21 Things To Know Before You Start Boxing

The sweet science of boxing is a sport that has created some of the most famous, most wealthy and most iconic athletes of all time.

Although this lavish lifestyle we see from the likes of Canelo Alvarez and Floyd Mayweather may look extremely appealing, the reality of the blood sweat and tears it took to get there often gets overlooked.

So before you decide to wrap your hands and lace-up them brand new pair of gloves have a read through this article that points out my 21 things to know before you start boxing.

You need the right frame of mind
Training is hard
It will take years to be any good at it
You will have to start with the basics
You don’t get special treatment
You will achieve from it only what you put into it
You will need to buy equipment
You will be sparring
You will be beaten
Some sparing partners will try to knock you out
You will get punched in the face
You will want to quit
Boxing is ruthless
Boxing can be dangerous
Technically it is very difficult
Boxing is a great way to stay in shape
Boxing builds confidence
Boxing can teach you to be focused and disciplined
Boxing can be sociable
Skills cannot be used outside the ring
You may never become a world champion

1: You need the right frame of mind

Boxing, like many sports requires a certain frame of mind and it is important that you enter a boxing gym with that frame of mind.

You need to be humble and willing to learn. Trainers are there for a reason and would only love to help you out. Mental toughness makes up most of a good fighter and it’s important to remember.

2: Training is hard

I will start off with saying the training is hard man. Even the generic training can be tough. Take it from me. I started back in my late 20’s after not having boxed since my teens and boy was it hard. I would train twice a week losing several pounds of weight every training session.

The training mostly consisted of skipping, calisthenics, bag work, pad work and sparring.

If you are interested in training to check out these workouts here from some of the greats.

3: It will take years to be any good at it

It does take a long time to get good at boxing. I know it takes a long time to be good at anything but I do feel sports like boxing this is particularly true. You may be naturally good at striking but it’s training your body to react automatically while you are on the receiving end, that’s the difficult part.

And in my opinion is what took me so long to train hence why it’s good to start younger so your body has time to develop these habits early.

When you start younger it is easier for you to pick things up and also it gives you years to develop your skills before becoming somewhat competitive.

4: You will have to start with the basics

You will start with the basics like everyone else. Even if you have been practising your self at home it is better to start with the basics and learn along with everyone else and get to grips with what the coaches are teaching. If they think you are better than beginners classes they will move you on.

5: You don’t get special treatment

You won’t get special treatment on the gym from any trainer. The trainers in the gym have dozens and sometimes hundreds of fighters that they train so having time to work with one particular fighter aren’t always possible.

There are exceptions when you climb the ranks but as an amateur boxer, you will receive the same time and dedication as the rest of the students receive.

6: You will achieve from it only what you put into it

If you put an incredible effort into anything you are going to see results and that is particularly true with boxing. There are so many opportunities to do well however if you slack on anything it will show. Even in the pro ranks with some of the top athletes, this can be seen.

7: You will need to buy equipment

You will at some stage need to buy equipment for your sessions. Starting off the trainer will have spare wraps, gloves rope etc for you to use.

The equipment you will need is

8: You will be sparring

At some stage during your training you will be facing an opponent per se.

Sparring is there to mimic a fight to a certain degree and at the early stages while you are developing your skills sparring partners should not be throwing 100% force behind their shots.

9: You will be beaten

You will take an L at some stage whether it is competitive or just sparring in during practice but this too is all a part of the sport and is something that you have to take on the chin.

10: Some sparing partners will try to knock you out

Some sparring partners can be dicks. Some will go into the ring to prove a point or to just show off and try and take your head off. That’s just the reality of sparring I’m afraid.

11: You will get punched in the face

At many stages during your training, you will get punched in the face. Of course, it’s the aim of the game, however, it is important to get comfortable with it. As odd as that sounds it’s true.

The worst thing you can do is flinch, curl up or turn your back.

I remember the first time I got punched in the mouth during my first sparring session. My instinct was to turn my head away. Over time you will learn to shrug it off and remain calm while slipping or blocking shots.

12: You will want to quit

You will want to quit at some stage. Maybe you get beaten, maybe the training is too hard or maybe the trainer is giving you a hard time. Whatever it maybe you will want to quit at some stage. It’s down to your mental toughness to fight through it.

13: Boxing is ruthless

Boxing can be ruthless. It is a full-contact sport and is popular among the lower class and working class.

Where I come from a lot of dangerous and tough people are involved in the sport. When a competition is held you don’t have your typical soccer crowd at the fight.

The important thing to know is not to listen to comments outside the ring and only take on board what your coach is telling you.

14: Boxing can be dangerous

It is no secret that getting hit in the head is not good for you. Bare this in mind before starting this sport.

It is always best to consult your GP before starting a tough sport like this.

15: Technically it is very difficult

Head movement, foot movement, reactions, speed, timing and power are only some attributes needed for this incredibly difficult sport.

They don’t call it the sweet science for no reason.

There are a lot of little technical details in throwing one single punch correctly never mind a combination of punches.

16: Boxing is a great way to stay in shape

As I mentioned earlier the training is incredibly difficult and this is why it keeps you in such great shape.

Boxing is a full-body, high-intensity workout that trims the fat and builds muscle.

If you are interested in training to check out these workouts here from some of the greats.

17: Boxing builds confidence

Boxing can improve your confidence as a person just like any sport can. It can be rewarding when you finish a great session or you win a tournament

As your strength, skills, and stamina increase through boxing, your self-image will improve as well.

With this new source of energy that comes from physical activity, you may be more likely to succeed outside the ring as well as in it.

18: Boxing can teach you to be focused and disciplined

And if you fall in love with the sport and want to be good at it, you will discover that it takes a lot of concentration and dedication to succeed in Boxing.

In order to be able to concentrate at a high level. It takes a lot of discipline in training, routine, diet etc.

19: Boxing can be sociable

Boxing can be very sociable and a good place to meet people and develop new friends.

Boxing like many other martial arts can have a very strong sense of community.

20: Skills cannot be used outside the ring

Skills can not be used outside the ring. If you are a competition amateur your license can be taken from you.

You can be jailed for using your skills in a fight outside the ring so best to walk away and do your fighting in the ring.

21: You may never become a world champion

Although we all dream of it the reality is that most of us fighters will never become a world champion. The key is to realize this early and not to remain a stepping stone for those that are heading for the top.

To Conclude

To conclude there are many pros to starting boxing classes. It all depends on what is your goal?

Why exactly are you thinking of taking up boxing?

The best thing to do is to read through the list and think about it.

If you are like me and just want to join but not compete then I say start straight away.

It has done nothing but good things for my fitness and confidence.

Go for it.