First sparring experiences

[johnswan1]

After many years as an observer I've finally taken up some boxing training. It's really enjoyable so far but one quote that always comes to mind when it comes to sparring is "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face".

I haven't sparred yet and probably need a fair bit more training before it comes to that, but I'd be interested to hear of any first or early sparring experiences.

[Coco]

In boxing defense is everything and it is that which normall goes straight out of the window if you panic when you get tagged.
Unfortunately the only way to counter this panic is to get used to getting punched in the face!
Other than that it is about retaining basic technique, a tight guard, bring you gloves back after throwing a punch, keep your head moving, keep your distance and cling on if you have too!
Good luck, it will make a man of you.

[Coco]

There are a lot of white collar gyms around now to prepare you for their white collar shows, and from what I have seen it is done well, fighters evenly matched, and sparring is well controlled.
My experiences in amateur gyms for novices is that they get knocked about sparring to see is they have the stones to come back!

[mickey1975]

Jab only is usually how they'll start you off. Watch for the sly guy who'll feint to the body then snap your head back with one on the end of the nose.

[mickey1975]

There are a lot of white collar gyms around now to prepare you for their white collar shows, and from what I have seen it is done well, fighters evenly matched, and sparring is well controlled.
My experiences in amateur gyms for novices is that they get knocked about sparring to see is they have the stones to come back!

I think, when sparring better kids, they take it easy, BUT, if you catch them with anything, it's coming back with interest that round! You're just waiting for it!

[Coco]

There are a lot of white collar gyms around now to prepare you for their white collar shows, and from what I have seen it is done well, fighters evenly matched, and sparring is well controlled.
My experiences in amateur gyms for novices is that they get knocked about sparring to see is they have the stones to come back!

I think, when sparring better kids, they take it easy, BUT, if you catch them with anything, it's coming back with interest that round! You're just waiting for it!

Haha for sure. Normally the novice gets thrown in with an experienced kid, often smaller and younger, then they are taught a bit of humility!
All boxers however good they are get knocked about at one stage, if you can't take it it's not the sport for you, punching bags is easy!

[Rexob]

Listen, take note of what others are doing and learn quickly

[rubberneck]

First spar I had was body shots only and I got totally battered. I thought I could block/move and counter. I couldn’t. I stuck at it though and it got a easier.
Just remember to keep your guard/stance, stay mobile and throw back.

[nobleart1978]

I can vividly remember my first ever sparring session.

I started boxing at 14. After learning the basics was put in to spar after about six weeks training. I am sure my trainer told the other guy to give me a going over. He made my nose bleed and my head ache ! Trainers do it to see if you've got the heart to go back.

[JamieM]

Get a good gum shield. I always sparred growing up being in and out of club then my first spar as an adult was with my brother kickboxing. Ducked into a kick and my teeth were wobbly for months. Just lucky to still have them

[nobleart1978]

Yes.
A proper fitting gumshield is very important. Best to have one fitted by the dentist rather than a boil n bite.

[smiling assassin]

A lot of novices are very jittery with there movement when sparring the first few times using up a lot of energy, try to just stay relaxed and don't be scared to take a shot it will just add to you feeling very uncomfortable in there

[littlepug]

I did ok first time aged 16, sparred an experienced lad also 16, afterwards we ended up scrapping outside in the street, it was all forgotton about a week later and we ended up becoming each others main sparring partner for the next ten years am and pro !

[gilgamesh]

I got my nose broke in one of my earliest sparring experiences

Didn't discourage me though. I actually sparred again about a week and a half later, and then fought my only amateur bout a month later.

Sparred a few more times a couple years after that, and improved my technique considerably, but never got around to having a 2nd bout unfortunately.

[TopGun]

After many years as an observer I've finally taken up some boxing training. It's really enjoyable so far but one quote that always comes to mind when it comes to sparring is "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face".

I haven't sparred yet and probably need a fair bit more training before it comes to that, but I'd be interested to hear of any first or early sparring experiences.

Well my friend, boxing changes when you have a spar, you realise you are actually shit and you get humbled very quickly, esepcially if you go against a seasoned fighter.

