Basic Boxing Training

Muhammad Ali famously regarded Boxing as "the sweet science," because the sport is not a meaningless, insignificant brawl. A contest cannot be waged by any ordinary individual at any given moment. The pugilism is a complex competition, which requires a lot of training. The training involves necessary technique, cardiovascular training, strength training, sparring and equipment.

  1. Equipment

    • Sixteen-ounce gloves are the most important equipment for any aspiring boxer. Sam Northborder notes that boxing without the right gloves can result in broken knuckles and wrists. Sam highly recommends a mouth piece and protective head gear, especially if someone joins and spars in a gym full of heavy hitters. Beginners are advised not to join a gym full of knock-out artists, as Sam notes that learning is hard when you're constantly getting knocked down by training partners. Boxing shoes are also necessary. Articles Alley explains that a boxing shoe's light weight, ankle support and leather sole all support and maintain a boxer's necessary speed and footwork.

    Cardio

    • BNet credits boxing as an influential factor in the fitness arena, because its level of cardiovascular training is intense. The training is intense, because boxing demands superb cardiovascular conditioning from its fighters. Fight rounds are only three minutes, but if a boxer is not in shape, the fight will last only a few rounds. bNet cites jump rope, push-ups, jogging in place, sprinting and hitting punching bags at high-intensity as a common cardiovascular routine in boxing training.

    Float Like a Butterfly

    • Head movement.

      Head movement and footwork are essential in boxing. Muhammad Ali described his fluidity in the ring as "float like a butterfly," because a boxer must be light and smooth on their feet. A boxer constantly has to move around the ring and their opponent, in order to find openings for striking, as well as avoiding attacks. Head movement is also necessary. Proper head movement not only avoids power shots and jabs, but can also provide a great opening for an attack and knock down. According to bNet, shadow boxing is a particularly effective means of practicing head movement and footwork.

    Technique

    • Boxing is recognized as "the sweet science," because it is based on technique. Even the footwork requires technique, as bNet likens it to dancing. Apollo Creed specifically practiced the dancing technique with Rocky Balboa in "Rocky III", because it insures proper ability for snapping off punches and combos. bNet includes straights, jabs, hooks, and uppercuts are the type of punches used in boxing. While training, a boxer will constantly utilize and practice the punches, as well as learn how to combine the punches. Combinations are the key to a successful boxing career, because winning requires more than just one punch. Staying light on the feet, looking for openings and snapping off the right combination of shots is a technical recipe for victory.

    Sparring

    • The fights in the gym should be harder than the fight. Ross Enamait renders sparring the most important aspect of boxing training, because sparring accurately reflects the objective. The objective is to fight, and win. A boxer develops skills and speed with cardiovascular and strength training, but sparring implements and tests a fighter's skills, speed and chin. Sparring also perfects and implements the particular strategy that a fighter plans to use against the opponent. Most importantly, Ross links sparring to calming any nerves before the actual fight.