a lot of that comes with experience, IMO. And practice.. with guys n the gym doing jab drills and that kind of stuff... Also, confidence in your defensive skills to bob weave etc (ie, to not get hit) will help.

But one thing I saw and found interesting was how Chinese kung fu fighters train to keep their eye open by splashing water in front of their face... easiest to do when in a swimming pool. I tried it in the summer and it is VERY hard to fight the body's natural reflex to close the eyes.

The good news for you and most boxers is that you'll never have your eyes closed when you get knock out. Well, seldom. Why? Because it's the one you don't even see coming that knocks you out.

The bottom line here is that all boxers, even the best of the best, close their eyes to some degree when getting pelted. It's human nature and almost can't be changed.