Expert: Jack Rose - 5/10/2007

Question
Hello.  Recently I began going to a boxing gym, and I really do want to compete in amateur.  I go however only 2-3 times a week.  What I want to know is:

1)What are the essential things to do to get a good training program going.  While I do have a trainer, I would like to know if there was more I can do.  For example should I do conditioning, Heavy bag, mit work, etc... How would you train an aspiring amateur fighter?

2)  How Long each day, and how many times a week should I train to become a good amateur fighter, and what can I do in  those days I'am not in the gym?

3)  I'm 18, 145lbs.  Is this a good age to begin in amateurs?

Thanks for reading.

Answer
Hi Will,  

1. What seperates most fighters is their conditioning. It is the most essential part of the routine. In order to rise above the rest of the class you have to put the extra time in on your own. I would want my fighter to come in 3 days a week. We would focus on punching technique, hand position, footwork, head movement, combinations, blocking, excercises and eventually sparing. Later we would start talking and using strategies and tricks of the trade. I would expect our time to be used for mostly learning. I do not like to spend our time together conditioning because we only have a couple of hours and it's silly for me to watch a guy run or jump rope for 30 minutes. This should be done on your own. And I will know if your doing it or not when you spar.

2. two hours max in the gym ...3 days a week. On 3 off days you should be running and conditioning your body and heart. Take one day off.

3. absolutely, 18 is a great age to start....and your at a weight with a lot of action and competition, meaning, your at one of those weights that it's not hard to find fights for you.

great question and best of luck,

jack