Rob Pilger's Boxing Performance Blog Delivering Real World No BS Boxing Training Info

We're Moving!

2009-02-13T09:12:00.000-08:00

It's time to move to a new and improved blog. Please join me at my new blog
RobPilger.com where I'll continue to bring you the best boxing performance training info and my ever so blunt pre/post fight opinions.

I want to thank all of you for reading and I hope you visit me at RobPilger.com Please comment anytime.

See you there!

Rob Pilger

Gym Notes: Patience A Missing Ingrediant In Coaching Fighters?

2009-02-10T18:16:00.000-08:00

I have a young fighter that has been developing nicely. I've been taking my time with him and making sure he absorbs and displays the basics before moving on. He's been with me for about three months now and in any other gym he probably would have had his first fight by now.

I'm patient though. I want to see certain things repeatedly done before even thinking about his first fight. Tonight in sparring he started to display what I want to see.

I feel patience is very important ingredient in coaching. Fuck, rush a kid in fight sports and you make him love shy, make a fighter glove shy and it's pretty much over.

Patience allows a coach and fighter to gel, allows a coach to learn more about his fighter, and allows the fighter to develop at a pace they're comfortable with.

Some gifted fighters can obviously be pushed and developed faster, but to watch a young fighter start to take impressive form lets you know that the patience involved was indeed warranted and needed.

Take a step forward, then take two step backwards, but steady progressing never the less with a patient coaching style allows a fighter to really become all that they can be.

You know what they say...Haste makes waste, and it ruins untapped potential.

Boxing Defense Drill: Rolling with Body Shots.

2009-02-06T18:15:00.000-08:00

Here's a drill I like to use with my fighters while teaching them how to defend against body shots. You just don't see much of this being taught to young fighters anymore.

Gym Notes: Establishing The Jab.

2009-02-03T18:53:00.000-08:00

One of the rules I have in my gym is throw few single jabs. It instantly pisses me off if I see a fighter do it more than once. I get enraged if I see a fighter flick it or paw with it even more.

The jab is an awesome weapon when used correctly. When watching the Mosley-Margarito fight yet again I was impressed with how Mosley doubled and tripled up his jab. Doing that aloud him to land his power shots. The conductor that got Shane working the jab in that way was of course Nazim Richardson. He knows boxing and knows what the jab can do. The jab allowed Shane to do what he wanted to do to Antonio, keep him at bay, out of rhythm, and mesmerized by it.

Watch that fight again and see for yourself. Fuck those flicking jabs which Shane does still throw a lot of. Solid double and triple jabs allow you to control the rhythm and distance of a fighter. It just opens up many opportunities while closing the opposing fighters would be opportunities as well.

Need more proof on the potency of the jab? Study the great Larry Holmes and watch how he positioned fighters and controlled them with his jab. Yeah, he did it for eight years as heavyweight champion of the world!

Visit http://boxingperformance.com/ to master how to throw a bone jarring jab!

The Product of Great Match Making or Skill?

2009-01-31T09:36:00.000-08:00

I struck a lot of readers nerves on eastsideboxing.com with my latest article...http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=18595&more=1

It appears that many people are fooled that Wladimir Klitschko is indeed a great fighter. I say the best heavyweight in the world is his brother Vitali. Big brother Vitali continues to beat up the fighters that have beaten or ruffed up his brother in Corrie Sanders, and Sam Peter. If big brother always takes care of little brothers problems then HE must be considered the best.

I respect Vitali far more because he is far more battle tested. He also doesn't quit or suddenly fall apart in fights when the opposing fighter fights back hard. Why the fuck is Wladimir then looked at as such a great heavyweight when big brother is the one who dominates the fighters Wladimir struggles with?!

Great match making puts quite a trance over many people it seems. Minus his dominant performance over former heavyweight champion Sultan Ibragimov, who the hell has Wladimir beat with a fighting pulse?

The shit I read coming from some people is that Wladimir is far more experienced and doesn't make the same mistakes he did in his past losses. Really?! Ok, he beat Lamon after Lamon suffered a bruising defeat to Serguei Lyakhovich and after not fighting for 15 months. Yeah, that's pretty impressive isn't it? The fuck if it is! Are you kidding me? Sure Wladimir beat the shit out of Lamon in the rematch but it was very clear that Lamon was nowhere near the fighter he was the night he knocked Wladimir out. I know that's not Wladamir's fault, but that's also what happens when you wait for the strong to get weak. Their patience and timing paid off and that's bullshit!

All good fighters lose and it's necessary for them to get better I know. Provided that the mistakes they made don't happen again OR their weaknesses aren't again exposed. Wladimir's losses have resulted from a weak chin and heart. Every fucking time he's pressured or pushed against a strong puncher these weaknesses vividly reappear.

Yeah I know it's been a while since he's showed even a glimpse of these weaknesses, but it's also been a long fucking time since he's fought any fighter with balls and heavy hands.

The way he's been matched recently has fooled many people into thinking that his weaknesses have been strengthened. I'm not buying it, styles make fights and a fighter who comes to fight turns Wladimir into a different fighter and he in turn fights a different style while wearing a skirt.

I don't give a shit that Haye hasn't beaten any top heavyweight contenders yet. Minus Arreola, he's the only one who'll come at Wladimir and check his chin. That's what I want to see, how this new and improved Wladimir handles power and pressure. Yes even against a less experienced and blown up crusierweight fighter in Haye. A fighter can't improve his chin and grow balls after he's been neutered by big punchers in the past by fighting soft opposition. Haye for as inexperienced as he is will at least check Wladamir's chin. We'll see if Wladimir does indeed still have some hanging when Haye hits him hard. Haye will carry some good power in this fight. That's all I want to see. I want to see how much he's really improved mentally and emotionally.

If Haye can pull the upset will we again see big brother coming to his little brother's rescue in getting get back? We'll soon find out when the soft match making ceases.

Mosley Proved Great Fighters Are Forged In The Gym.

2009-01-27T06:55:00.000-08:00

Shane surprised many people last Saturday night myself included. I thought Shane would have his moments just not enough of them to beat Antonio. I was pleasantly wrong. So how did he pull this off and rise to the occasion? I'll tell you how...

Mosley owes EVERYTHING he's learned in the gym as a young teenager and over the years sparring many good Latino fighters to his victory over Margarito last Saturday night. He forged a strong back bone in his sparring sessions learning the lost art of body punching. He learned how to defend against them, dish it out, and deal with hard body shots.

In looking back coming into this fight besides Antonio's strength what does he do that Shane hasn't dealt with over and over again over the many past years sparring with Mexican fighters? Nothing much is what. That's what quality sparring and gym work instills in a fighter with an over abundance of talent.

I failed to recognize this. I failed to realize that Margarito's style, strength advantage or not, fits right into Shane's. I looked at Shane's past performances against Cotto, Wright, Vargas, to voice my logic. Bad move.

Style's make fights and Margarito's style was perfect to make Shane look very special that night. Shane of course had to fight a perfect disciplined fight to take advantage and he did. He's a pro, always has been and always will be until he retires.

He also knows how to fight and take advantage of a fighters weaknesses while nullifying their strengths when their style fits like a glove to his. Mosley slayed the feared and rugged beast in Antonio, and he owes all his hard core sparring sessions over the years with Latino fighters for this huge win.

Shane proved he is old school and one of the best fighters of our generation. Shane has always been a great fighter but minus his first stellar victory over Oscar he hasn't left a lasting impression to cement his greatness... Until last Saturday night that is.

I'm not throwing Antonio under the bus either I was just shocked on how he couldn't get anything going. But then again, that's what superior ring generalship does to a fighter. Shane displayed that superbly. I'll say it again, styles make fights. Cotto beats Mosley, Margarito destroys Cotto, Mosley destroys Margarito. That's boxing!

We all should feel VERY fortunate to be able to have watched living old school fighters like Hopkins and Mosley school younger feared champions in Pavlik and Margarito.

If today's aspiring fighters want to follow even remotely close in their footsteps, they better get quality work in the gym, because that's where champions are created and forged.

Note: It's now Pilger-1 Cosgrove-1. My bud Alwyn was smart enough to take Shane and even up the score... For now at least! :-) We have a blast analyzing fights and we both are very happy with how boxing has opened up 09. The best is yet to come in what is going to be a HUGE year for boxing.

Showcase it and they will come

Mosley-Margarito was jammed packed with real boxing fans and no promotion was really done. Price a great fight correctly while putting it in a real fight town and this is what happens. Let's hope this trend continues.

Where's Oscar?

What the hell was Oscar doing at the Affliction fight that didn't sell well that night? Oscar continues to prove that his actions don't match his fake words... When will he come out of hiding? The REAL boxing fans in LA were booing when Oscar's name was announced. Alwyn who was at the fight said " they booed so loud I thought he was in the building!" I'm glad he wasn't at the Margarito-Mosley fight because the real fighters from Golden Boy Promotions enjoyed the post fight spotlight that night in Mosley and Hopkins. They of course are what Oscar isn't.... REAL fighters.

Margarito-Mosley: My pick.

2009-01-24T16:56:00.000-08:00

Boxing is off to a BIG start in this year! Tonight's fight is SOLD OUT and there's a lot of buzz surrounding this fight. Rightfully so because there's going to be a lot of action. Great to see all the support for this fight. Now let's get into it.

Look for Mosley to try to pick his shots with Antonio early while mixing in some body work of his own. He'll box and try to turn Antonio as best as he can. He'll give Margarito fits while he can keep it up. Can he keep it up though? IF he can it'll he can pull the upset. He's up for this fight that's for sure but I don't know if he has enough in the tank to keep Margarito off of him for twelve rounds.

Look for Antonio to walk Shane down just beating away at anything he can but mostly targeting his body. Antonio is going to look a lot bigger in the ring and with his big and strong ring presence I think he'll beat on Shane's body and arms and wear him down late with relentless pressure and will. Antonio sucks the fight out of a lot of fighters. Antonio will make the ring a lot smaller with his cutting it off. This will allow him to pin point Shane and beat on him.

I think it's going to be a big night for Antonio and I think Shane is going to put on a great performance but I just don't think he's strong enough to keep Antonio off of him the whole night and that's the fight right there.

Margartio UD. Don't be shocked if he stops Shane late though.

Berto Was Taught What He Couldn't Have Learned In The Gym.

2009-01-19T11:26:00.000-08:00

In this weekends tough and close fight against Luis Collazo Andre Berto gained some serious experience that he couldn't have received any where else. This fight was a war and both fighters showed heart, will, and the substance of champions. For the record I had the fight 114-113 Berto. This was also the exciting fight HBO was looking to open 2009 with.

Going into this fight many doubted Berto's talent and mental makeup. Some thought he hit a ceiling in his development. I don't know why people thought this from a young and inexperienced fighter like Berto. I mean he's only had 23 fights going into the fight with Collazo! What the hell do you expect from a young fighter with that many fights? Shit, they're acting like he's had 37 fights or something.

I think Berto proved a lot in this fight and he needed that experience badly. No longer will he, his team, or anyone else really should wonder how he'll perform in REALLY tough/close situations against a good fighter. Berto gained some valuable big fight experience against a crafty, fast, and experienced fighter.

Andre learned a lot about himself in that fight just as we learned a lot about Andre.

The kid has 24 fights now and came through in a very tough fight that many other young champs probably would've folded in. Can everyone please shut the fuck up now and let this kid continue to develop?!

Based of this last weekends performance. I know he will.

*** Berto really needs to stop being so wild and sloppy at times when he's exchanging. His lateral movement must improve to to take advantage of his vast strengths. A more consistent body attack needs to be developed as well. Head hunting gets you tired quick and leaves you open for counters as Berto found out last weekend.

PS: Big props to Luis. The dude has earned a rematch or at least another crack at another champion. How about Collazo-Clottey? Hmmm... That would be a pretty damn good fight!

You Better Be Adding This To Your Training For Improved Boxing Performance.

2009-01-12T11:56:00.000-08:00

I was asked recently how important I thought massage was to a fighters performance. In my opinion and what I see is that fighters don't get enough how quality deep tissue work. Deep tissue work is vital to keeping trigger points ( tight taut knots of muscle tissue ) from limiting your boxing performance.

I know a quality deep tissue therapist is expensive but you can also look into a massage therapy school and pay half the price that you would for an experienced therapist. Keep in mind you get what you pay for and the quality won't be as good as comes with an experienced therapist but it beats nothing at all.

Another alternative is using a foam roller to address tissue quality. The foam roller is great for improving mobility as well. It's a wonderful simple tool for recovery and improving tissue quality that'll lessen the chance of any soft tissue injuries that can happen in training.

Bottom line, get some deep tissue work done or roll to increase your chance of making it to the fight without a hidden injury.

Are you really mastering the basics in your boxing training workouts?

2009-01-09T19:57:00.000-08:00

Tonight on Friday Night Fights Bernard Hopkins and Teddy Atlas noted on how many of todays fighters lack the basics in a huge way. Everyone wants to be a Roy Jones Jr. or Floyd Mayweather Jr.

They were gifted fighters, gifted with awesome reflexes and speed. Floyd got out because his well was drying up and we have been seeing what has been happening to Roy. His reflexes are gone and he has NO basics to fall back as Hopkins pointed out.

Take your time. Master the basics like footwork. Learn the art of boxing. Building that base and mastering the basics ensures longevity as Hopkins displays.

I take my time with my fighters always going back a step once we take a small step forward. This is the sweet science baby. Train like it is!

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for more world class boxing training workout instruction and tips.

A Must Have Training Tool For Your Boxing Training Workouts.

2009-01-05T12:49:00.000-08:00

Not as many gyms as you may think have uppercut bags. The uppercut is a very neglected and underdeveloped punch. Great fighters master it and know what it can do.

In this video clip below I teach you the basics on how to work the uppercut bag.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for more world class boxing training workout instruction and tips.

Gym Notes: Bend Your Knees and Don't Box So Rigid.

2009-01-02T13:02:00.000-08:00

I'm working with a 6'6 heavyweight on footwork, stance, and not being so rigid when he moves. This is particularly important when he slips punches. A common bad habit for a lot of fighters is bending at the waste and not the knees. Kelly Pavlik did this in his loss against Bernard Hopkins. That was one of the first things Bernard told Kelly to improve.

You have better balance, more rhythm, are less of a target ( especially if you're tall ), and you can counter better when bending the knees. Do you have this problem? Do you even look to see if you do? That's what the mirror is for when shadow boxing. Check yourself next time you're in front of a mirror shadow boxing. If you're boxing rigid correct that and watch how much better you become.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for instructional videos on how to master basic to advance boxing skills.

Q/A: Boxing Striking for MMA.

2008-12-29T19:18:00.001-08:00

Here's a great question I was asked about teaching boxing striking to an mma fighter and what it can add. Rampage starched Wanderlai with an awesome left hook on the money and Mir displayed improved hand striking in his win although he still needs to improve on it a lot more.

Bottom line modified boxing striking adds a lot to an mma fighter as you'll read in my response below. Look for me to blog more on how mma fighters are adding or need to add more in the future upcoming big fights.

Rob, I wanted to know what you thought about applying boxing to mma striking and where do you see it going in the future. A lot of mma guys throw haymakers and looping punches but seem to get away w/ it (Fedor, Wanderlei Silva, etc.). Some guys (Rampage, GSP, etc) have more of a traditional stance and better technique. Do you think as mma progresses, guys will start applying more head movement, combos, and counter punching as a professional boxer would? Thanks in advance Michael.

I work striking with mma fighters using modified techniques. I can add some footage very soon. I think when it's taught right it adds a lot to a fighter and I obviously see and get this feedback as well.

You can't turn an mma fighter into a boxer with a typical boxing stance. Teaching them how to maximize their punching leverage, turning their hips, shoulders, and wrists over goes a long way to increasing punching power.

Tools that the fighters I work with dig are the maize ball ( shown in a previous post ) and the double end bag. In fact many fighters have never used these great training tools. The maize ball goes along way into improving head movement as does the double end bag along with punching far more accurate, improving timing, speed, movement etc.

You saw what happened to Wanderlai as he got stretched because he was there to be hit. Same thing with Evans blasting Chuck out a few fights ago. They can be countered on easy . Head movement is a must and not worked on enough.

Yeah I do think that mma fighter will add more modified boxing techniques to their game. They'll alo learn to relax more so the punches flow faster, more accurate, tighter ( meaning not so wide ) and harder for longer. This takes time to master.

Those gloves are fucking small so it's either kill or be killed by punches. Meaning you can get a guy out fast when you master hands or a fighter will get stretched by someone who's good if they're an easy target who walks right into shots with no head movement.

One thing I do with the fighter I work with is that when they work on the heavy bag I'll get behind the bag and after a combo or mid combo I'll thrust forward with the bag like I'm shooting in on them so they can move out of the way and back in with knees or kicks. This keeps them very sharp and prevents them from getting lazy and in a lull.

First annual year end Boxing Performance awards.

2008-12-22T10:44:00.000-08:00

Here's my first annual boxing performance awards. We had a great 08 in boxing, look for a bigger 09 in boxing! Enjoy....

Best performance of the year

1) Pacquiao
2) Hopkins
3) Margarito

Fighter of the year pound for pound

1) Pacquiao (no one else comes close this year)
2) Bernard Hopkins
3) Paul Williams

Fight of the year

1) Vazquez-Marquez 3
2) Cotto-Margarito
3) Pacquiao - Marquez II

Event of the year

1) Pacquiao-De La Hoya

Upset of the year

1) Pacquiao- De La Hoya
2) Hopkins- Pavlik
3) Prescott-Khan

Comeback of the year

1) Vitali Klitschko: Returns from a near four years away and shuts out the so called most feared heavyweight in the world.
2) Vic Darchinian: Beats down Mijares in impressive fashion.

3) Ricky Hatton (he didn't retire but he rebounded well from a beating by Mayweather )

Round of the year

1) Holt-Torres 2 round one

KO of the year

1) Casamayor - Katsidis
2) Holt-Torres II
3) Miranda-Banks
4) Prescott- Khan
5) Mosley-Mayorga

Trainer of the Year

1) Freddie Roach
No one else comes close this year.

Fake Ass Fighter Nothing but Hype Award

1) Roy Jones
2) De La Hoya
3) Sam Peter

Dude you should have stayed retired award

1) Angelo Dundee: He added nothing to Oscar and it was a distraction and all hype to have him in camp. Back to the sunny beaches of retirement Dundee goes... Please stay there Angie.

Gym Notes: The power of distance and using angles.

2008-12-19T18:17:00.000-08:00

I'm going to start blogging now with more gym notes from my gym. I think this will allow everyone to have a great look about what goes on and arises in training fighters.

Tonight at the gym during sparring one of my fighters kept making a basic but yet very over looked mistake. The mistake was getting in position to land the jab and follow up right hand left hook then take 3-4 steps straight back taking himself out of position to get off again.

He would also have success doubling up his jab yet take himself back out of position. I explained to him while he was sparring that he was having success and taking that success away from himself by doing that. You can't fight for position then take it away. You get nowhere fast and build no momentum or rhythm. What solves this common error? Moving laterally allows you to evade incoming punches while turning your opponent and allowing you to be in position to punch in on angles. This is how you control another fighter and it's truly powerful and very fun to do!

I know what boxing is and how to define it... It's to hit and not be hit yet be in position to counter ( punch ) back and score. Many coaches forget this. I don't. This is boxing and this is what I teach at my fight school.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ to master how to move laterally and punch in on angles.

The Best Heavyweight in The World, But Ready To Be Blown Over and Out At Any Moment.

2008-12-15T19:38:00.000-08:00

Wladimir Klitshko took care of business against sub and sloppy looking Hasim Rahman in a one sided beat down last Saturday night. Hasim looked to show up just for the check and lets hope we don't hear from his bitch ass again. I say bitch ass because of the way he weaseled out of the Toney rematch and he goes on to perform like this! A fucking joke and embarrassment to his team.

Why was Marshal Kaufman fired weeks before the fight? Why in favor of McGirt? who did give good instructions in the fight. Did Marshal foresee what was coming and voice his concern? Wlad played with Hasim and this fight really sucked to watch!

In watching Wladimir you obviously can appreciate how he uses his size and skill well. Offensively he is there although he has a poor body attack and defensively he's still flawed. Emanuel Steward is notoriously a more offensively minded coach. Watching Wladimir fight you can still see he gets uncomfortable when pressure is applied. ( Not that Hasim applied much! ) He just looks like he can be blown over with a heavy shot at times. I just don't trust his toughness.

How do you expose Wlad's defensive flaws you may be thinking? Look at the Pacquiao- De La Hoya fight that followed this bore fest. You take Wlad's strengths away by turning him and pressuring him. You beat him by using movement ( foot, and head ), power, feints, and HARD counter punching.

A heavyweight that I first laughed at by thinking he could pose a threat to Klitchsko is starting to make me a believer in him. His fight against Barret has nothing to do with my thinking this either.

David Haye has the athleticism, power, speed, and foot work to catch and test Wlad. If he can improve his head movement and shorten his shots by not getting too wild I give him a hellava shot of beating Wlad. Haye has pretty fast feet along with his hands and I think he could punch in on some nice angles created by his footwork. Wlad fights totally different when he worries about what's coming in return or when the other fighter doesn't cooperate and fights his own fight.

Wladimir has everything but a chin. Haye's chin is suspect too but he has balls and would bring it too Wladimir WHICH is what he hates. I feel Hay's pressure if he doesn't make any mistakes could really stress Wladimir and fatigue him as he fatigued against Lamont Brewster. Haye seems to hit harder and is obviously a lot faster than Lamont so you can't help but think he has a great shot.

I tell you what.. If they fight like they should.. It'll be a lot better rather than watching that one sided beat down we seen against that pretender Rahman. Haye comes to fight and will go out on his shield. That's a can't miss fight and one I'll guarantee we'll all enjoy seeing. Wishful thinking on my part? I don't think so. Lets hope this fight happens.

Dreams Can Come True With Your Help.

2008-12-11T20:50:00.000-08:00

I contributed to this awesome holiday tips e-book. I know you all will dig it and find it really beneficial. Now I'm asking each of you to reach out and help those in need this holiday season by purchasing this e book. Help yourself while helping those in need by purchasing this $10 e-book. It doesn't get any better than that!

Here's what's inside the e-book....

Get inside advice from some of the world’s top personal trainers, coaches and strength athletes while benefiting the Make-A-Wish Foundation®. .

Team EliteFTS 2008 Holiday Tips contains 137 tips to get through the holidays with relatives, no gym,commercial gyms,holiday food and parties.This also includes 10 workout programs and one Circa-Max Raw Bench Press Program to peak your bench before the new year. As always you will find our usual EliteFTS humor scattered throughout the manual.

We request a minimum $10 contribution for this e-book, but we are leaving the option to donate extra if you like.

Team Elitefts Holiday Tips (e-Book)

Oscar Found Out That If You Play With Fire You Do Get Burnt... Really Torched.

2008-12-08T12:21:00.001-08:00

It looks like the days of Oscar hand picking his opponents for a big event and pay pay are finally over. Last Saturday night in a fight touted as mismatch Manny Pacquiao proved everyone wrong while beating Oscar's ass into obvious retirement.

This fight was seen as a joke to many experts and even team De La Hoya. They obviously didn't take Manny serious enough and totally mis judged what Pacquiao could do.

