Expert: Jack Rose - 2/20/2010

Question
Okay so before I begin, I guess I should say a little about myself. I am a six foot four inches African american amateur boxer. I train out in North Carolina, been training off and on for about a year or so now. Now on to the point(s)

So, Today I went to the gym after a month of us being locked out because of our coach's personal issues. So, during this time I ran a little bit, doing about six or so miles every other week in running, and working on my jab slightly. My issue is, I got beat in a devastating fashion today, By a 141, 127 and a 133 pound fighters. Now I am at 234, so for me to be getting dominated would prove to show something's not clicking for me.

It's not like I was on the verge of being knocked out, or was overly exhausted, I simply lost the will to fight. I think it was the difference in ability, and perhaps the lack of sleep and water intake, but I never try to blame things on minor things like that. But that being said, I figure I need to work my way from the ground up.

I am mostly a night person, however it's always so much colder at night than it is in the morning. I usually get around 3-5 hours of sleep and run off and on, at a slow to moderate pace.

I was wondering if you could tell me what kind of diet I should have (Specifics, like what to eat when and what not). Different techniques for the jab as I usually throw mine out and drop it, getting countered by the overhand right almost instantaneously. Every jokes around, calling me Muhammad ali cause I bear a slight resemblance to him, and have a problem with moving my head straight back, as well as the jab problem.

So As well as the diet and the jab tips, could you also let me know a better way for running? I usually get tired around the eight hundred meter mark (I run on a track) and take a break, even though I am moving a slightly lower than medium pace. I think those three things are what's holding me back from advancing. As far as reflexes and everything else goes, I know I'll have to learn that as I go.

- Thanks for taking the time to read this and respond so swiftly.
~ Mark

Answer
Mark,

If your getting countered with a jab you should double the jab or fake the jab and throw a righthand lead.

You should be running about 8 to 10 miles a week, 2 to 3 at a time. You should also be doing sprints...  50 yards.

You have to get more sleep, this will make you lethargic during sparring and your reaction time will suffer.

You do not need a strict diet. National champions don't even have a tight diet. Just make sure you are eating normal. Cut back on soft drinks, no whole milk, drink plenty of water, easy on fried foods, never miss breakfast, and try not to eat right before you go to bed.

Don't worry about the sparring. Guys that much smaller are always going to make a bigger guy look bad because they are much faster and are jumping in and out, throwing quick combos, buzzing around the ring...  I really hope they were not letting you spar these guys full speed. That is way too much of a weight difference to be sparring.


good luck