Competitive boxers need discipline and toughness if they want to succeed. In fact, these qualities are far more important than the result of a bout. If you dedicate yourself to the training room, remain focused on your goals, and overcome the physical and mental grind of the training process, you’re sure to reap the benefits of your hard work. That being said, though, everyone wants their effort to pay off in the form of a win.
Although there isn’t a full-proof way to guarantee a win, you can increase the likelihood of victory with certain strategies and pointers. This guide outlines how to prepare for a competition, as well as the best strategies to use in the ring so you can walk away with a victory.
Focus on Conditioning
You can have all the skills in the world, but they’ll go to waste if you’re gasping for air after the first round. Sprints, sparring, and alternative training should get you in ideal fighting shape.
Being in peak physical condition has many benefits, including the following:
- You can dictate the pace of the fight. Also, if your opponent tries to push an aggressive pace, you’ll have no problem responding accordingly.
- Your skills are much sharper when you’re fully energized.
- In close fights, judges often take into account how each boxer closed out the final round(s). You don’t want to show fatigue towards the end of the bout.
Get-off First
Amateur bouts generally last only six minutes, so you need to be active throughout the entire match. Establishing your jab early in the fight helps you gauge the distance between you and your opponent, and then set up your offensive and defensive strategies.
When in doubt, be the first to engage; this strategy is called “getting-off first.” Begin your combinations before your opponent. Judges tend to reward the boxer who’s tactically aggressive.
Keep Your Defense Sharp
“Tactical aggression” is a key factor in competitive matches. The general of the ring usually shows more offensive aggression, but you have to be strategic as well if you hope to win the bout. Remember, the goal is to land punches without getting hit, so aggression is only effective if you implement skillful defensive techniques as well.
Moving your head and varying your distance are the easiest ways to incorporate defensive techniques. Here are some tips in regard to effective movement:
- Move your head and shoulders side-to-side.
- Bounce In and out of range while firing your jab.
- Shift side-to-side and circle the ring.
It’s difficult for your opponent to land clean shots if he’s unable to figure out where you are. Also, don’t forget to counterpunch off of your defensive movement. Come forward with a combination, defend yourself, and then respond with another combo sequence.
Play to Your Strengths
Every boxer has strengths and weaknesses — no matter their experience level. During a bout, use the techniques you’ve practiced and gone over with your trainer. You’re more likely to win if you apply the skills and techniques that you’ve honed during training.
For example, it takes experience to master close-range defense. It’s difficult to identify your opponent’s punches when huddled together. Practice your inside defense during sparring. If you tend to get hit often on the inside while sparring, though, you should probably shy away from inside fighting during a bout. Stay off the ropes and maintain a game plan from the outside.
Remain Confident & Focused
You build confidence during training. As you train each day, remind yourself of the goal at hand and continue to work on the skills that need improvement. Competitive boxers are mentally strong, and they have an ability to stay focused despite the constant uphill battle they face during training.
Remind yourself of all of the sacrifices you’ve made and the hard work you’ve put in as you enter the ring. Remain confident and focused even if your opponent stuns you or comes out aggressively. Everyone takes shots from time to time. It’s important that you keep pushing as hard as you can no matter how badly you’re struggling to stay on your feet.
Fun Fact
All-time boxing great Bernard Hopkins lost his first professional match back in 1988. Despite the bump in the road, he went on to win his next 22 matches. He eventually won over 50 bouts and sealed himself as one of the best fighters in boxing history.
Forever a Student
There isn’t an exact formula or perfect answer when it comes to winning. By following the tips above, though, you inevitably create a strong foundation for success. In addition, never be completely satisfied. Be proud of your accomplishments, but always identify areas that need improvement. Passionate boxers never lose the will to learn, and passionate boxers tend to win more often than not.