I though coming in Manny would rise to the occasion and perform spectacularly. I didn't think he'd dominate Oscar that easy though. I mean it was EASY for Manny. He kicked Oscar's ass from pillar to post.

Oscar was finally taught the lesson that if you want to be a part time fighter and not take boxing serious enough by being active before taking on a beast like Manny you get embarrassed.

It was obvious coming into this fight that Manny was the real fighter. The size factor was the only question mark and Manny proved the adage of it's not the size of the dog in the fight but the fight in the dog very true.

Ironically though Manny was heavier than Oscar going into the ring. The speed, movement, and defense Manny displayed was spectacular. He upped his game big time. Yes it was a one sided fight but Manny made it that way and kept it that way until the end. That's how good he has become.

That's what special fighters do. Manny has done what Oscar was never able to do and that's dominate in a big fight. That's why when Manny retires he'll be looked at as the better and more accomplished fighter. Manny has taken more risks and beat better fighters than Oscar. Manny takes risks because he's a fighter and now a multi multi millionaire as well.

He's had a Henry Armstrong like year and the sky is the limit as a proposed Hatton fight nears. Yes Manny is P4P #1, yes he'll be a hall of famer, and yes he proved with last Saturday nights performance that he's a throw back fighter.

The scary thing is that Manny hasn't even peaked yet! The best seems yet to come. While Oscar's act and charade as an elite fighter is finally over.

- Big props to Freddie who devised and had Manny follow a brilliant fight plan. This bout was sweet revenge for Freddie and it couldn't have happened to a better trainer.

- Thanks to Bob Arum for listening to Larry Merchant's idea of this fight and having the faith in Freddie Roach when Freddie confirmed that Manny could do it.

- Of course thanks to Manny for proving all these fucking moronic experts wrong who called this fight a mismatch in favor of Oscar. It's fighters like Manny and of course Bernard Hopkins who continue to prove how little these experts do know of boxing.

My Late Prediction For Pacquiao-De La Hoya.

2008-12-06T16:29:00.000-08:00

From reading my last post here on my blog and my latest post on the elite Q/A under Olympic sports you guys obviously know who I want to win. I really think Manny can do it too.

Lets remember that Oscar hasn't fought frequent enough and against solid opposition to be really sharp tonight. That's what's going to hurt him against Manny who's been very active against awesome opposition. I mean fighters like Marquez who is amazingly skilled and everything that Oscar isn't pound for pound.

Oscar should have a few movements with his size advantage but the fight will change when he's tired. Manny can go all night and he's VERY durable. That'll make the difference along with his movement and speed. I think his power will surprise Oscar and we'll soon see.

Manny by close decision... Because they're fighting in Oscar's town... Vegas.

Enjoy the fight!

The Pacquiao- De La Hoya Promotion Should Be Titled The Fighter Vs. The Fraud

2008-12-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Let me ask you guys something. How did you like hearing Oscar regurgitate the same old shit he has his whole career during Pacquiao- De La Hoya 24/7? Are you sold on it? Do you believe his twisted hype? Do you believe Dundee can add anything or has made Oscar better? What about Nacho for that matter? After all wasn't Oscar SOOOO elated that Nacho was training him and saying that Nacho is the weapon that'll help him beat Manny yeeeet he brings in Dundee?

Oscar is anything but a real fighter and hasn't been for quite a few years now. Why does he fight then? He's established his promotional firm as the soon to be juggernaut promotional company of boxing.

Oscar wants to have his cake in boxing and eat it too. But at last he's fighting a REAL fighter who loves to fight, can bring the fight, and will bring the fight for the whole 12 rounds if it lasts that long.

Thomas Gerbasi couldn't be more right and I couldn't agree with him more in his article here that's on maxboxing.com http://maxboxing.com/Gerbasi/Gerbasi120208.asp

Don't be turned off and believe the hype of this fight being a mismatch. Don't believe misconception that size conquers will and skill. I mean you had to know who the REAL fighter was in Pacquiao-De La Hoya 24/7! Manny is real fighter in this fight and that's why you should tune in.

Although tis fight isn't for any title nor is their any big stakes at line... You may very well indeed watch and learn that you don't fuck with fighters who take this game serious. Yeah, Manny Pac is a nasty little mutherfucker who likes to make big $$$ and still fight hard. A mismatch was never in his mind. Only the next opponent he has too beat.

Maybe this will be the fight that finally lets Oscar know that he needs to stay his ass out of the ring as it's NO place for part time fighters.

You may very well see in this fight that size is a good tool but only one factor. Quality of recent world class tough as hell opposition means more pound for pound and being severely battle tested going into a big fight trumps many factors.

I'm not a hater of Oscar as much as it seems. I'm a hater of frauds and that's what he is if he or anyone thinks he's still a world class fighter that demands the lions share of the $$, hype, attention, and respect for being a part time fighter that hasn't beaten anyone GREAT since Vargas.

I'm ending my rant and telling you to watch the fight! Manny Pac is one of the last great millionaire fighters left.

Looking Back: Grading Arreola and Williams

2008-12-01T11:08:00.000-08:00

Chris Arreola and Paul Williams weren't exactly in big fights last weekend but they were still pretty significantly important.

Chris's fight was very important for the reason of him being tabbed the real American contender. There was a lot of pressure on Chris for this fight, win and he's closer to a huge fight with either Klitschko. Lose and he's seen as a pretender and not the American contender that has been stamped on him.

When I saw how much he weighed at the weigh in I was extremely disappointed with he and his team. Coming in at 254 didn't give the impression that he took this fight and the stakes serious enough.

I feel he had a tougher time than he should of had against Walker although it was a short but very sweet and exciting fight. Chris is a lot better fighter than he showed in appearance and technique.

Here are his grades.

Conditioning: D

Chris wasn't pushed into the late rounds as team Walker had planned and hoped for so we didn't get a good gauge of Chris's despite his appearance. Taking his weight of 254 into consideration gives you the impression that it would've been disastrous for Chris to allow the fight to go that long. It didn't. He won and he better be damn glad too.

Strength: B+

Chris is pretty strong, he showed his strength of will and mind by getting up and ending the fight before it got out of hand. Many fighters would've folded under Walker's start. Chris didn't and he must be praised for that.

Power: A

The left hook Chris finished Travis with was right on the money and just the power shot he needed to land to call it a day. Power can save your ass quick in a fight as Chris displayed.

Speed: C-

Chris has better hand speed and combos than he displayed last Saturday night. His weight slowed him down. If he comes in at 240 like he should you'll see how quick and nimble Chris can be.

I feel Team Arreala dogged a bullet with the condition they came into this fight with. All that talk of Big Bear being great for Chris and he still comes into the biggest fight of his career thus far looking sloppy! They better get their shit together if they want to take advantage of their next opportunity and not be blown out.

Paul Williams

I thought Paul fought as good as a fight he could have with a bad cut early while winning the 154 WBO strap. I feel that this fight was a great experience for Paul. Verno is an older fighter but he is NO joke. Paul looked stronger at 154 than 147. His grades are as follows.

Conditioning: A

Paul through a lot of hard body shots and combos period leading to his eight round stoppage of Verno. You can't do that if you're not in shape. Paul was and he made sure the cut wasn't a factor by his constant whirl wind punch put output.

Strength A

Like I said earlier Paul looks very strong at 154. Verno is not a weak fighter either and Paul bullied him around the ring. For being a wiry guy, Paul doesn't allow himself to be bullied or looked like he'll be blown over at any moment. Strength makes that happen.

Power A

Verno is fucking tough as hell. Any other fighter would've crumbled earlier under those viscous body shots that Paul was ripping. His was consistent and relentless with his power shots. If he was feared at 147 by the elite, makes you wonder what the best of 154 are thinking!

Speed B-

I feel Paul can be a bit faster. I don't like how he hangs his punches out there sometimes. Against a faster fighter he'll be countered on. I feel he can be faster and I doubt that he's performing any plyo work. I would add some power training to his routine and then watch how the fear of him grows along with that new speed and power.

Paul is going to be hard to beat if he's focused. I think he learned a lot about that in the first Quintana fight. The only way I see anyone beating Paul is if Paul comes into the fight drained and over trained from jumping divisions. Team Williams should settle into the 154 division for a bit set up a super fight with Vernon Forrest kick his ass then go to middleweight to cause havoc and terror their. One step at a time team Williams.. haste makes waste... being foolish jumping divisions could get Paul's ass kicked.

Adding and Not Taking Away. Floyd Sr. Knows What He's Doing.

2008-11-24T11:14:00.000-08:00

I gotta give Floyd Sr. his props. Ricky looked a lot better last weekend with his improved head movement, lead right hand and right upper cut inside.

This was much needed improvement and with only seven weeks to prepare Floyd Sr. had Ricky ready for what really was a make or break fight. With his improved style Ricky has added at least another good year maybe two to his boxing life.

I was hoping not to see Ricky rolling his left shoulder and twisting to much with his torso to try and evade shots. It was kinda of a surprise to see Ricky still smother his opponents with his blitzkrieg style while banging away at anything he could. Many thought Ricky would perhaps take a more cautious route with Floyd. That wasn't the case as the much needed head movement along with his aggressive style was still present.

Floyd Sr. is smarter than I thought. He's adding the obvious to Ricky while making sure not to take away his trade mark style that he's famous for. The damage has already been done though due to Ricky's horrible lifestyle. That's another story in itself.

Floyd Sr. was hired because team Hatton wants to preserve what little ring life they have. From the looks of it and with more time to work together it looks like that goal will be accomplished.

I just hope with the added time we don't see Ricky trying to do what Oscar did working with Floyd. That's emulate the style that made his son Floyd Jr. great. That's not going to happen with Ricky.

All Floyd has to keep doing is add while not taking away and he'll be making more big money along with Ricky.

The Incredible Expanding Fighter.

2008-11-21T10:57:00.001-08:00

Paul Williams resembles a marvel comic character with the way he can incredible expand up weight classes yet slim right back down into them. Paul has a very unique tall fame that seems to allow him to achieve these feats with ease. I stress seems because it will catch up with him if his management isn't careful.

Paul made a move up to middleweight to test the waters against a cannon fodder opponent. Paul blasted his opponent out with ease and seemed to carry the added weight with ease but we can judge him on that fight.

Now he's back down to Jr. Middleweight to battle crafty Verno Phillips for the WBO trap. I think 154 is a great division for Paul. Middleweight is where the big money is for Paul with less risk to his health and longevity.

What I'm saying is that Maragrito balked at a 4 million dollar offer and Mosley balked at another million dollar offer. This is a goods thing in a way for Paul because I feel it takes too much out of him to make 147.

Yo yoing up and down in weight classes is too hard on the body particularly when you go too low. I feel 147 is and that's the reason that Quintana beat Paul at 147. Paul was loosing too much muscle to make the weight. It's very hard on a fighters endocrine system to do this as well and if a fighter keeps shit like this up they quickly shorten their careers and end up with thyroid disorders.

So unlike the marvel heroes, fighters take a huge risk to their health, longevity, and getting beat ( being to weak from making the weight ) by performing such feats. I think it's great that Paul wants to test different divisions, hell homicide Henry Armstrong held three titles in three divisions at the same time, but 154 is as low as Paul should go with 168 as high.

I will say though that if there is one fighter who could possible do what Armstrong did, it's Paul.

Larry Knows Best.?

2008-11-17T11:58:00.000-08:00

I know it usually takes everyone a few hours to figure out what the fuck Larry was saying or even meant with his parting thoughts, but this weekend he was right on the money with saying he would like to see Jermain Taylor right back in the ring.

Taylor was never a busy fighter and although he looked very good against a shot Jeff Lacy he needs to jump right back in the ring to gain his swagger back. It looks like 168 is going to be a great stop for Jermain but we'll know more with another fight.

