Cutting Weight

[Youngblood]

Let's talk cutting weight. It's never been a factor for me until this weekend past. Much as we would like to avoid doing it, it is becoming apparant to me that it is all part of the sport of boxing.

Last week right before my tournament, I realized I needed to drop a category in weight to get my fight. This meant dropping nearly 7 lbs. Was a bit worried I'd have a prob. doing so, as I don't have much fat to burn to begin with. Basically what I did was run twice a day, prob. 3-4 miles and avoided much water. just enough to keep me from feeling faint.

As well I stayed away from carbs, and only really ate proteins and lean foods. I think it was Tuesday I started, thinking I might be fighting as early as Friday. I was targetting 154 lbs or 70 kg. First day lost 2 pounds. Next day at end of day, was down to about 157. Woke up the next morning, Thursday...and there I was...at 153. I was feeling a bit weak, so then started to eat better and just kept a close eye on weight until fight.

As it turned out, I wasn't fighting until Sunday. Woke up for weigh ins on Sunday morning, and was at 156 & 1/2. Coach made me do a quick sauna w/spit cup...and weighed in a few hours later at exactly 154.

After that loaded up on liquids, largely gatorade (2 of them) with lots of
electrolytes, and had a very big breakfast at around 10 o'clock. By shortly after noon I was in the ring and felt very good and strong.

This was my first time having to do this, and it was easier then I thought it would be. Curious if others have had experience with doing it...how you did it, how it worked out, how it felt etc. Is good I believe if we can share our experiences and thoughts.

My conclusion to this is that losing in the area of 6-7 pounds is easy...very easy to do. Getting a start on it 4-5 days before the fight also I think helped prevent fatigue.

Anyone else had some experience doing this. Anyone,anyone...Bueller?