Expert: Alan Kahn - 4/30/2007

Question
Hi alan,
I've been wanting to get into boxing for a while now.  I recently moved to wisconsin last summer.  Right now I have a stand w/speed bag and heavy bag.  ANd I have been using those quite often.  Just out of curiosity, what kind of life style does the average professional boxer obtain throughout a decent career?

Answer
HI Harrison,

You ask a tough question, for I focus more on "speed bag training" more than competitive boxing. But as far as "lifestyle" - from what I've seen many of the top ranked boxers make good money. The secret is to keep it. Seems like the surround themselves with glad handing friends that help them spend it. The lifestyle itself is filled with "training". Lots and lots of training. Even the lesser known competitors have to be ready to step up, so they stay near competition ready shape. That comes from many hours a day in the gym.  No crowds. No cheering. No glamour. Just pain and sweat, and more training. But it is a manly lifestyle that many like. If you go that route, be prepared for many outsiders to question your sanity. Very few really understand why a boxer choses that road.

There is a lot more to boxing training than a speed bag and heavybag. They are the most fun, but a boxer utilizes many training techniques and requires top notch coaching - from someone who knows the boxing business. And if you don't connect with someone who knows the boxing business, you probably won't have much of a career.

The biggest fallacy among many people is that boxers are "uneducated" or must be pretty dumb to make a living at that. But the ones I have known, not a great many, but enough - are very well read, extremely intelligent and very caring people. So, Stay in school, read wise, read a lot and read often. Expand your mind and excel in your studies. It will serve you well in and out of the Ring.

Good luck and train safe.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible