Followers of boxing have already enjoyed a memorable year for the noble art, with fights of note taking place worldwide. We saw a unified world heavyweight champion for the first time in over 25 years when Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury in a winner-takes-all classic in Saudi Arabia. The pair are all set for a mouth-watering rematch, and it’s anyone’s guess which gladiator will emerge victorious. The top sportsbooks in California have Usyk as their betting favorite, but anything can happen in the fight game, and it’s always dangerous to write off the Gyspy King.
The Summer Olympic Games in France gave boxing enthusiasts plenty to enjoy, with many energetic three-round fights in the amateur game. The gold medalists and top performers from Paris now contemplate making the step up to the professional ranks, where their backgrounds will ensure they are fast-tracked to the money-spinning title fights. It’s a great time to follow boxing, and there’s plenty more to come this year.
New Lease Of Life
The professional boxing scene is enjoying a new lease of life thanks to increased television coverage and a cash injection from Saudi Arabia. The schedule boasts some interesting matchups, and you can follow the fights on television or the best live-streaming apps. Keep your eyes peeled for the next big fight night.
Watching boxing on TV or from the stadium is great fun, but have you ever considered trying the sport for yourself? Most cities and major towns have at least one amateur boxing club that accepts new members, while the best public gyms run boxing-themed classes, including boxercise. Boxing is the ultimate workout. It’s great for building muscle, losing weight, learning self-defense, and creating incredible inner confidence.
If you’re considering trying boxing training, it’s worth reading our introduction from former professional fighter Frankie Monkhouse. Here are five things you should know before starting boxing training.
Get A Checkup
It may be worth seeking the advice of a healthcare professional and obtaining a general checkup before you embark on a boxing training regime. Your doctor can offer advice on your overall health and suitability for boxing, as well as any exercises or movements you should avoid. If you’ve had a past injury, that’s also worth mentioning and investigating further.
Boxing training is a great way to get fit and improve your health, but it’s not for everyone. It’s better to find out if you’re suited to boxing exercises before you join a gym and pay for a membership. Most people will be fine, but the more information you have, the better. You can also discuss any worries with a boxing coach.
Find A Gym
Next, it’s time to find the right gym. There may be a few in your area, or you may need to travel to your nearest boxing club. It’s crucial to do research on a gym and the trainers there before committing. Boxing is a great sport with many benefits, but it’s important to have a qualified coach who is going to look after you and help you progress at your speed.
A great way to get a feel for a gym is to visit and watch a class. You’ll see firsthand the trainer’s attitude, the level of the other members, and the type of exercises you’ll be doing. It’s best to join a boxing fitness class at first rather than a class for fighters. Speak to the coaches, find out more about the training days, discuss any concerns you may have, and take your time to find a gym that’s a great fit. You can also enquire about the costs and the equipment you’ll need before joining.
Purchase Equipment
Speaking of equipment, there are a few things you’ll need to buy before attending your first class. Most boxing gyms will supply equipment, including bags, focus mitts, and speed ropes, but it’s advisable to purchase your own gloves and hand wraps. The coach may provide some gloves, but boxing is a sweaty business, and it’s not worth sharing equipment, at least for hygiene reasons.
Most reputable sports shops sell boxing gloves and wraps to protect your hands when punching. You’ll also find a variety of boxing equipment to purchase online, and we advise you to read reviews to ensure you get the best quality. You can buy cheaper 10oz boxing gloves, but they may not stand up under the pressure of a heavy bag session. Our advice is to go for quality when you can and always protect your hands and wrists as much as possible.
Know You Won’t Get Hurt
No reputable boxing club in the world will put you anywhere near sparring or full contact for at least three months after joining a gym. You’ll never be forced to spar, either. Most people training at a boxing gym to keep fit will never enter the ring. They attend purely for the fitness aspect and to lose weight or build muscle.
If the fear of being hit by a trained fighter is putting you off joining a boxing club, you can rest easy. Gyms don’t need the bad press that comes with you walking around with a black eye or sore nose when you’re still learning the ropes. Go and learn boxing at your pace, and don’t rush things. Take your time, learn defense, head movement, and a proper guard, and enjoy all aspects of training.
Prepare To Work Hard
One thing is guaranteed: when you train at a boxing gym, you’ll be pushed hard. The training isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s good, honest, hard work, and although it’s done in a safe environment, you’ll be expected to give it your all.
Boxing clubs aren’t a place to stand around chatting about your plans for the weekend. In most cases, it’s a 45-60-minute session of three-minute intervals followed by a one-minute break. It will give you incredible stamina, and it is like no other type of exercise you have done in the past.
