When driving to the gym today, I did get nervous. I was surprised I did. Adrenaline rush is already setting in. Funny how it's automatic, and I don't need to think about the adrenaline for it to come up. As I go closer, I get more excited about sparring, because all the work I put in shadowboxing, etc. I feel prepared already. Don't get me wrong, I don't want to kill the guy, I just want the reassurance just for my sake. Even if it is just a silly sparring matchup.

I met my sparring partner today.

I have 10 pounds on him, but he has better conditioning than me, he's stronger than me too.

BUT, I have way more skill, I can tell you that much. All this shadowboxing has really paid off. I always ask my buddie, who's a counterpuncher boxer, about what to do in training. Even he's saying I now have better skill.

I have a feeling my sparring partner is going to throw lots of combinations at me, powerful ones. But I want to duck, move around, stay calm, and hopefully block most of them. ... I know I'm gonna get hit too.

Interesting sparring partners we are.

If he does go crazy on me, either my corner stops it (My good friend is going to watch over it). OR BETTER... I'm going to save myself energy to spar the last half of the round. Won't go crazy, just rely on my jab, calmness, and movement. Just like YOU guys have said. I have been imagining staying calm, while fighting, ever since you guys gave me great advice. I will try very hard to remember all this.

Right now I'm concentrating on staying calm while boxing, and not tight. And blocking, which will help me save energy to go 2 to 3 rounds easier. My best ability is ducking and sliping a punch. Since that is all I have been doing for awhile. This week, I have one of my other buddies throw punches at me, while I move my head around, ducking. Just to get me used to getting punched at.