A guy from my gym broke his hand before the Australian National Championships. He went to compete anyway and won the Australian Light Heavyweight title by winning three bouts over 4 nights - but not without pain.

I went there to compete also (didn't get a national title though) and saw the way he dealt with it. He was made captain of the state team for good reason - he dealt with it so well, he was so focused and supportive towards all the fighters.

However the national title was his main long term boxing goal so for him that was worth the risk of further damaging his hand.

I guess if you are planning a lot of bouts in the future you would not want to push yourself like that. It would not be worth the longer term set back to win one competition.

Perhaps that's one big thing to consider in boxing competitions - where your long term goals and priorities lie and what you are willing to risk as an individual. A few years ago I would take a fight regardless of whether or not I felt fit and ready and confident because I worried i would not get another chance.

Now I'd never go into a fight without feeling 100 % ready because I want to make the most of the next 6 years competing and hopefully continue to box for fun long after that. A coach who pushes you to compete when you're not ready might be more likely to be a bit dodgy i think!