Expert: Jack Rose - 5/13/2008

Question
I have really been watching all kinds of boxing for the last few years because to be honest I have been pretty ignorant toward the sport and I am really looking toward trying to start up. When I think about it though in the long run I am a very big guy and I am terribly out of shape. About 60, 300  pounds and I am 19 years old. I know usually people who come by are probably smaller but my size is something that just makes me want to go farther even more.
I am an extremely competitive person in everything i do, I am a good loser but I HATE HATE HATE it with a deep rage I cant even express here. I feel like as soon as I get into a fight or something of the sort I would give it all I have but its in the training where I think I would fall short because I know thats my weak point.
Is there anything you would suggest for me to do as a BIG starter?

Answer
Richard, you are young and have plenty of time. Start losing the weight now while you can do it with patience and without pressure. Start by walking and let your weight get down to where you can start jogging. If you would rather do cardio at the gym I'm sure you would prefer something low impact at first. Supplement that by doing a few rounds on the heavybag. Don't miss breakfast, cut way back on bread, no soft drinks, don't eat 2 hours before bed and drink plenty of water between meals. You should shoot for 10-12 pounds a month. When you get down to about 240 you'll feel like a million bucks. But your ultimate goal to fight should be about 220. Get started and let it come off nice and easy.

good luck,
Jackson