Expert: Jack Rose - 3/6/2008

Question
Hey, Im an amateur mixed martial artist and I think that it would be very useful for me to know the secrets of a cornerman. Ive always wanted to learn anyway. I wanna know the fastest way to claute a bleeding nose/cut or splint a broken finger. Basic witch-doctor stuff. Ive only broken fingers and needed stitches in my palm but I always seem to be the best at reacting in an emergency. I want to go another step up for the public and my MMA life. How can I learn and if you could teach me I would appreciate it alot. Im very determined. Thanks alot. Adam

Answer
Adam,   There are only a couple of things that separate one cornerman from another, but they are both very important.
All we deal with in boxing are cuts and swelling. There is no secret to the swelling, direct cold compress is all you can do.
For cuts, it all boils down to technique and your special concoction. You put the concoction on a swab or gauze and apply direct pressure, some cold compress around the cut depending on the location and follow that up with Vaseline. Don't bother asking any cutman what his concoction is, they will never tell.....it's all part of the gamesmanship.
Broken fingers don't get worked on in the corner in boxing so you either have to fight with it or quit. Most fight fight with it unless it's one of the bones in the knuckle or palm area in which case the pain is usually so bad on impact they will fight one handed the rest of the bout.

Hope this helps ...

Jackson