Expert: Jack Rose - 12/17/2008

Question
I am 27 years old, 5'10 and weigh 188lbs. I have no formal training but am athletic. I have gained some weight and decided to lose it by training for a 12-round sparring session with my best friend on May 2nd 2009. Everyone thinks I am going to get demolished. I want to prove that I can pull it off. My best friend is 6'1 and 215lbs, fairly athletic. He is stronger and has way more reach. But his conditioning is poor and he is over-confident and I won't make it through 3 rounds because of his strength advantage. Besides conditioning myself (I am running 3miles every morning and doing 6 rounds of weighted shadow-boxing in the night)and some weight training, what do you suggest would be a good game plan for me. ( diet-wise, training-wise, and strategy-wise).
Thank you for any advice you can offer.

Here's to toppling a giant!

Answer
Hector,

Since you are basically training to win one particular fight I wouldn't get too complicated. Keep it simple and work only on what will win you the fight.
Perfect your jab and cross and don't worry about hooks and uppercuts. Unless you are experienced in throwing those two punches they usually just get in the way. Keep you jab busy, it controls the action. When you start connecting with it throw the right hand behind it. Work up and down, body and head. Keep your hands up and don't move straight back. Learn to pace yourself for a full round and stay busy without exhausting yourself.
Keep up the running and if your not fighting until may you have time to build some strength. Hit the weights 3 days a week and do only major muscle groups, back, legs, chest and shoulders.

good luck,

Jackson