I finally got me some ring time

[FeuerFrei]

I'd been training like crazy for a fight I was supposed to have with Lamara Iverson, but her manager seemed to go squirrely on me for some reason and nothing's come of it.

So I decided that I really wanted to get some ring time in other than sparring once a week as part of my training regimen. I decided to enter into a local Toughman competition. For anyone who might not be familiar with these things, they are a single elimination "boxing" tournament that runs for 2 nights. The people who fight in these things often do not have much if any boxing training (although I did see a few talented fighters there). I really wanted to at least get an idea of what it's like to be in an actual ring in front of a crowd.

Anyway, on the first night, I drew a girl on the first night who was younger and shorter than me and weighed more. I beat her pretty soundly in that fight (3 one minute rounds) with a unanimous decision. I admire her. She had a lot of heart.

Here's the film of that fight (hope it shows as I've never embedded something before..If it doesn't work, I have to put up a URL). I know there's quite a few things that I did wrong, but I'd gladly take any feedback. I'm the taller fighter in the sport bra top and the black and gold trunks.

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When I came back for the second night, there were three heavyweight female fighters left including me. I lucked out and drew the bi so I got to fight whoever won the fight between the other two. As it turned out, last years champion won the fight so I had to fight her. She didn't seem to be looking forward to fighting me at all going into the ring and after the first round, she refused to come out of her corner for the second round giving me a TKO. I won a nice jacket, a nice chunk o change and I nicked an extra set of handwraps off of the promoter (the supply you with a set of handwraps but gosh I liked 'em ).

[FeuerFrei]

Crap!!! The embed didn't work. Sorry folks. I'll have to do a URL. If someone would like to embed it. That'd be cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sc2hgbnvbgY

[Sharla]

Hi Congrats on your first bout.

It's difficult to see very well since the vid is so dark but based on what I think I can make out there are a few small things you could do to improve your fight.

Tall people - especially competing as relative beginners - can almost get away with just using good distancing and long straight punches with their elbows in. You keep them away and move with a solid jab when your in danger.

Your jab sometimes looked straight but your cross could be improved. Also get a real feel for exactly how long your arms are. I know that sounds a little patronising but it's so common to see fighters (including guys) who don't use their reach.

Also start first. This is a little tricky since the way you feel fighting in front of a crowd and how you handle your nerves etc can make this more difficult again than it sounds like it should be. She came running out at you from the break at one stage and you missed your chance to start first because she was so aggressive.

You don't have to charge in like a wounded bull but you need a bit of movement as soon as the bell goes so that she doesn't catch you flat footed. My coaches don't let me stop moving even when I'm waiting to get into the ring because you need to stay limber and loose to respond the best way you can.

Your guard could also use some improvement but I think if you used your full reach she'd struggle to get in enough to put so much pressure on it and you'd have a better chance of holding it well.

As the taller fighter you can pick her off while you are still at a safe distance - enjoy it!

[FeuerFrei]

Ok the trainer here
(shes gonna yell at me for posting on her board)
The girl she was fighting was 12 years her junior,the game plan was to take and keep the center of the ring and hold it,let the chubby young girl do all the work.
That being said she has been yelled at repeatedly for not doubling the jabs to keep her off,and allowing Leslie to dictate the action,she allows the action to get dictated too much because of it.
But theres a hell of alot good in there

[FeuerFrei]

It's me again. Thanks, Sharla. I agree with you totally. It was my first time in the ring and I caught myself forgetting my training a bit. To be honest, I was scared stupid for that first round. It was so bad that I had a hard time getting my breathing under control between round one and two. Luckily, the guy working my corner saw the problem right away and took me through some breathing exercises to get it back under control.

CC for the advice. Now excuse me, I'm gonna go mess up my trainer's hair for sneaking on as me.

[Sharla]

I too know the feeling of watching a video and wondering why nerves messed with me. So many things I see in fight videos I don't like about myself. Congrats again

[FeuerFrei]

BTW,Sharla,trainer boy again,thanks,you actually said the only thing I hadnt noticed from the tape myself,that anyone has said.
She initiates so well in sparring I missed it
And yes,I have recombed my hair

[Sharla]

Any time - it's good to see her having a go. I recognized the initiation thing because I've had the same problem myself - nerves I think with me mostly

[Trainer Monkey]

Any time - it's good to see her having a go. I recognized the initiation thing because I've had the same problem myself - nerves I think with me mostly

Heh heh,got my own dang account,yeah,its one thing to spar,work the bags,work the mitts,its entirely different to get your head around the concept of ,"That girl wants to take my head off,and 3000+ people want to watch her do it"
That being said,the niggling,and nagging that is the job of the trainer has well and truly begun.Or as she was telling another guy who wants me to train him,"Im warning you now,he'll never be happy"