Joe Byrd's Boxing Academy

[Chris Nagel]

The bad news about the sparring is that it's going to be a while before I'll be able to spar again. Mr. Byrd says that you need your amateur book, which looks like a boxing passport to be able to spar. He says it's because if there is an inspector that comes by and finds out that we are unlicensed or if our licences are expired, we can get banned and Joe would get suspended. Jackson has no license to begin with, and I need the forms so that I can renew mine.

Normally Mrs. Byrd handles the boxing licenses along with much of the business aspects of running the gym. She has been unwell as of late and I have not seen her in the last couple of weeks, but I heard that we should be seeing again her soon. She's a lovely person, full of encouragement and kindness, and more of a pillar than a fixture at Mr. Byrd's gym.

At least on the bright side, that gives me time to prepare for sparring, and seeing where I am at there is a lot for me to work on. So whenever my book is ready, you'll see a much better version of me in the ring.

As for some training advice from Joe, one thing he suggests is to run wind sprints. His version is to sprint 50 yards, and then jog backwards with your arms raised in a ear-muffs position. I don't know if there is more to this, but that's what I've been told when two occasions and when I asked about it recently. I've read about other versions, but main point is thinking about what your roadwork is intended to accomplish. Different kinds of alternating running/sprinting, or interval running (ie. running with a resting interval) is to condition you perform better under the rigors of boxing (ie. the lulls in action, the quick responses, and the rapid exchanges). This is different than the simple jogging/running for long distance, which can be good for cutting weight, and will-power.

Joe's other suggestion is to exercise at the gym using work shoes/boots. The reasoning behind this is to become accustomed to the heavier weight while trying to move quickly so when you change into your boxing shoes you'll feel lighter and move quicker and more confidently. The work shoes are durable, and you can save your boxing shoes from wear and tear. Anyway, I have a pair that I saved in case I needed it for construction or tire changing. I've been using it the last couple of days and it does make things a little more difficult, especially when I am doing stomach exercises with my legs raised.