Ultra White Collar Boxing

Ultra White Collar Boxing

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Slickus

Original Poster:

129 posts

135 months

Tuesday 18th April 2017
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egor110 said:
Like Ben says 8 weeks isn't long , you almost want a good instructor who finds what your st at and works around it.

ie cardio is crap and your blind as a bat , so let the other guy do all the work and come to you , get good at moving as little as possible to avoid his shots using as little energy as possible and go for the body as it's a larger area to hit.

to be honest the more sparring you can do the better even if you reduce the bag work , you need to get used to being hit and the fact that you can't just punch with no threat of anything coming the other way.
As a complete novice, i'm open to anything and finding the right technique that suits me. I most definitely have flaws at the moment, whether these will be ironed out in the next 7 weeks, well, only thing i know is i'll be up against another complete novice with similar flaws no doubt.

Body shots is also something i want to work on, seems they aren't used enough and can be a very decent weapon to have in my arsenal.

I haven't done any bag work yet, but sparring i will start soon. I want to take a punch, and regularly too, to get used to it, leading up to the fight. Who knows, i might have a granite chin, but be blowing by the end of round 1.
I kept dropping my hands when i was doing 2 minute constant pad work the other day, need to improve on that, but we haven't even started on defending punches yet.
Almost feels the hour session each time isn't enough, but i'm not going to learn everything in 1 week.

Just a long wait (2 days now) till the next session, then about 36 hours till the Saturday session, so my Fridays from now on are my rest days.

Cheers for all the great advice guys, very much appreciated.

Slick

Halb

53,012 posts

183 months

Tuesday 18th April 2017
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Slickus said:
I kept dropping my hands when i was doing 2 minute constant pad work the other day, need to improve on that, but we haven't even started on defending punches yet.
Use the routine I posted, start with 1 min rounds, add to them.

ORD

18,107 posts

127 months

Tuesday 18th April 2017
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To be honest, I would have thought that one good body shot would end almost all of these amateur fights. If you have never been hard in the floating rib, it will come as quite a shock!

I would have thought that the fitter and stronger man will win 90% of the time in these fights, given that both will be technically awful.

ben5575

6,254 posts

221 months

Tuesday 18th April 2017
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Halb said:
ben5575 said:
These are £14 well spent. They really help with the aches and pains, particularly in your legs:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B016RF2Q44/ref...
These are money well spent? How long do you use them for?
I struggle with foam rollers, mainly because I'm lazy and they are hard work, more so if I'm already aching - lots of having to support your bodyweight whilst using them as you'll see from that linked vid.

The roller I linked to is hand held like a old rolling pin, only it has several small rollers rather than just one large one (an important point).

You can use them before training to help limber up (I never do as I'm always running late), but I use them either immediately post work out to help proactively reduce DOMS, but they are amazing at relieving DOMS the next day or two. In particular if you are running/boxing, the muscles down the front of your shin and calves.

Dead easy to use whilst watching TV. Maybe 10 minutes for so, just remember to use over clothing as they also very good at depilation. You have been warned!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GFMjp_JSO7w


Slickus

Original Poster:

129 posts

135 months

Friday 21st April 2017
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Shadow boxing and learning defense last night. Started the shadow boxing at 50% for a minute, and then sprint on the spot, 60% and sprint and so on till at 100%. That was a killer. Then on to moving the head and dodging potential punches, again, increasing movement and blocking on each set. Finally a bit of light sparring with blocking and parrying punches away. Finished off with a load of push ups which done it for me.
Real good sweat on though, left shattered but happy with what i had achieved and pushed myself.

Slightly miffed at the start of the night though, overheard a few lads saying they were only doing it till they get chucked out, and not bothering raising money for the charity or selling tickets, they want the free training for potential fights they may have in September. Really annoyed me that did as i'm in it for the charity work and to better myself in doing so. Tomorrow will be the cut off date fighters have to raise enough charity money (minimum £50), and sell at least 10 tickets to carry on the program and have a fight at the end of the 8 weeks. Those that haven't i guess will be asked to leave and possibly sign up for the next one in August if they are serious about it, or stump up what is needed immediately to secure their place now. So hopefully these dipsticks will be shown the door.
Also, sadly to report, some low-life stole £150 from the gym last Thursday night when our first session was taking place. There was a lot of cash changing hands as the orgainsers were collecting money for VIP tables and any other potential tickets sold. Real shame some low-life (if that's the case) has done this and stolen from the charity. Organisers have said CCTV will be looked into and the culprit found (I doubt very much they have CCTV there), or the person responsible can hand the money back in an envelope to the gym, and nothing more will be said or done. Long shot i think sadly.

Next week will be more morning runs and evening gym work, but will also ramp up the skipping and pad work and shadow boxing.
Will also go out and get proper boxing boots to 'bed' them in, so they are comfy for the actual night.
Week after i plan to start 1-on-1 sessions to get some sparring in, i want to take a shot to the face and body so i'm ready for the real thing on fight night. Also want to learn more about body shots and utilising them more.

