s mindset.
Conclusion
There you have it – the 11 things I’ll never do again as a boxer, and the reasons why you shouldn’t either. By avoiding these common mistakes and implementing the strategies I’ve outlined, you’ll be well on your way to reaching your full potential in the sport of boxing.
Remember, success in boxing is about more than just physical training. It’s about taking a holistic approach and paying attention to every aspect of your preparation – from nutrition and recovery to mental toughness and skill development.
If you’re ready to take your boxing to the next level, be sure to check out the additional resources I’ve mentioned throughout this article. And as always, feel free to reach out if you have any other questions or need further guidance. I’m here to help you become the best boxer you can be.
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