My very first spar was againts someone preparing for the British title, in hindsight massive mistake, my trainer lied about my experience and it was an eye opener for sure

[Noxy]

I remember my first spar. I copped a big right to the jaw and I didn’t go down but I went foggy, I wasn’t sure what had happened at first. I just found myself looking at the wall at the back of the gym. It didn’t put me off though

[Stuarty]

Was 10. Don't really remember much about it apart from my lip was burst and a lot of flailing arms etc lol. My oldest boy should get his first spar soon and he's 10.

[gilgamesh]

After many years as an observer I've finally taken up some boxing training. It's really enjoyable so far but one quote that always comes to mind when it comes to sparring is "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face".

I haven't sparred yet and probably need a fair bit more training before it comes to that, but I'd be interested to hear of any first or early sparring experiences.

Well my friend, boxing changes when you have a spar, you realise you are actually poo and you get humbled very quickly, esepcially if you go against a seasoned fighter.

My very first spar was againts someone preparing for the British title, in hindsight massive mistake, my trainer lied about my experience and it was an eye opener for sure

It definitely gives you a whole new respect for how hard the sport actually is, and how advanced the Pros are.

One of the guys I sparred with in Missouri was making his amateur debut meaning he'd had NO fights yet, but had been training for a solid 3 or 4 months in preparation and that guy was giving me hell the first few times I sparred.

Also it really makes you realize how much stamina is required to compete in the sport. I remember going a few rounds one time, and I f*cking threw up.

Everything about Boxing is harder than you'll ever realize until you've taken part in it, but at the same time it gives you an even bigger appreciation of the sport and the people who are truly great at it.

[smiling assassin]

I remember sparring at the Tko in Canning Town, my trainer took me down there. I was 21 and I'd had 3 bouts at the time and stopped all 3, I thought I was the bollocks. I sparred a few journeyman type pros who just moved me about walking me down ( they probably didn't even break into a sweat). Then I got in with a boy who was around 15 but very experienced and also very good. I thought to me self he's 15 il have to take it easy on him. How wrong was I I done 1 round with him and he battered me from pillar to post. Turns out it was Johnny Coyle who went on to win prizefighter. That was when I realised there's levels to this game

[Taansend]

I first sparred aged about ten so it was squinty eyes & arms whirling.

[Tangerine]

Great thread keep em coming lads loving these stories.

[Gnome]

I was a late comer, my first sparring session I was clowned by a Thai bloke half my size. He hit me almost at will. Good man that he was, he took it easy on me though!

Guard up and only 1-2s is what I would recommend. It's a learning curve though and you'll improve in leaps and bounds. I loved it.

[Gnome]

After many years as an observer I've finally taken up some boxing training. It's really enjoyable so far but one quote that always comes to mind when it comes to sparring is "everybody has a plan until they get punched in the face".

I haven't sparred yet and probably need a fair bit more training before it comes to that, but I'd be interested to hear of any first or early sparring experiences.

Well my friend, boxing changes when you have a spar, you realise you are actually poo and you get humbled very quickly, esepcially if you go against a seasoned fighter.

My very first spar was againts someone preparing for the British title, in hindsight massive mistake, my trainer lied about my experience and it was an eye opener for sure

Everything about Boxing is harder than you'll ever realize until you've taken part in it, but at the same time it gives you an even bigger appreciation of the sport and the people who are truly great at it.

[asdfjkl]

The first time I sparred I was shocked about how tired it made me, I fought like 4 guys in a row and the fourth one I just gave up even without beïng punched at all. And that was against a guy I could normally easely get with one arm on my back. We weren't allowed to punch in the face somehow back then.

[lillywhite14]

Gilgamesh hit a note here with me. I found it gives you a massive appreciation for just how good the top guys must be. The dedication and focus to reach even area level is incredible let alone the very top.

It’s an enjoyable feeling. The first time you do it you should realise you’re tougher than you think.

To begin with I tended to overanalyse it and actually get down after the adrenalin rush wore off. I’d lay there in bed feeling bad about being hit and being given a working over. Need to realise that everyone gets a going over, and the ego needs to understand this early!

Being as fit as you can be makes it more enjoyable too.