The night started out rough. One of my trainers, Mexican Style, made a comment about one of my sparring partners who just fought in the golden gloves being, “pretty good for a whiteboy.” Said right in front of me no less (I’m white). I guess it’s not surprising because he’s always making racist comments about black boxers in private. But when one of your fighters of that race is standing right there…
It made me mad, and kept me steaming for about a half hour. It kind of implies he doesn’t believe in me or my potential. Besides, the last time I sparred that other cracker, I worked him over really good. Can’t I also be put on his white boxer exception list?
To add fuel to the fire they turned off the A/C. To my trainers this seemed like a good idea, but I’m slipping on sweat puddles. Then I’m noticing my hand speed sucked. Not sure if it was just last night or it’s not increasing through camp. A few years back this wasn’t an issue. Then I feel myself gas… I almost went home.
That was my low point, but things turned up. We have a new trainer in my gym, a really cool, laid back but tough Armenian boxer who had a long and very successful amateur career and fought in the pros. Recently he’s been grabbing me for mitt work. He gave me 3 good rounds.
Then with no rest, Mexican Style picks me up for mitt work. He pushes me hard for almost 10 rounds, skipping breaks for many rounds. Working on speed, combos and letting my right hand go. Oh your shoulders are tired? We’re going to do specific drills to work them harder, no between round breaks.
I have never sweated so much, or felt so dead after training. I passed out into bed, slept like a baby, even missing the earthquake at 4 am (was a 4.4 on the Richter Scale). Tonight there may be sparring.