Lets hope Jermain doesn't stall his progress by waiting six months before fighting again. If I was his brain trust I would get him back in the ring before years end. It would be wise to have him sharp and ready for some big fights in upcoming 09.

Activity is just what Jermain seems to need at this point of his career. Larry didn't have me scratching my head and reaching for another beer to ponder where he was going. That was a pleasant surprise and nice for a change!

This boxing workout tip can add a lot of years to your boxing life!

2008-11-13T18:44:00.000-08:00

Don't give a fighter anything. Practice this boxing training drill to learn how.

To learn more defensive techniques and strategies visit http://boxingperformance.com/

We need to quit all the hating... The facts speak for themselves.

2008-11-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

I was and I guess I still am to a point not ready to give Calzaghe props as a really great fighter. My bud Alwyn Cosgrove laid down his wrath on the truth and facts about how good Joe is and who he has indeed beat.

I questioned Alwyn heavily and bitterly about it.

Really after reading this in depth email, I had to share it with you guys as I was impressed and reminded just what Joe has really done.

After rereading this I have to give Joe more credit, Just not that much credit that'll still make me talk about him ten years from now or even five.

Enjoy.

I think Joe is good. A solid champion, who unified the belts and who I don't think has ducked anyone.
He's not great - but the idea that he didn't fight anyone in their prime is BS.
I just don't think he gets his props.

He absolutely fucking schooled Kessler, the WBA and WBC champ (who you picked to beat him).
He absolutely fucking schooled Lacy the IBF champ (who MANY picked to beat him).
So he was the unified, undisputed champ at 168 who completely dominated the other champs.

He then moved up in weight and beat Bernard Hopkins the Ring LHW champ(who many picked to beat him).
It was close - but he won.

So in two years he beat the WBC, WBC, IBF champs at 168, and the Ring LHW champ at 175.

Now what's happening is that people say that Lacy was over-rated, Kessler was too raw and Hopkins was washed up.
Hopkins next fight he schooled Pavlik! Kessler is #1 at 168 now! They were not raw, over-rated OR washed -up.

But let's say they were... who should he have fought instead? No one. They were clearly the top guys.

So I definitely don't think he's an all time great. But I don't think he ducked anyone.

He beat Robin Reid one fight after Reid had lost the WBC title.
He beat Richie Woodhall who was the WBC champ one fight after he lost the title.
He beat Byron Mitchell - who just got ROBBED in a decision with Sven Ottke for the IBF and WBA titles. (Mitchell was the WBA champ, won that fight - but lost a split decision). Joe KO'd him in the second.
He beat Sheika who was undefeated at the time and had just beat Simon Brown and Glen Johnson back to back (he was supposed to fight the winner of Sheika-Johnson so that's Johnson out of the picture there)

True he definitely faced some bums - but fuck so did Roy. So did Eubank/Benn/ Steve Collins. 168 isn't that deep.
Who did he duck? Even Hopkins fought some total bums at 160. Roy had moved up to 175.
Hopkins first defense at 175 was Winky Wright!!! Winky is agreat but he wasn't ranked in the top ten at 168 and he wasn't in the top five at 160!!!

Joe won the 168 title in October 97.
Roy was champ at 168 from 1994-1996 and moved up to 175 in Oct 96 - a year before Joe won the title.
So he wasn't ducking Roy either.

The only guy that none of them fought was Michalzeski. And maybe Sven Ottke but I think all of those guys blow Ottke out.
Ottke only fought for another year after the Mitchell robbery - and he fought Robin Reid and David Starie (guys who joe had already beat).

And I think the accusation (from some sources - not you) that he's ducking Chad is assinine. Chad wasn't in the top 5 earlier this year and Calzaghe has only had ONE fight at 175 (hopkins was at a catch weight of 170). No one was talking about Dawson - Calzaghe (or Dawson-anyone) until he beat Johnson a month ago.
And BTW - Dawson lost that fucking fight ANYWAY!!

I definitely don't think he's an all time great (yet - he could do more) but I don't think he ducked anyone at 168. And he's had one fight at 175, two if you count the Hopkins fight. So anyone he ducked is a 168 fighter -- who are we talking about?

Who are the "blue chip" fighters that Kim is talking about that Joe has avoided during their primes?

In the last two years he beat Lacy, Kessler, Hopkins and Jones. He also beat Bika (#1 contender for one of his belts - bullshit but what can you do - who is curently ranked at #7 by the Ring) and Manfredo (who only had lost to 2 people and was ranked top five by all organisations). That's six fights. Who did he duck at 168 during that time?
Kessler was the champ. Lacy was a champ. He unified the titles. He moved up to 175 where he fought the Ring Champ.
Jones is ranked #6 at LHW right now.

So again - which blue chip fighter in his prime has Joe avoided? I can't come up with a single one. 168 just isn't that strong a division. Lacy, Bika are still top ten. Kessler is #1.

And we're really only talking about Dawson right now. Joe beat Hopkins already - wasn't controversial to anyone but B-Hop so a rematch makes no sense.
He destroyed Kessler who is the number one at 168. So the top 5 at 175 are Dawson, Hopkins, Johnson, Tarver, Jones and Clinton fucking Woods.

So....Does he become a GREAT fighter if he beats Dawson? Fuck no. Dawson isn't a great fighter. Who the fuck did Dawson beat? A washed up Tarver, a shot Eric Harding and Glen Johnson (in a fight he lost)? Thats his entire career bro. Joe was the champ for five years before Dawson turned pro.

We both know Joe is too much for Dawson right now. So he beats his ass. Then what? Who is left?

He didn't avoid anyone during his reign at 168. And the only guy that's left at 175 is Dawson. So does Joe become a great fighter by beating Dawson because of Dawson's "legendary" career? Come on...

Give Joe his props. A unified, undefeated Champ at 168lbs.
Name your top ten ALL TIME fighters at 168?
Toney only made four title defenses at 68.
Jones only made six title defenses at 68.
Nigel Benn?Ten defenses.
Steve Collins? Eight defenses.
Chris Eubank? SEVENTEEN defenses.

Joe Calzaghe? TWENTY-TWO title defenses.

That's the top six guys at 168. Joe beat Eubank and Jones. Collins retired rather than face Joe.
Benn had retired (after losing twice to Collins). Toney was at Cruiserweight before Joe won the title.

I want to emphasize that Joe in no way AT ALL is an all time great but there are NO blue chip fighters that he didn't fight during their primes.
He just beat Hopkins who just schooled Pavlik. Is Pavlik a blue chip fighter in his prime? Fuck yes. Hopkins beat him - Joe beat him.

I don't think there's anyone who Joe ducked or avoided at 168. He's had one real fight at 175 so we can't criticize him there. He beat the champ and the #6 contender (jones).

It doesn't make him great for sure but he's done what he's supposed to do - unify the belts - and face the unified champ at the next weight up.
Beating Dawson doesn't change shit.

Fuck this is a long email.

AC

Yes it was and I thank him for it! We can't argue much there other than I think Dawson beats Calzaghe if they fight. That's a debate he and I will continue to break down I'm sure.

Fear, Hype, or Insecurity?

2008-11-06T07:07:00.000-08:00

It was announced last week that team De La Hoya added 87 year old Angelo Dundee to their team as a consultant. While Angie is no doubt a former great trainer it's been some time since he's been involved with a mega fight.

It's always the same old fucking shit with Oscar. Oscar makes all the big trainer changed right before a big fight. That's the question here, WHY before a big fight? Is it fear of what Manny can do? Is it to hype the fight more and drive more ticket sales by adding famed former great Dundee to the storyline? Or is it that Oscar really is THAT insecure with his skills?

If you are good at reading between the lines and if you've followed Oscar's career thus far, you know the obvious answer. Regardless of the true answer this is a big slap in the face to head trainer Nacho Beristain. About a month ago Oscar was so red in the face by gleefully touting Nacho as the man who knows how to beat Manny like no other.

It really looks like it doesn't it? Nacho is really beginning to find out what kind of pro Oscar is. The fact is Oscar has never been a pro in handling matters while passing the blame.

How the hell can a fighter who has won titles in five weight divisions act like this before big fights? Oscar has NEVER woven a true style like Hopkins. He's always trying to reinvent himself weeks before big fights. Not months, weeks.

Fear, hype, and insecurity can cause a fighter to do strange things at the strangest times.

How To Take a Superior Boxer Out Of His Rhythm and Out Of The Fight.

2008-11-03T11:47:00.000-08:00

Vic Darchinyan demonstrated last Saturday night what to do to prevent a superior fighter from getting into his fight rhythm and flow.

Vic came out like the bull he is and dropped Cristian Mijares HARD in the first round. Mijares never found his rhythm after that. That knock down was very important for Vic setting up the pace and fight he wanted to fight.

On paper going in Cristian was the better gifted fighter. Many including myself picked Christian to win the fight. We thought he would box circles around Vic while picking him apart. We though Vic's glaring weaknesses would play right into Mijares's many strengths.

Damn were we wrong. Vic showed just how much he has been improving by taking command of the fight early and keeping it. Vic demonstrated improved skill, patience, and composure in his biggest win to date.

Vic really showed how smart of a fighter he was by taking charge early. Many times if you crack a gifted boxer hard early in a fight he can never recover enough from that to find his groove. That was the case last Saturday night and this is another great fight to learn from.

Vic executed his fight plan brilliantly and you could tell they took Cristian seriously and studied him well. The 9th round KO was icing on the cake for a well planned out fight strategy. Kudos to team Darchinyan for an impressive performance.

Boxing Defense Training Tip: Master How To Slip & Weave Under Punches.

2008-10-30T06:05:00.000-07:00

Here's a great timeless tool that teaches you how to slip, weave, and move your way into punching position. It's great to make a fighter miss, but you must also make him pay. The rope teaches you how.

To learn more defensive techniques and strategies visit http://boxingperformance.com/

Prioritize and Focus: Know what you are training for and do it.

2008-10-27T10:45:00.000-07:00

I get many questions from aspiring fighters how to modify certain strength training systems/templates so they can still produce big numbers yet train in fight sports at the same time. Or they'll say that they are a fighter but they're focusing more on power lifting.

What?! So they wanna train like a power lifter and yet master boxing or whatever fighting art they are training in at the same time? I question this and obviously don't recommend it because it can't be done. It makes NO sense. They shouldn't try to fool themselves in trying.

For one to master any fighting art it takes more than 1-2 hours of training a day 2-3days per week. You HAVE to immerse yourself in the training to fully grasp it and make any progress in it at all. I'll say this one last time... YOU CAN'T be a power lifter and fighter at the same time. They both will detract from one another and halt any real progress you can make in either one.

If you wanna be a power lifer then power lift. If you want to be a fighter then focus your training on fighting. It takes HUGE focus and commitment to make it to the top in either one. You can't do this by being a part time athlete in both sports.

A lot of aspiring fighters have been missing the boat on what purpose strength training serves in their training. Strength training is TO SUPPLEMENT not compete with skill training. LESS is more. Focus on doing more with less. Going over board in both leaves a fighter burned out and broken down. You can't expect to be pushing big numbers in power lifting if you're getting banged up in skill training.

Prioritize, focus, then commit and you'll enjoy success in whatever you choose. Choose it and do it. Just don't do both cause you'll set your self up for a lot of heart ache, failure and pain.

Who Are They Trying To Impress?

2008-10-25T18:06:00.000-07:00

I caught the Calzaghe-Jones advert/fight poster in this weekends USA Today paper. In the back ground it shows Joe performing a smith machine squat. Roy is curling some dbs.

Wow! These guys are serious aren't they? What a joke! machine training isn't going to make Joe any more explosive which is what he needed for the longest time. I don't get why he's SO against free weights. That narrow mindedness has hurt his career as far as potential left undeveloped. Oh well, you can't help the unwilling.

