Hi all, I’ve been thinking about taking up boxing for a few months now, and I’m finally going to give it my best. I’m interested in learning the fundamentals of boxing, and then starting up matches if I like it.

I have a million questions and every question I answer leaves two more. So if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask a couple here.

So I live in Japan, where heavyweight boxing is more of a rarity than western countries… I know I’m jumping the gun by a few months here, but I am wondering how effective sparring with smaller people would be for progress? For example, if I were to spar with a skilled middleweight boxer (72kg?) for an absolute beginner, would that provide a good foundation for a heavyweight amateur match? I am 105kg, 6’8”.

Also, I would like to know about the disadvantages that tall boxers face? I feel like my stomach is wide open… how could I overcome this in a country whose average height rarely surpasses 5’8”?

Thanks!!