How important is quality sparring?

[skel1983]

Do you feel the level of sparring the prospects have in the Uk determine to a certain extent how far they go?

I mean there is obviosuly exceptions like Calzaghe who didnt really spar anyone other than the lads in his gym, but just thinking about a few boxers and maybe what has hindered there career is the amount of hard quality sparring. Look at Khan now moving to La to do his camps will benefit him as he will be sparring quality fighters over here with Oliver Harrison he was sparring the likes of Micheal Gomez. I think more of our younger fighters like Brook should get out to the States and get some world class sparring in rather than sparring the likes of Thaxton and co.

I think you can see the benefits Cleverly has had from sparring hundreds and hundreds of rounds as a young kid with Calzaghe and he looks alot more than a 16 fight fighter and most likey the experience he has had sparring alot of rounds with a world class fighter.

I was reading a piece prior to the Cotto-Jennings fight and Jennings saying he felt he was in tip top shape and ready to beat Cotto because of the hard sparring he had had with Matthew Hall and Thomas Mcdonagh?? I mean how the hell does sparring two domestic fighters who are world apart in terms of abilty to Cotto get you prepared for a fight of this importance?

Im suprised the promoters like Warren dont get involved more in terms of organising them quality sparring and locations to spar becasue at the end of the day these fighters are his investment. I was shocked when Enzo Mac said after the Afolabi fight said he had no sparring and Warren didnt no anything about it, surely promoters keep regular tabs on there fighters prior to a big fight.

What do you reckon?

[Steelie]

It's an interesting question...

Personally, I wouldn't fancy doing my learning once the first bell goes. I'd want to feel half way there in terms of understanding my opponent. That said, an almost infinite amount of fighters will train hard, get good sparring in, watch vidoes etc.......and then step into the ring on fight night and just flail away. We've all seen it, so what was the point in all those rounds tweaking and honing the tactics?

I guess on those occasions it comes down to discipline, fear, adrenaline, wanting to impress and so on.

I think it's the Ingles who advocate body sparring. I can understand the principle of not wanting fighters to get miles on the clock but at the same time I can't see the point of it either. Then again, they've had some genuine world champs out of the Wincobank, so what do I know.

[Taeth]

Like everything else it depends on the fighter, Roy Jones Jr also went really far, and often didn't have the best sparring partners.

[Howlin Mad Missy]

natural talent, hard work and a good trainer will of course take you far but put it another way, what would you choose? Quality sparring or not?

[Fenster]

Without doubt it must be a huge benefit.. especially confidence wise if you can hold your own in higher company (unless you are getting slaughtered of course )

[LEGION]

Ask Hatton

[Nameless]

Call me old school but I think that to have a chance to beat the best, you must have practiced against the toughest available to be ready to sustain the discharge. Of course, it doesn't guarantee the victory but it is definitely like having an Ace in your hand instead of a Jacks.