Roy had a great strength/conditioning coach in Mackie Shilstone so I hope he remembers what Mackie taught him and he's doing more than performing bicep curls. We'll soon see as Calzaghe-Jones 24/7 starts tomorrow night.

For the best boxing strength/conditioning routines visit http://boxingperformance.com/

The Power In Being Unpredictable.

2008-10-23T19:27:00.000-07:00

I teach my fighters that predictability gets you beat. One of things that drives me nuts when I train fighters is when they continue to throw one jab. Jab move and jab again. They don't do that long at all because I explain to them how easily a fighter will time that jab and come over it since they know how many jabs will come at them.

The power is in being unpredictable. I'll stay with the jab in my example here. Switching up the tempo of the jab and how many jabs you throw and where are fantastic ways to keep the other fighter guessing. If you keep the other fighter guessing you keep him thinking. If the other fighter is over thinking he will begin to hesitate. If the fighter hesitates that creates great opportunities for you to capitalize and score at will.

You also keep the fighter out of rhythm, off his fight plan, while you're in his head. Want another example? Watch the Pavlik-Hopkins replay.

Hopkins did the unthinkable in that fight. He was the aggressor and lead. Pavlik was totally expecting a low punch output mauling fouling Hopkins. He couldn't adjust and was never allowed to get into his rhythm because Bernard fought totally opposite of the way he usually does.

Sensing and seeing that Kelly was thrown off by this early on, Bernard continued it and built on it round by round until we saw him going for the KO in the 12th round! NOBODY expected to see that! Nobody would have dared to predict that.

Bernard of course created that moment by fighting unpredictable while earing himself the performance of a life time. Kelly and all of us watching were taught many lessons that night, one that we never saw coming.

Experience With Attitude Continues To Be The Best Teacher.

2008-10-20T12:53:00.000-07:00

Much to the shock of many this weekend class was in session and Bernard gave the dominating lesson. I thought Bernard could trouble Kelly but I didn't expect him to dominate like he did. What a performance and he solidifies himself as one of the best of our era with that win.

Bernard's footwork, timing, reflexes, fight strategy, and attitude TOTALLY shut the ghost down. Hopkins entered the ring with a performance of a life time mood. That was the key, his mindset.

I'm not like the many out there who are throwing Kelly under the bus. I think this loss will only help Kelly in the long run. He lost to a great fighter, not a bum. I think people are going over board on how bad this loss is. It's never good to lose but to lose and share the ring with an all time great and to experience the many lessons he taught that night can help Kelly if he in turn has the right mindset to learn from it.

Kelly experienced what many fighters will be studying from Bernard now and in the future. Nothing can really prepare you for a old school fighter like Bernard.

Looking back on the fight I'm going to discuss what else I feel led to Kelly's down fall besides Bernard's skills..

1. First of all I don't know why he trained in Youngstown for this fight! I mean he was around way to many people. He was hanging around his friends. He was around his wife and kid. Where's the drive and edge in that? I think he was too comfortable in training for this fight.

Training in seclusion without seeing your family, friends, and having other social outlets hardens and gives you a burning edge going into a fight.
You want to make that other fighter pay for this. Your focus is hardened along with your will. Kelly needs to get his ass out of Youngstown for his future camps and do it like the greats did.

Bernard did it by training in a scorching hot gym in south Florida. No distractions and familiar people. Just he his team and plenty of focus. Wonder why Bernard performed so well last Saturday? It was laid down in that environment.

2. Sparring. Who did Kelly spar for this fight? How come he couldn't adjust? Do they ever work with any fighters with great footwork? Fighters with great upper body movement and different unsuspecting timing? From the looks of it last Saturday night, they don't. Were they banking on a mugging, grappling, low punch out put Hopkins to show up? Did they totally prepare for the wrong Hopkins? From the looks of their fight plan or lack there of, I think so.

Kelly will grow from this as Bernard taught him what he is lacking to take the next step up to greatness. Kelly just can't get there with what he has yet. If he can add better footwork, more fluent movement and rhythm while learning to change up his own punch output and timing. He can bounce right back and be better than ever.

He's only 26 years old and lost his first big fight. So fucking what! Give him a chance to learn and ounce back from this! All the greats lost. They proved they can come back better than ever. Let's give this kid a chance!

That's one thing that sucks about boxing, all the fucking morons that pollute it acting like they're experts when the hottest fighter is winning then talking shit when he losses for the first time against a great fighter no less. The ignorance in boxing is thick. Don't believe me? Browse the top sites and read for yourselves.

I'm telling you though, I know this kid will come back better than ever he's only 26 and has a good head on his shoulders. Losses like this can be good.

He can come back if his team can give him what he needs. They really need to look at themselves more so because a fighter is only has good as he is taught or has experienced. He experienced greatness last Saturday night. Now lets see if he's taught what can take him even higher now.

The Science Of Managment : He ought to create a manual.

2008-10-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

Here's a real good read on the right way to move a fighter courtesy of Steve Kim's column.

http://maxboxing.com/Kim/Kim101508.asp

Cameron Dunkin obviously gets it. To maximize his fighters potential he keeps them busy and active on all kinds of shows. Placing the fighter on the shelf and waiting for the big fight and pay day spells disaster as they stagnate.

I'm a firm believer and know that proper management along with training is what makes or breaks a fighter. I'm not just talking match making here but fight activity and getting the fighter on the right shows to maximize his fan base and earning potential for the long haul.

Dunkin is old school all the way and when I get involved with managing fighters I'll take the same approach. The fact that Luevano had over 30 fights before he fought for the title is rare today. This is what it takes though to last as champ and not be a flash in the pan champion.

Dunkin moves his fighters as they develop. They develop more by the way they are moved. As much as there is a science to the art of boxing, management is an art and science in itself. Pavlik who is managed by Dunkin is another example of a fighter doing it right. Kelly wasn't rushed bought brought along right. He was allowed to develop into the devastating fighter he now is.

Fighting Hopkins is a smart managerial move. Kelly only benefits in the long haul for what he learns in fighting Hopkins. No active fighter today has Bernard's old school tactics and experience. I would jump at the opportunity to have my fighter take from that too.

So keep in mind that when you see a fighter make it to the top while displaying staying power, there's usually more than talent that got him there. It's often the brilliant management behind the scenes that's just as impressive and important.

*** BTW *** I'm taking Pavlik Saturday night. I think Kelly will be too much for Bernard to handle late in the fight. Too many people are getting wrapped up in Bernard's words and past experience of him shutting down another power puncher in Trinidad.

If Bernard punched as much as he talked I think he could pull off the upset. He just doesn't punch anymore and his activity in shutting down Trinidad was key in that upset. Defense alone doesn't win you fights. You have to punch to score. Hopkins will early until he gets hit hard. Then just as he showed against pillow punching slap happy Calzaghe, he'll fight to survive when the going gets tough. Bernard was Bernard when he was the executioner. That's who we all respected. That's also who's not in the ring anymore either.

Under Developed and Exposed With Ease, Heavyweight Boxing at its Worst!

2008-10-14T07:37:00.000-07:00

In Vitali Klitschko's pedestrian win over Sam Peter last Saturday night we saw how ordinary and awfully undeveloped Peter was. I'm not taking away anything from Vitali, he fought his fight plan perfectly and used his tools of height and reach well. But all this shit team Peter was talking on how fearful and destructive Peter is yet he couldn't get by a jab the whole night! I just shook my head in disgust! Fuck, I see open amateur super heavyweights with better technique and skills than Sam.

Young fighters are supposed to idolize and look up to the heavy weight champ. Well in former champ Sam Peter's case he served as what NOT to be as a champion. Shit, he was the champion. At that stage you are supposed to display superior skills that got you to that stage. The belt is supposed to make you a better fighter, not a worse fighter in Peter's case.

I'm not going over board here either or kicking Peter under the bus. His team should be ashamed and embarrassed with all this shit they been talking over the years yet sending a underdeveloped fighter in the ring repeatedly in Peter. Show balls and take away his will then power and you win.. easy! Vitali did that. Vitali doesn't have a Larry Holmes jab either, yes it was good, but not THAT good.

I just don't understand these teams thinking now a days. It seams like all the effort goes into pushing the fighter fast, finding the right deals, and building his image more than his skills! Talk about putting the cart before the horse.

Another thing i don't understand is how some writers are forgiving Peter for his performance. BULLSHIT! He was the champion and QUIT with out much effort at all! Why forgive that?! That's what young fighter should model in the champ? No it's not ok to do that. It's not ok to look so undeveloped that you can't even slip a jab let alone use your feet to close the distance. I mean these are basic skills and they are undeveloped in the former champ Peter.

Some people probably think I over hype what I teach as forgotten skills in my boxing dvds and boxingperformance.com, but watching the heavyweight champ perform like a novice solidifies why claims.

I never bought the hype in Peter cause I like many others knew what wee were seeing. All hype and no skills.

I mean it looked like Vitali took his lunch money in the title back from Peter and gave the bully a reminding beating of it. That's what it was. Peter made Vitali look better than he is by what he didn't do. That's the blue print to beat Peter. Master basic skills, show balls, consistency, then you'll beat his ass and make him quit.

No excuses and forgiveness here. This is supposed to be world class championship boxing. Quit lowering the bar and raise it back where the greats proudly had it. Call it like you really see it or shut the hell up.

On a more pleasant note. Chad Dawson proved in his case that the belt and experience does make the fighter better in dominating Tarver. He showed skill, speed, defense, power and athleticism that lets you know that the best is yet to come. He's only 26 and starting to blossom. However, all these talks of Dawson being pound 4 pound need to be silenced until he fights Glenn Johnson again who I thought beat Chad.

If he can beat Glenn impressively and without controversy then he is indeed pound 4 pound one of the best.

The thing with Chad is he wants to improve, he takes pride in the way he fights, he loves to hone his skill and demand more of himself. He studies the past greats and it shows when he fights. If Peter would have done this perhaps he could still be champ.

Lets hop Vitali doesn't grow lazy with the belt and loose his hunger without defending it against a more than deserving and skillful fighter in Juan Carlos Gomez. If Vitali can beat Juan decisively, then we will know he is for real ass well.Just fighting Juan period will let us know if his skills are really that good or if Peter was really that bad.

This Fighter Doesn't Buy The Hype.

2008-10-09T17:36:00.000-07:00

Much is being made of Floyd Mayweather Sr. training Ricky Hatton and what to expect when he faces Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi. Like Paulie I agree, big fucking deal!

Fighters know that a trainer can't change a fighter much with two months of training before a big fight. I just can't understand the timing of these trainers changes. In Hatton like De La Hoya, why right before a big fight?!

If Floyd Sr. is to have any lasting changes with Ricky he would need at last a couple fights to prove the changes. Two months isn't shit and it's all hope and hype on team Hatton's part. We all know Floyd Sr. talks a lot of shit but he knows damn well that you can't expect miracles with only spending eight weeks with a fighter. A non athletic, non committed, and out of shape in between fights fighter like Hatton on top of that.

Look at this picture of Ricky fighting. His lack of defense has always been evident. He leaves himself way too wide open and that's dangerous with a fast handed fighter like Paulie. No matter if people think Paulie slaps, he's a smart enough fighter to take advantage of this.

Mayweather has A LOT of re programming to do and to be facing a fast handed fighter on top of that in Paulie doesn't look good.

Paulie knows this and doesn't sweat it. He knows what kind of fighter Ricky is and what he will resort back to in the fight. Back to his old lack of defense habits.

I think people are really over looking on how tough Paulie is. I mean watch the Cotto fight again! Paulie showed big balls and grit in that fight! A worn Hatton is NO WHERE near that type of fighter. Paulie's movement and speed of top of that should cause Ricky fits. IF Paulie uses his strengths wisely.

My point in this post is that management puts way to much faith in hoping a new trainer will work miracles before a big fight. Fighters know it doesn't work like that and that it takes time to see lasting changes.