Weight wise, I've stayed the same (cheeky midweek weigh in last night), but I've definitely shrunk, so i'm saying this is muscle that I've gained.
Also had a look around the other fighters last night, think I've seen 2 potential opponents that are similar in size and skill to me that i could be matched up against.

Other then that, another session tomorrow and rest day Sunday.

Slickus

Original Poster:

129 posts

135 months

Wednesday 3rd May 2017
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So a month to go, and not much of an update really. Lost a stone in the last 3 weeks but seems to have leveled out now, stayed the same last week and this week (hoping this is muscle growth and fat disappearing). Body has definitely shrunk though, and feeling lighter on my feet and stamina has increased along with strength and power. Had a slight wobble end of last week, mindset was depleting and i realised my focus wasn't what it was when i started a month ago. So had a chat with the OH (my main concern on my mind was that i wasn't at home enough, and i felt bad for leaving her with the baby each evening whilst i went to the the gym - gym sessions started to become about 30-45mins long as it was weighing on my mind when i was working out) and got somethings out in the open and a lot more positive moving forward. Just a case of communication between us, and more appreciation for one another.

More money being raised each day, think now i'm up to about £430, beating my overall target of £400, but hoping plenty more donations to come in the next 4 weeks.

Boxing training going very well. Still finding some parts hard, push ups and squats especially. But i'm doing more of these then what i did before the whole experience so it's all good. Progress in some form. Actual boxing technique is going well. Found my stance and what works for me. Do tend to drop my hands after throwing a punch, but am aware of it and working on it. We start sparring this week which i'm looking forward to. Want to take a punch to get that out the way and get used to it. Also want to try throwing some body shots as i feel this could be a key weapon for me to use on the night. Think I've also sussed out who i'll be fighting on the night, will find out the week before the fight when we are all called for a weigh-in and photo shoot.
As for numbers, well they've dropped. We had 16 of us at Saturday's session (ok, it was a bank holiday weekend) and about 40 at last Thursdays session. Think a lot of people either couldn't commit to selling the required tickets, or want the free training and as much of the experience as they could before leaving.

Onwards and upwards!

Slickus

Original Poster:

129 posts

135 months

Friday 26th May 2017
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Well with 8 days to go, we all found out our opponents last night. As you can see, I've been matched up with someone slightly taller but it's all good with me. I've loved the whole experience, up and downs, blood, sweat and no tears, and would fight anyone if needed. Raised over £600 for CRUK and lost a lot of weight at the same time.
I've lost a stone in weight over the 8 weeks, doesn't sound much but there is a noticeable difference in my size, and how my clothes feel on me, also how much muscle I've built up over the time also. Stamina is way better as is strength and general boxing techniques.
Looking forward to it!


hornetrider

63,161 posts

205 months

Friday 26th May 2017
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He looks a fair size bigger than you! Don't worry, the bigger they are...

Slickus

Original Poster:

129 posts

135 months

Friday 26th May 2017
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Exactly, not fazed by size etc. He could be blowing after 10 seconds. I'll give it my all!

Halb

53,012 posts

183 months

Friday 26th May 2017
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He looks a bit of a unit there, Slickus. hehe

ORD

18,107 posts

127 months

Saturday 27th May 2017
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The side-by-side photo looks like every Friday night ever outside a rough pub!

OP - I would be training a lot of body shots and uppercuts in your position. You'll want to fight that guy on the inside if you can.

Slickus

Original Poster:

129 posts

135 months

Monday 5th June 2017
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So the big day was this Saturday just gone. What an amazing day. Long day and my fight was 18 out of 22, so was scheduled to be around 9pm time, and had to be at the venue for 2pm. By 8pm i was gloved up and ready to head out, as a lot of the previous fights had ended early by TKO's. So back to my fight, well the first thing was the support. Mrs. Slickus was more nervous than me all day, and my old man was already tanked up before halfway through the card so he was his noisy self which was good. Other friends and family helped with cheering me on and keeping me focused and motivated. I had zero nerves all day, the whole 8 weeks really, i was excited for it. Training for 8 weeks, pushing myself and losing a load of weight had all come up to this day, and i was buzzing for it. I was actually more nervous on the introduction night 8 weeks ago, then on fight night My opponent, who i tried to stay out of his way for my own reasons, wanted to chat at least 3 separate times in the afternoon. I was pleasant, and friendly, but kept it to a minimum as i knew it would be business in a few hours.
So the fight came along and from the start it was going to be a slog for me. His height and reach just overbeared me and was difficult to get inside his jab to utilise body shots and combos. Sadly he put me down twice in the first round, and then twice in the 2nd round, and by then the Ref could see it was a done deal so called it. I could see it come to be honest, but until the ref called it, i just swung for the fences, hoping something would land and would put him out, but it never happened. Not windmilling as such, just putting everything into each shot as that's all i had, that or defend and get bullied. I left the ring feeling humbled and honest with myself that i truly tried my best, but on this occasion it wasn't good enough, and the last 8 weeks of a rollercoster journey, it was all sobering. I left the ring looking at Mrs. Slickus in tears of pride and happiness as i walked back. She almost got me reduced to a weeping wreck but i man'd up and carried on walking for the medical and a shower.
That first beer afterwards tasted so good!!

