How Does a Boxer Train for a Fight?

Cardio

Fights are played in rounds that last 3 minutes each. The officials of the fight decide ahead of time how many rounds will be played; the most that can be played are 25 rounds. That's a possible total of 75 minutes. A boxer must develop cardio endurance to last this long in a fight. Running an hour per day is crucial in preparation. A boxer may also choose to jump rope. This is a cardio activity as well as an exercise to keep the boxer quick on his toes.

Technique

Boxer use punching bags to work on technique. They practice four main punches. These are the jab, uppercut, hook and cross. The jab is a quick punch that usually includes a turn in the boxer's hip. The uppercut is a punch thrown in an upward motion toward the other boxer's stomach or chin. A hook is a punch thrown in a circular fashion at the side of the other player's head. Finally, the cross punch is thrown straight from one boxer's chin across to the other boxer's chin. These punching techniques must be perfected before the fight. Not only does the boxer have to know how to perform these punches, he must also know how to block them.

Nutrition and Making Weight

Each boxer has a weight requirement. The boxer must get on a scale the day of the fight; if he is above the limit he cannot fight. Boxers work hard on eating right and keeping weight down when they have a fight approaching. Some keep this under control all year long so that they don't have to do anything drastic to lose the weight in time. Boxers drink extra water daily, and take prescribed vitamins. Some boxers even take glucosamine before fights. Glucosamine works to keep joints healthy. Boxers need to get enough antioxidants so that their bodies are ready to heal after any injuries from the fight.

Preparing Mentally

It is just as important for a boxer to prepare mentally as it is for him to prepare physically. A boxer must take time to go over the fight in his head. He should think about what the other boxer may try on him and how he is going to block it. Then he must picture a plan of attack. In the end he needs to see himself winning. His mind must be clear of any outside distractions, so he may need some time alone in the gym before the fight.

Sparing

The last way a boxer gets ready for a fight is to spar another boxer. In some cases, several smaller sparing matches are arranged to get the boxer ready for the big fight. These matches give the boxer an idea of what areas he is weak in so that he can work on them with his coach. It will also give the boxer an idea of how ready he is for the big match. A coach can video tape the sparing match and review it with the boxer to point out any changes or strong points.