Mayweather in my opinion wasn't a smart choice. I think Flyd takes away from Ricky's fading strengths. Why not Kevin Rooney? It would have made perfect sense. Kevin's style of D'Amato training would have added nicely to Ricky's smothering style of fighting. Lack of head movement and footwork was always Ricky's weakness.

Rooney would install constant head movement and punching in on angles. I even think the style Kevin teaches would have a lasting affect far more than Mayweather's in just eight weeks or so of training.

Team Hatton is believing the hype. Paulie Malignaggi sure the hell isn't and I think we may see a surprising fight come fight night.

Weekend Wrap Up and Two Lessons on What and What Not To Do When Managing Fighters.

2008-10-06T20:02:00.000-07:00

HBO's Boxing After Dark series showcased a decent triple header last weekend.

Alfredo Angulo is starting to blossom into a pretty damn good fighter but one thing his brain trust needs to do to take him to a higher level is get him fast and more explosive. Angulo can crack but he's slow and boxers will cause him some problems if his relentless pressure doesn't break him. Alfredo can fight, this we know and this is great. Now get him in the weight room and build a strength base and then build explosive power with plyometrics and watch his performance really improve. This is what his management needs to do to go to higher heights with their fighter.

In fighters like Alfredo you can really see on how strength/power training can add and help him. If anybody knows his management send them this post so we can get to work right away.

In watching Gamboa you were getting a lesson in management on what not to do with a prospect fighter. Gamboa is being pushed too fast. I'm not saying he was in tough last Saturday night, it's just that his management seems more focused on their next move and how fast he's going to get there than on where they are now and what they currently have.

What they have now is a fighter with a mistaken identity. Gamboa is not using his natural boxing ability, athleticism and speed by choosing to instead brawl to please the crowd. Fuck the crowd at this stage. Hone your skills and do what you do best. Box and break fighters down.

Gamboa has a solid strength/conditioning coach this I know. But his skill trainer needs to do a better jab at Gamboa utilizing his gifts and skills.

It just seems that his team is focusing on the finish line without even fully developing their fighter for the race. This is why Gamboa has looked less than spectacular of late.

They need to slow their role and develop Gamboa for the long hall before he ends of being a flash in the pan champion that fades as a fighter fast because he was pushed too fast too soon.

Just look at David Reid and Fernando Vargas's careers as proof.

This is supposed to be a growing process at this point in his career, not a stunt in growth.

Much props must be given to Sergio Martinez in stopping Alex Bunema. Alex posted a few upsets with a few decent fighters leading up to this fight and this gave reason for some to call this fight a pick em. But Sergio proved how much he has matured and grown over the years since getting man handled by Antonio Margarito. No shame in that though.

Sergio looks like he can cause some noise in the Jr. Middleweight division. We'll have to wait and see.

The Hypocrisy Of This Fighter Has No Bounds.

2008-10-04T15:58:00.000-07:00

I read recently where Richard Schaefer said Margarito needs more than one big win to earn a fight against Oscar. Huh?! If more fighters had the balls to fight Margarito like Paul Williams, Clottey, and Cotto he'd have a better resume. Team De La Hoya's hypocrisy is THICK and it's down right embarrassing talking that hit on their part.

The fact that many fighters duck Margarito speaks more than anything. Oscar wants none of him, why doesn't he just say what everyone knows. Schaefer's down playing Antonio's accomplishments is outright bullshit considering that Antonio has sparred with Oscar before and Oscar knows what kind of beast Margarito is.

Look... Here's something that can't be argued about Margarito... The Mexican people love and support him similar to the way they supported Julio Caesar Chavez. Oscar has NEVER had that respect and mass Mexican appeal though he is Mexican-American.

Oscar's Golden Boy image that he perfected brilliantly continues to back fire and rub the fans he's always wanted to win over the most the wrong way. The Mexican fans hate the way he fights and heckle him for avoiding Margarito their true champion.

The best way Oscar can close his career and attempt to at least gain some admirable respect from the Mexican people is to fight their hero Margarito. Even if Oscar lost bravely he would gain their respect something he's never really done in his biggest wins.

Don't believe all that fucking hype of Oscar taking the biggest challenge in Pac man.
I like Manny Pac a lot and he's a great fighter and yes the gate and mass world wide appeal with him would be bigger than with Antonio. But Antonio is the biggest fight out there and the hottest fighter right now and this fight makes perfect sense after the Pac man fight provided Oscar wins.

It's a chance for Oscar to finally win over the hearts of the Mexican people. What better way for him to retire and end all the hypocrisy? That's a title he's never won and it would be a true crowning moment in his career that would echo in the hall of fame for quite sometime.

Crunch numbers against that Schaefer!

Hand wrapping for intense punching power.

2008-10-02T08:11:00.000-07:00

I get quite a few questions on how I like to wrap hands. Here's a video clip of one way I like to wrap the money makers. Never hit the bags without wrapping your hands. You want to puncher harder for longer? Then wrap your hands well.

A True Throw Back Fighter In Every Way.

2008-09-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that Shane Mosley loves to fight. He also loves to train and respects the sport fully by taking care of himself between fights staying in shape. This is why he can still compete on a world class level at 37 years young.

Mosley closed the show brilliantly electrifying the crowd with his twelfth round ko of Mayorga last Saturday night. Shane knew it was a close fight and went in for the kill and got it by jumping right on Mayorga after knocking him down. Shane is a pro's pro. He knows how to fight and he knows how to close the show.

Shane also does what few of these fake ass fighters do now a days by calling out and wanting to throw down with the most dangerous opposition possible. I'm talking about Magarito here. Why doesn't Oscar fight Magarito? Because he isn't what Shane is... A REAL fighter. The same can be said of Mayweather.

Shane has always tested his skills against the best. He just loves to fight! Sure he loves making money too but how many of todays fighters jump at the opportunity to fight the best?

De La Hoya and Mayweather were and are buisness men in winning multiple titles in multiple weight divisions. They often ducked the best while feasting on the weak when collecting belts along the way. Shane is willing to fight the beast that they have been ducking in Magarito.

If they had Mosley's competitive drive and balls they would've engaged in far more competitive and memorable bouts. This is why you are going to see more Mexican fans rooting for Manny Pac when he fights Oscar. Oscar may have millions but he doesn't have his own people's respect. Mayweather has never been a draw for many reasons too.

You got to give Shane much props in closing the show against the awkward Mayorga. If you can't blast out Mayorga out in the first few rounds he can be a pain to deal with as he was last Saturday. His style can throw you off like it did to Forrest and Spinks. Shane fought threw it and fighting all the way.

The way he closed the show is a perfect reflection of his attitude and drive. It takes a lot to get Larry Merchant excited but Larry knows how rare a fighter Shane is. That's why he's a future hall of famer and that's why he'll be missed when he's gone.

Another new trainer for a fighter with no identity and the same old excuses.

2008-09-24T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's official. Oscar has another new trainer. Get ready for the same old bulls hit of Oh Man! I've been learning so much in this camp and doing things I got away from. Buuuut. Will Oscar throw Nacho Beristain under the bus if he loses like he did to Freddie Roach?

I think Nacho is a great trainer and on paper it makes sense for Oscar to be working with him since Nacho trained Juan Marquez for his two close fights with Manny.

The thing is Juan had a lot of success with his awesome counter punching against Manny. That's his style. That's what neutralized Manny along with his super human grit. Oscar isn't a counter puncher though. What the hell is his style anyways can anyone tell me? Eight weeks or so isn't long enough to transform him into that style. What is he going to fall back on in a close fight?

Oscar has never taken full responsibility for his performances. The trainer is the first to be blamed after a loss. That's the problem though, Oscar has never gelled into his own. I mean look at all the success he had with the jab against Mayweather and he abandons it?! Where's the discipline there? That issue is with the fighter NOT the trainer. Roach was not to be blamed. The bottom line is great fighters stick with what works and use it till they win. Is Oscar a great fighter?

You never heard of Ali running through trainers, How about the great Sugar Ray Robinson? He did have over eight trainers either. They both were great and took responsibility and molded a style of their own.

So get ready for the same old camp notes from Oscar. All the fucking hype. He has to pull the trigger though and like Roach knows, he can't.

For as long as Oscar has been in boxing you'd think he would test drive Nacho first in a tune up fight! The timing for Oscar to change trainers again before a big fight against a fighter with big balls and heart is fucking foolish. It doesn't matter to Oscar though cause he'll just pass the blame on the trainer ass always. He knows that as long as he's fighting he'll have trainers waiting in line for the opportunity to train the golden boy for mega cash.

Makes you wonder how a trainer like Teddy Atlas would handle this situation. Teddy would handle it by not putting himself in that situation by being short sided focusing on the $$. Teddy turned down Oscar years ago because he saw through all that bullshit. It's time that everyone else opens their eyes to it too. Too bad Nacho won't.

Q/A: The importance of neck training in your boxing training workouts.

2008-09-22T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hey as a boxer how important do you think neck training is. I have been doing wall leans currently and thats about it i was going to buy a neck harness.

You know of any other good ways to train the neck besides the bridge, that exercise just doesn't seem right to me.

also with wall leans I train all 4 sides of my neck leaning against the back, front, and sides of my head. I keep my back straight and everything align is this a good exercise to be doing for boxing.

also I train my back a lot with rows and dead lifts and face pulls. Thanks, J

J...Strengthening the neck/cervical region is very important in a boxer's training.

A neck harness works well, you can train side flexion with it too.

Try iso band holds with jump stretch bands Bands and Tubing. Increase the intensity of the holds by using a larger band and holding longer. Try starting off with 10 sec. holds, you can train flexion, extension, side flexion. Great for strengthening the neck.

J, Wall leans work great to correct forward head and strengthen the muscles of the lower cervical spine. ( along with stretching the subobcipital muscles by performing the chin tuck stretch.)

To increase the intensity hold a weight plate, med. ball, etc.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for more boxing strength training and injury prevention workouts.

It's not Old School, It's being a Profesional with Common Sense.

2008-09-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we had several fighters having problems making weight and one big fight was actually scrapped due to this. The culprit in scrapping the big fight was Joan Guzman. Campbell-Guzman was a fight that many were looking forward too. It was a fight that would help clear who the best at light weight is.

Guzman fucked all that up by coming in way too heavy and saying he was too weak from making the weight to even fight. What bullshit! What was his team thinking 3 weeks ago when Joan stepped on the scale? Where is the professionalism there?!

There's quite a few writers saying that the old school way of staying in shape between fights is all but gone... Fighters like Shane Mosley, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Beranrd Hopkins respect boxing enough to stay in shape between fights. But the thing is, it's not old school but fucking common sense! It's called being a professional. If these fighters don't want to be professionals then fine their asses for blowing a big promotion and fucking a fighter who respects the fight and sport enough to come fully prepped.. I'm talking about Campbell here. Guzman should be the last in line for another big fight cause all that shit he was popping off and he couldn't even make weight?! A big fight and promotion was blown, he must be used as an example. Suspend him for his lack of effort and integrity. Take away the big pay days until he is ready to take away the big portions at the dinner table! If I was Campbells manager I'de be suing Guzmans ass.

Sergio Mora had problems making weight too and had to dry out for over an hour to make the weight. Keep in mind that he was over by four pounds the night before and he was trying then to cut. This obviously took it's tool on Serio's body. The result was a lackluster performance and huge loss against a motivated and very fit Vernon Forrest. To fuck around with making weight against a world class fighter in Vernon Forrest guaranteed disaster and that's what happened in Mora loosing decisively against Vernon.

Just a few months ago, Mora was on top of the world, now he's on the bottom of the totem pole cause he was came in too heavy. He said he needed at least eight weeks to prepare. Maybe so, but what he needed to do was keep himself fit so if he was rushed into a short camp making weight wouldn't have been an excuse. But that's exactly the excuse he gave. All Sergio had to do was take responsibility and this shit wouldn't have happened. That's all it comes down too... Act like a pro.

