Something I noticed about breathing: Filling the gas tank?

[BiritshFist]

Firstly I'd like to point out I'm aware you're meant to exhale at the end of every punch through the nose, something I always strive to do. I am also aware of breathing with the intention of not getting gassed.

Okay so recently during sparring they've had some guys from another club for us to train with, since a group of us have some amateur fights coming up. (Or I did until my nose went pop.) Session before last nights, I sparred this guy and had my backside kicked. I felt like I wasn't able to fire any punches off, not even a simple jab. I felt so tight and tense, and this guy picked me apart.

Last night again I was doing awesome until I got to this guy, and again I wasn't able to do a thing. He had me cornered a ton of times, and rather than throwing out ANYTHING it'd feel as if I was just waiting for him to attack me. Toward the end of the round I came back slightly, and suddenly I was conscious that I was breathing.

In hindsight I was since realized I was so unconfident against him I was all tight and not breathing, I was so intimidated by him in the ring I was holding my air in rather than breathing, which is why I couldn't fire any punches off.

The main point of this post if the above seems too much for you to bother reading

In my observation I've decided that comparing breathing to firing off punches, is the same as comparing gas in an engine. By breathing I am not just relaxing, but I am filling my gas tank with air so that I can fire off punches at my target? Despite realizing this I'd like some confirmation from one of the more experienced people here. I usually just lurk this place, but this is something I'd like to ask and have someone expand upon it.

So yes, without breathing you can't fire any punches, because you have no energy to fire them off from? Is that right? Breathing enables you to be able to pull the trigger?