So what have i learnt from all of this, firstly, people are very generous. I managed to raise £1k for Cancer Research UK and am overwhelmed and honored by all those that donated. I also learnt that if i put my mind to it, i can do anything. Push myself to get in shape, push myself into the unknown, and push myself out of the comfort zone. I've also learnt how to be calm in situations and how to relax and bury any nerves that might arise. Almost a case of putting my mind on other things.
Would i do it again, maybe, but for now, i'll let the couple of bruises on my face heal, and spend some time with my 4 month old boy, and mum.
I would say this though, if anyone thinks about doing it, DO IT! It's an amazing experience, and you make it what you put in. It has it's ups and downs, i have my own comments and criticisms about a couple of points on how it's run and the 'politics', but aside from that, each own personal gain , is amazing.

So back to everyday life now, although i'm still going to keep up the morning runs as well as the evening gym sessions, but not as intense as they were.

Cheers guys, Slickus.

V8mate

45,899 posts

189 months

Monday 5th June 2017
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Yeah, but you got in there and did it!

(Wot, no video? wink )

Halb

53,012 posts

183 months

Monday 5th June 2017
quotequote all
Slickus said:
I would say this though, if anyone thinks about doing it, DO IT! It's an amazing experience, and you make it what you put in. It has it's ups and downs, i have my own comments and criticisms about a couple of points on how it's run and the 'politics', but aside from that, each own personal gain , is amazing.
Can you elucidate?
And well done!!!

I raised £600 recently by running in the GReat Manchester Run, but I fancy this.
Did you use that stamina jab routine?

Slickus

Original Poster:

129 posts

135 months

Monday 5th June 2017
quotequote all
V8mate, I've only seen a video of the 1st round this morning, and waiting for it to be sent to me. Once it is, i'll share it. Also the whole fight will be put up on YT by the organizers, along with the other fights in due time.

Halb, I've pm'd you mate.

hornetrider

63,161 posts

205 months

Monday 5th June 2017
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Fair play to you mate good effort. I thought his height and reach would tell sadly, but congrats on the whole thing. clap

ben5575

6,254 posts

221 months

Monday 5th June 2017
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Well done. Not just for raising the cash, but as others have said, for getting in the ring. Talk is cheap, win/lose/whatever, you stepped up when the vast, vast majority don't have the balls. You should take pride in that. And after only 8 weeks too.

Do you now get the bit about being hit properly as opposed to just sparring? wink

One to chalk up in life's experiences. Stick with the training if you can. Running is better than nothing but continuing to learn how to box should keep you motivated to keep fit.

clapclapclap



Lotus Notes

1,200 posts

191 months

Tuesday 6th June 2017
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Well done, some great dedication..Shows what you can do when you put your mind to it!

Do try and keep the weight off, it'll be a lasting reminder of your time in the ring.

mikebradford

2,509 posts

145 months

Tuesday 6th June 2017
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I've lurked on this particular thread.
But would like to say a big well done, as it takes guts to actually get in a ring, so credit to you.

Glad you've come out of the experience feeling better for it.
And all for a worthy cause.

Slickus

Original Poster:

129 posts

135 months

Tuesday 6th June 2017
quotequote all
Cheers for your kind words guys.

It was a hard battle, and i tried to give as good as i got. Sadly the result wasn't what i planned for, but then the amount i raised wasn't what i thought i'd make either, so levels itself out.

ben5575, being properly hit will never come easy, i find it's always a shock as not use to it. But i'm aware that i need to recover instantly and regain composure and put pressure back on him. I'm my own worse critic, and though afterwards, that the fight was one way. I've seen a brief video of the first round on someones phone yesterday, and i'm surprised how much better i was then what i thought i was. I'm trying to get the video sent to me and when it does, i'll post it up. That and the complete fight in a few weeks time.

Lotus Notes, Will keep the weight off for sure. Sadly Mrs. Slickus and myself lost a baby in 2015 and it sent me into self destruct and eating sadly became a comfort, subconsciously. But now a new lease of life and a 4 month old boy have kicked my backside into gear, wanting to improve myself and become more confident etc.

Whether i'll continue the boxing training, who knows. I'd like to but i'm also fully aware that i want to spend more time now with the family and enjoy the summer. As for the experience, well after the fight i was done, i'd told myself 'that's it'. But last night in bed, i started to think about it again, how much already i'm missing the whole experience, the people, training and commitment so who knows. Maybe next year i'll have another go. Each fighter can fight with the UWCB 3 times, so if my body allows it and the 'fight' is still there...........never say never!