Vince Lombardi once said, “Fatigue makes cowards out of all of us!” I think this quote is particularly relevant to boxing.
Fatigue Dictates Style
Fear of fatigue effects a boxer’s style and which techniques they use. Bending ones legs is something boxers often skip in the ring, even though it provides safety during body punching and allows one to sit down in their punches and squeeze out more power.
Punch output is important, especially with the scoring in amateur boxing. There are many cases where a boxer should get busy punching but he’s saving his strength.
Fear definitely robs a boxer of his mobility.
Fatigue and Mental Toughness
While some gyms spar when their fighters legs are fresh, I always end up training at clubs where we spar after a tough workout. Sparring after training conditions the mind too. All through training you’ll wonder if you should go easy and save your energy so you don’t end up as somebody’s human punching bag. Yet deep down you know training all out is the best way to become great.
As well as building mental toughness, these pressures encourage one to work on their cardio outside their gym time.
Endurance is King
Aerobic and anaerobic endurance is vital. Leg strength and cardiovascular endurance are of supreme importance. Punching endurance is required. It will make you brave in the ring, but fatigue will make you a coward.