That's why old school fighters stayed in the gym and fought often. It kept them sharp and in shape. They knew that things happen fast in boxing and they wanted to be ready. The young James Toney knew this and did it by fighting often, as did Julio Cesar Chavez. This also allowed both to have long careers.

To them it wasn't old school, but fucking common sense and being pros.

How to Develop Explosive KO Power in Your Left Hook.

2008-09-13T15:56:00.000-07:00

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for more explosive boxing training workouts.

How to be better prepared in your boxing strength training workouts.

2008-09-10T08:52:00.000-07:00

When it comes to training do you guys think in terms of using tools or using one training philosophy? I hope your heads aren't welded shut and you learn to use different tools depending on the different goals you have in your training.

Just like in a fight, fighting one style will get you success up to a point. But being a well rounded fighter allows you to achieve more. So as it is in training. We need to take from the different training methods/philosophies out there and add them to our training to ensure even more gains than following one training system.

Fighters often up their game when they get out of their comfort zone and study another art adding to their game and calling on that added skill in a fight when needed. That's how performance enhancement training should be. Learn from the different training methods out there so you have the proper and ideal training tools necessary to call upon when the goal or situation demands them the most.

Are the bigger fighters disappearing from the US?

2008-09-08T08:48:00.001-07:00

Alywn Cosgrove emailed me and commented on when he looked at Ring mags top 10 rankings only two American heavyweights were ranked. Only one cruiserweight... What the fuck is going on here? I'll tell you what....

I've talked to my other friends and fellow coaches about this all the time... They're all playing basketball and football!

Look.... Boxing particularly amateur gyms need to do a better job at marketing! Give these kids WHILE they are young a choice of WHAT to do.. Not just to decide football cause that's all they see!

I don't believe in making it hard to find or enter a gym.. by referral, interview any of that shit when it comes to boxing gyms.. The weak will get weeded right away...The diamond in the roughs are the kids wandering around the streets cause they think they don't have anything else to turn too... Team sports aren't for them as they are seen as out casts... OR you the genetically gifted kids who choose football or basket ball cause that's ALL they see!

Boxing needs to be put in their face to get them to look at it.. boxing has what the other sports don't INDIVIDUAL glory... No one to blame for failure and no one to share success with but yourself! This isn't greed.. it';s a challenge and true competitiveness to the fullest with the utmost satisfying hight that YOU did it! Something in you was brought out...that wasn't developed before.. sure you get that out of some team sports but boxing is the truth in this...

BUT with better marketing must be GOOD coaches to develop the future of boxing,, Let me ask you this.. How many potential future heavy weights have been scared out of gyms cause they were pushed to fast to spar? I guarantee you many! How do we know there isn't many big fighters entering boxing gyms? How do we know they aren't being pushed out as fast as they are entering cause of the lack of quality coaching?!

It comes back to systems and progression... The foreign countries have this set up where the fighter is brought through the system while being developed...There is trust AND honor in their pro and amateur boxing programs...

We don't have that here and we don't have it in the kids faces to give them a choice to be our future heavyweights...

The more trust, the more word of mouth which is the best marketing.... the more full the gyms will be...with numbers comes the more potential that a future heavyweight will be born from a good coaches system... A good system doesn't mean shit without numbers/bodies...The more fighters that succeed through this system the more kids that see and hear about this will want to do it...The future is born here in my opinion....

Louie Simmons talking explosive power training for boxing .

2008-09-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

Here's an interview I did with Lou a while ago.. Lou stopped by my new gym and we're doing another video interview for my boxingperformance.com but I wanted to share this clip with you.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for part two and three of this interview.

Why it's often better to take a step back in your boxing training workouts.

2008-09-02T06:12:00.000-07:00

Fighters are often paranoid that they aren't training hard enough. They can show up at the gym spar several rounds and if they get tired they freak out by performing more road work. More road work in their minds is the answer to preventing them from getting tired as they did in that sparring session.

More road work isn't the answer here to greater gains in stamina... To take a step forward in training, the fighter often has to take two steps back.

Taking two steps back in the form of cutting their training volume and rest. Now old school skill trainers may bark at this as weakness but in reality it relates to better progress.

Listen to your body during your boxing workouts. If you're coming to the gym tired, irritable, or feeling lackadaisical, perform a light workout and then take the next day off, maybe two.

This will prevent over training and once you understand how to mange your training intensity/stressors you will perform better than ever on your sparring days instead of puttering out.

Road work isn't the answer... Recovery often is.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for effective recovery tips and methods.

A tough guy inside the boxing ring and out of it.

2008-08-29T07:36:00.000-07:00

George Chuvalo was a TOUGH sob in the ring facing Ali, Frazier, and Foreman while going the distance. He could take a lot of pain. Watching this video will show you how much tougher he is and has to be in life.

Final thoughts on our 2008 Olympic Boxing Team.

2008-08-26T19:14:00.000-07:00

Here is an article Alwyn Cosgrove and I co authored. Alwyn is extremely passionate about boxing too and we were fed up with all the excuses about the scoring system in Olympic boxing. Written is our wrath about what was really going on. Enjoy.

Don't blame the scoring, blame the system. Why our Olympic Boxing team continues to fail.

After another disappointing Olympics we hear the some old cry of.... The scoring system is just that bad. Really? Then why does Cuba continue to dominate? Look at a small country like Ireland who has 3 fighters in the semi finals who are guaranteed a medal. How can they do it? I'll tell you why, because they have mastered the scoring system and their training systems that prepare them for the Olympics are superior to ours.With 303 Million people, the richest country in the world, best training facilities, best coaches, you'd think that the preparation would be there. What I have seen in these Olympics is the US is not prepared....

The problem is - we all know the system sucks - the scoring sucks - the judging sucks. We KNOW this.

But it sucks for everyone. We KNOW it's going to suck - we know it's not "real" boxing - but Cuba and Ireland and Great Britain seem to figure this out and develop athletes, coaches and styles that can win. The USA has one medal. That's the same as India, Azerbijan, Turkey, Moldova and Mauritius btw. And less than Thailand or Ireland.

Yeah - it's a completely different sport. But it's been different since 92. We had the WORLD champion at this "different" sport and he was too busy looking at the crowd and seeing "what's up" with his FANS instead of listening to the national team coaches. What ? He didn't know how it works? He didn't know to look at his corner and see what the score was? No - he knows how it works..... we just sent a guy who "forgot".....

The US is too busy complaining about the SYSTEM and the JUDGING. Meanwhile the rest of the World gets it - adjusts their training, adjusts their styles and wins medals.

FIBA basketball is different from the NBA. Different system- different judging etc -- but the US basketball team adjust and overcome. The US boxing team is like a spoiled little girl whining that "it's not fair...."

Let's stop whining about Olympic boxing and just understand, adjust and dominate. We got three medals in Taekwondo btw. Looks like we understand that better than we understand boxing right now....

STOP BLAMING the system, the scoring, the judging, the system, the structure and the way Olympic boxing has changed and what it has turned into and start taking responsibility. We are not being ripped off. We are not being hard done to. We are failing in every respect to deliver the goods.

It may be a different sport compared to pro boxing - but we have to stop ignoring that and start embracing it. Adjust. Develop. And Produce athletes.

BMX is a new sport and we managed to understand the requirement and win two medals. But with Olympic boxing we still don't get it after 16 years in this new system.

Here is what's really beating us at the Olympics.

Communication. One of the dumbest things USA boxing does is appoint a head coach to the team that has no idea what truly makes the team tick. Ask anyone who has ever fought before what it's like to have a different coach work you're corner. It's not the same and it can build resentment like it did in this years team. What the hell good does that do, sending a team to the Olympics already beaten with inner turmoil!?

I don't give a shit how many months a fighter spends with the Olympic head coach before the Olympics. Try taking a child away from his caring parents and having another family care for them and see what happens. This model doesn't work!

Communication is everything in boxing. Even quasi boxing like Olympic boxing. If trust and the coaches respect aren't there in camp and leading into the Olympics, failure is certain as it was this year.

Training methods.

We had a fighter in Gary Russel Jr. who didn't make weight and was found unconscious in his room. It doesn't get more embarrassing than that! To have that happen is beyond ridiculous at this level. Russel should have been near weight upon the Olympics or shouldn't have been allowed to fight and the alternate could've taken his place. What good does it to have a weight drained, dehydrated depleted fighter compete against the best boxers in the world. Yes I didn't use fight this time as that's NOT what they do!

Before the Olympics there was bitching and moaning about the training methods Coach Campbell was using. Can all the BS stop please?! Do you think that happens with the Olympic Boxing machine Cuba? No, they get it, they get Olympic boxing. Quasi boxing or not, there's a lot of countries that understand how to better prepare for it.

A regimen ( boxing style ) must be followed that EVERYONE is on board with. Again, is it just the egos of other coaches who aren't in charge doing this or are the training methods that bad? Not too many amateur coaches understand how to properly condition a fighter or really train them in that matter, so it's the egos. Ego's aside lets get a quality conditioning coach in place and one that can prepare the team for the Olympic style of boxing.

United we stand my ass! Everyone is against one another and how do you think the fighters react to this?! There must be ONE trusted voice, a trusted conditioning/boxing system that must be followed and agreed with, that the fighters have faith in to succeed and medal.

Proper preparation.

I'm not a fan of Olympic slapping at all. I just can't call it boxing cause we all no it isn't However, the scoring system can't be blamed any longer. We know preparation for this style is the culprit. 1992 was a long time ago. We've had plenty of time to prepare for this style of quasi fighting. So can somebody step up and take responsibility please?

We have 4 more years to plan for the next Olympics. How can we better prepare for this style? How about more international experience? How about more camps with this style of boxing?

Look, it's not that hard to adapt. We all know what we are up against. The basic principles that make any great team great are being broken. It's not the scoring. It's our training systems, which leads me too....

Direction

Ok, so what are we going to do different before the next Olympics? Are we finally done with all the patch work and bullshit quick fixes? Can we learn from the Cubans, a small country like Ireland this year that had proper training systems in place?

It's that simple. We need the right people who'll put the correct training principles/systems in place. People who understand the human body and will not allow a fighter to drop to a weight class they know they don't belong. Coaches who know how to train the boxers to adapt and adjust the the Olympic style of boxing.

USA boxing needs to allow the coaches to be with their fighters who are on the team in training camp and in the boxers corners during the Olympics. Yes, one coach, one direction, but the right voices who can have the fighters ear when the medal is on the line.

The biggest secret to Olympic success and one that we are missing out on is communication. It's obviously no secret but we've neglected it far too long. I guarantee if they experiment at the next Olympics allowing the fighters true coaches to train them and corner them, success will be enhanced.

Our team suffered some close losses due too lack of discipline and respect for the head coach. Again, why at this level. They have taken the mother away from the babies and the majority of them were crying.

Our team was beaten before competing because of this and a lack of quality training systems being in place. Nothing else.

Why Competitive Sparring is Everything in Your Boxing Training Workouts.

2008-08-22T06:28:00.000-07:00

I recently read on a supposedly respected website that competitive sparring is important but not that important in boxing training.

Really? So the whole secret to the sweet science is just to come to the fight in great shape without really mastering the fight intangibles? For those of this that have competed in the ring and still spar, we know his is obviously bullshit. Great coaches know that they must keep the development bar raised high by putting there fighters in the ring with better fighters.

Competitive sparring allows you to see all styles, it allows you to experience many scenarios that could happen in the ring. What better place to experience them first than in the gym? Better to face adversity and new territory in the gym than in a fight where there is no backbone of dealing with it before.

That is total preparation. True SPP.

