Training Diary: Week 8.1

 

 

NO backing out now.

The fight is set and my opponent selected. It's on!

After a week away from training in the Arctic Circle I was back at it yesterday. However things were quite tricky as I have seemed to have sprained my ankle celebrating the football on Saturday (worth it!).

Still, like always, I laughed pain in the face and battled on with training (after several ibuprofen and spraying a can of Deep Heat).

After warming up half of us were taken to one side and did 20 minutes or so of sparring in a bid to try and match some of us up.

With just four weeks to go until the fight its important that we actually know who we will be facing so we can begin focussing our training.

My first sparring partner was bigger, stronger and better than me. Although I was no way embarrassed I think he came out on top.

I was then put in the ring against someone else. This time it was much more even. He caught me a few times but I also landed a few, especially a nice right hook counter right on his chin which sent him back.

My immediate reaction was to apologise - which isn't the point of boxing - to the surprise of everyone watching I think.

I have to remember the aim of boxing is to hit and hurt people!!

After the two minute round we were asked how we would feel fighting each other and we were matched up.

He's a bit bigger than me and a stronger puncher but I think my reach is a little bit better.

I am not a big puncher and I have decided to try and concentrate on counter punching as I think I am quite quick. I held my guard up a lot better this session but I need to stop punching leaning back.

I do not notice I am doing it and one of the coaches did some pad work with me afterwards to try and address it.

I could definitely see an improvement in my punching and I actually had a little bit of power to my surprise! Those protein shakes may be working...

After the sparring we did some circuit training which was horrible - and difficult with a sprained ankle!

It was 12 minutes of non stop circuits. We started with 30 seconds of press ups, 30 seconds of squats, 30 seconds of running with high knees, and 30 seconds of burpees. This was repeated six times with no breaks.

If you want to feel pain do this!!

Anyway with the days counting down the realisation of what I am doing has actually set in...oh god!

If anyone wants tickets they can email me or call Paul on 07834 129 097 or Crain on 07966 298765 or Shaun 07798 771013. There are only a few left so call quick!