My first real experience of boxing was 3 years ago.

I was quite fat and very much out of shape.
I took up boxing for a couple of reasons. One, because i had low self-esteem and they figured that it would be a good idea to take it up. Two, because i wanted to get into shape. The last one ill let you guys know is because i would regularly get into fights with me against 2 to 3 guys and get my butt whooped and i want to learn how to box.

So i found a gym and talked to the coach there. He told me to put on some gloves, some headgear and just get into the ring.
Its pretty obvious that i got into my first sparring session. I like to think that i held my own, however, i did get knocked down twice and i pretty sure i didnt land a single punch cleanly. What shocked me though was my defense. I had done quite well in that department.
From that day onwards, i would go back, work on the basics of defence, offence for about a month. While continually testing them out in the ring as well.

My question is this.

Were any of you just...THRUST into boxing so fast like i was? It did work well for me but has it failed before? I am sure it has.