YOUR FIRST SPARRING SESSION
Before a boxer ever sets foot in the ring to spar a coach must make sure that the boxer:
1. Has the stamina to go three rounds
2. Knows the basics about defense
3. Understands that boxing is not about just hitting a person. Boxing is about hitting and not getting hit. Going in
there and just swinging and not worrying about being hit is NOT boxing , that’s a street fight. Boxing is an art. The
point of boxing is to hit and not get hit.
Some of the things Ramos Boxing does to prepare their boxers for the FIRST full contact sparring session:
1. Allow the new boxers to spar against the more experienced boxers and work just on offense while the
experienced boxer works on defense. No punches are ever thrown at the new boxer.
2. Allow the new boxer to spar the smallest boxer in the gym. A boxer who you know will NOT hurt this new boxer
if they land a punch. Have the new boxer work on just defense. It’s not natural for a person to be comfortable with
someone throwing punches at them. This takes time to get used to. This drill will help the boxer feel a bit more
relaxed during their first full contact sparring.
3. Use light sparring drills. Pair up boxers and have them spar with 16oz gloves at about 15% effort. Have them
focus on moving their waste and keeping their hands up during this drill. The point of this drill is to slow the pace
down enough to where it’s impossible to be hit. Have each boxers fist remain open at all times. If you can’t avoid a
punch during this drill it’s time to pick a new hobby.
YOUR FIRST BOUT
I’ve always told my boxers to not worry about things they have no control over. The ONLY thing they have control
over is effort. As long as they do what they'’ve been doing in the gym that’s all we can ask of them. I make them
understand that there’s nothing wrong with losing to a boxer who is simply better. There’s nothing a coach or boxer
can do about this. If the other boxer is more experienced or just better then there’s nothing wrong with losing. The
only time a coach should be upset is if their boxer doesn’t give it 100%.
Keep in mind coaches. Each boxer that steps into the ring is a representative of your coaching. If you allow a boxer to
compete who is not ready, it will reflect on you. If your boxer takes a beating or gets tired during a bout it’s your fault.
He’s simply doing what you’ve taught him in the gym.
I also explain to my boxers that there’s nothing I will be able to teach them between rounds during a bout. The work
has already been done in the gym. All I will be doing as a coach between rounds is reminding them about the things
we have worked on in the gym. A coach should also pay close attention during the bout about what the other boxer is
trying to do. If you see the other boxer trying to set something up you must warn your boxer on what to watch for. You
can also go over what punches the other boxer is open for.
I've seen/heard coaches yell at their boxers between rounds. This has always been a pet peeve of mine. The best
way to help you understand how you should act between round is to ask, . If your mom or dad was in the hospital and
the doctor comes out to speak to you after an operation, how would you like for him to speak to you? Would you
want him yelling? Being aggressive and being all up on your face with his bad breath? Cussing? Of course not. This
would make it seem like something is WRONG. It's our job to keep our boxers calm and relaxed between rounds.
Keep in mind that boxing is a repititous sport. Boxing is not like football or basketball where you can get into the game
knowing a few plays. This doesn't work with boxing. In order to succeed in boxing you must get to the point where
your comfort in style is a FEELING and no longer a work in progress. This is the key to success, to get to the point
where boxing is as natural and comforting as breathing and walking. Think about it. Walking or breathing doesn't take
much thought. You don't have to remind yourself to breath or to put one foot in front of the other in order to move. It's
natural.