Being mediocre is a disease that affects people in all areas of their lives. Mediocre progress from a fighter can come back to haunt them on fight night. 9 times out of 10 though this stems from the mediocre mindset of the head coach who overlooks the importance of their fighter sparring with good fighters. This then stalls the progress of their fighter.

Have someone better around or really someone better in some areas where you are weak is everything. From a fighters stand point, it can result in whether their hand is raised in victory on fight night.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for world class boxing performance training info.

Is Olympic Boxing Gold Losing it's Luster and Allure?

2008-08-18T09:11:00.000-07:00

The Olympic boxing team has been another disappointment but I'll admit, I haven't been watching. Boxing?, that's not what's going on! That's also why I don't watch.

The scoring system has changed the face of international boxing into a game of tag, clinch, run, hold. Hey if you like watching that shit more power to you. Just don't call it boxing cause I sure the hell don't train my young fighters to fight that way nor do I have the desire to ever teach them such a twisted style of quasi fighting.

Young men should play grab ass with chics not young dudes... hey I'm a boxing coach... I'm not a boy scout leader fucking with funny shit like that.

So since I teach boxing, how will my young fighters ever make a run for Olympic gold? They won't and that's good because as you read in my blog archive the bullshit is too thick to succeed. I'll be damned to leave my fighters to a coach and system that teaches grab ass and run! All the work I instilled would be down the drain.

This leaves me to my point. Pro boxing is where the money is and yes it's still polluted with politics. However you have to fight to make money and draw. Money isn't handed to fighters wearing track shoes who slap. People don't pay their hard earned money to watch that garbage. So what happens to the amateur fighter who medals winning a gold or silver and expects... or his naive management expects will be the next great champ while drawing crazy crowds all the way?

Well, I have to tell you that shit ended with De La Hoya back in 92. Yeah Oscars story line of winning a gold for his deceased mother along with his looks and charisma more so paved the way for the attraction he was and still is. Really it was the way he fought along with that. Matched soft or not, he knocked his cannon fodder out as he fought with a PRO style.

Andre Ward who won the Gold in the last Olympics is just NOW starting to develop into a pro! He's been looking really good now and he may be a super star yet, but the transition has been painfully slooooow with that international style he develop in the amateurs.

With slow progress comes doubt in the investment that the management laid down. With that comes hesitation of future medal signings.

I have to ask, do you actually think that many of these managers and promoters are salivating at the current Olympic class? That's what I thought. The last class that showed much promise was the 96 class of Mayweather, Vargas, Tarver, Reid, Diaz,. All former world champs. All fought with a pro style. Although Mayrunner turned into a slap and track star before retiring.

The 76 and 84 class kicked ass, the 88 class was great too( but that's when the scoring changed), the 92 and 96 class gave us some pretty damn good fighters also despite the new scoring system.

So what happened to the 2004 and this years class? The proof is in the team trying to master the system and the promise of big money signing bonuses that come with winning a medal are gone due to that system of quasi fighting. What a shame and what a bunch of shit to call that boxing. At least the pro managers and promoters are boycotting that shit in their own way by closing their pocket books.

The best amateur prospects are starting to be the ones that leave early. Hell, pro managers are starting to look at the national and US champions only as a solid investment overlooking the Olympic and I don't blame them one bit.

Just don't fault the fighters, fault the system and don't call Olympic boxing boxing.

Nobody to blame but himself.

2008-08-13T10:21:00.000-07:00

Raushee Warren should be moving on in the Olympics if it wasn't for his listening to the wrong voices. Raushee chose to listen to the voices from the crowd that were yelling for him to move instead of the instruction of his corner for him to score. Who's in charge anyway?

I don't feel sorry one bit for Raushee, even if you think you are ahead and the crowd thinks you are, you never take anything for granted and must seal the deal. He didn't. He lost and should have listened to his coaches pleas. Those are the voices that should be filling your ear amidst all the crazy cheering and yelling. That bothers me that the corner didn't have his attention.

This is Olympic boxing, we all now the scoring system is fucking bullshit, but if you're going to run, save it for the track and not the ring.

With Raushee's experience he should have known better. Bullshit scoring or not, go out punching not running. Obviously your chances of winning are better in a close fight.

Beaten Before Competing.

2008-08-09T16:21:00.000-07:00

The USA Olympic boxing team has been off to a bad start even before the Olympics started. The typical bitching and moaning of the head coach has caused a rift in the team. I don't agree with appointing a head coach who has not trained the fighters who made the team. The coaches that got them there should work their corners.

The politics and structure of USA boxing is just such a joke and to think of them as elite?! Those days have loooong been gone. The powers that be are VERY over rated and under qualified. Think I'm full of shit? Sending a team to the Olympics with bitching and moaning of the questionable training methods of the head coach is guaranteeing disaster. The disaster appears to be taking shape.

This doesn't surprise me and neither does the news of the teams best boxer Gary Russel Jr. failing to make weight. What does surprise me and disgust me is the news of Russel being found unconscious from trying to make weight.

This is beyond ridiculous to happen at this level and at this time.

You all here me talk in disgust about the pro fighters who abuse their bodies making weight, well it's FAR worse in the amateurs. Fucking fat camps taking place before competing. If these coaches were competent at all they would know that draining a fighter to make weight all but eliminates their chances of winning a medal. But to have our best fighter do this?!

We never heard stories of Pernell Whitaker, Mark Breland, Meldrick Taylor torturing themselves to make weight during the Olympics. Those guys were highly skilled as they proved in the Olympics and the pros there after.

What the fuck ever happened to testing your skills against the best at your natural weight? Why is dropping down a weight class or two seen as such an advantage? How can putting the fighter through such a taxing experience be seen as an advantage of that fighter being stronger once making weight and seemingly regenerating?

Staying at the fighters true natural weight is the REAL advantage. That fighter is licking his chops at the news of the fighters he will be facing putting themselves through hell to make weight.

Our amateur program is whack in more ways than one and the bullshit news of our best fighter being found unconscious is all the proof you need.

I also heard of a Great Britain fighter not even trying to weight in cause he knew he was way off. FIGHT AT YOUR NATURAL WEIGHT!

If these coaches are truly confident that they are teaching their fighters the proper skills they would have their fighters stay at their natural weight as the skills and the well rested bodies of their fighters would be the true advantage.

Dropping down is such bullshit and has gotten way out of hand. Our USA Boxing program should be ashamed of themselves and should check themselves as to get true coaches with balls and knowledge of the human body that can take our team to the top.

I know this much, it isn't happening this Olympics. The politics of our program are embarrassing our Nation when all eyes are watching.

Magarito proves again what the most important ingredient is.

2008-07-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

Last weekends fight between Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito lived up to all the hype and then some. It was another classic Puerto Rican vs Mexican war.

For the first five rounds Cotto was the better fighter. He was fighting a brilliant fight doing everything right except moving to his left. It looked like Cotto would win another big fight. He was snapping Margarito's head back and sideways YET Antonio KEPT coming.... Despite all the momentum Cotto built and the power shots landed Antonio kept the pressure on when other fighters would have packed it in.

Margarito might not have been as polished as Cotto coming in but he proved he was tougher and wanted it more. His heart and will over came Miguel taking the fight out of him. That is a very special fighter to do that. Heart, will and toughness were the special ingredients that made the not so skilled Carmen Basillio, Rocky Graziano, and Gene Fullmer champions.

Despite their lack of athleticism and skill they achieved what they wanted through shear will. Fights like Cotto-Margarito prove that you can never count a fighter out no matter how he looks early in the fight. It proved that a fighter like Margarito that who possess super human will is very dangerous to the end. This fight made you say wow and if you weren't a Margarito fan you are now or at lest have a lot of admiration for him.

I picked Cotto to win for the reasons he displayed early on. I'll admit, I took Margarito's toughness, heart and will for granted. He proved me and many wrong. Both fighters were in outstanding condition and that wasn't a factor in Cotto loosing. This was again a lesson on how will can change and crush a fighter when he appears to have all the physical advantages. It doesn't matter, we learned again, what's inside matters most.

Leaving the fight in the gym.

2008-07-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

I've read how team Margarito's approach to training has changed for the better. In the past Margarito trained far too hard and brutal often leaving the fight in the gym. While still being victorious he didn't perform as he should have because of his early peaking. This is one of the biggest problems I see with fighters. In the past it was a question of not training enough, now the pendulum has swayed to over training.

Ricky Hatton and many others do it as a way of just making weight. The victory on the scale is often more impressive than their victory in the ring. ( Provided they win at all. )

Recovery in boxing camps is often an after though or a sign of weakness or seen as not training hard enough. It's great to see that some teams have finally seen the light and are realizing that recovery and monitoring training intensity are often the missing ingredients to a brilliant and dominating performance in the ring.

Both Cotto and Magarito seem to be well prepared and ready to peak at fight night this Saturday night. I think there's going to be a helluva war this weekend in that ring!

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for easily applicable recovery methods.

Q/A: Boxing Strength Training Program Design.

2008-07-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

Hey Rob,

Planning a solid strength and conditioning for the summer, here's an outline:

1 - de lower, core stability and rotation (bands, medicine ball)
2 - me upper, neck stability, flexion, extension
3 - gpp , restoration/recovery
4 - me lower, core flexion and extension, grip
5 - de upper, neck stability, flexion, extension
6 - upper power conditioning, sprints, grip
7 - strength endurance(burpees, slams, deck of cards, warrior challenges, bodyweight circuits), static stretching

What sort of recovery work do you do on that gpp day? What do you think of mobility drills stretches, activation, all that jazz? I have never looked into it. Injury prevention is obviously important to a boxer, rotator cuff work. What else should I do? Really this day is a good chance to cool my body down and get myself rested up, I want to make the most of it and add anything small that will help me in the long run.

This programme will probably go 3 weeks on, 1 week deload where volume in the weights and actual weight is halved, conditioning and other days will remain the same.

Thanks in advance,
Charis

You got a lot going on Charis. Too much in my opinion. Are you training to be a fighter with skill training on top of this? You're better doing less than too much. Try a 2-3 day strength training template. Add some plyometrics before the strength exercises on ME Upper and ME Lower.

I don't use a templet like this Charis. So for recovery we rest, get some deep tissue work done, soak in some mineral baths etc.

Mobility drills, activation exercises should be part of your program. Mobility is extremely important and overlooked. Focus on it to improve your performance and to stay healthy.

I would add some reverse wd chops and some reverse crunches also.

Charis, I have no idea what you need without knowing your weaknesses, needs/goals but I will say that prone cobras are great, forward ball rolls, face pulls, wall leans, are all very good to use.

To recover you have to manage your high training stressors, the high ones in life too.

Monitor your lifestyle habits as a solid strength/conditioning program will flow off of that. With poor habits you screw yourself. Sleep well, drink plenty of water, eat whole foods, limit stimulants.

Remember less is more. Focus on getting more done with less. You strength/conditioning program should focus on your needs and weaknesses, and supplement what you don't get from your skill training.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for boxing performance strength/conditioning programs.

Manny is the man.

2008-07-08T10:37:00.000-07:00

It's safe to say that Manny Paq. is the best p4p fighter today. He was more than impressive in the way he busted up Diaz. I'll admit, I doubted him going into the fight. I though he would be a bit slower and not carry the power as well with him.

Damn was I wrong, Manny proved many people wrong and enjoyed it whole heartedly. You don't see to many fighters smiling like Manny in the ring enjoying themselves like a kid at play as Manny does. The class that he shows after words is also rare.

The knock on Manny is that he relies on his left hand to much, although he showed a good right hook in the Diaz fight. So what, he has been getting the job done in exciting fights. He doesn't pop shot and run the whole fight. Talking shit at the press conference before and after the fight. The left hand he throws is hard, fast and gets the job done. That's all that matters and that's why he's so exciting to watch and a class act to listen to after words.

What Manny accomplishes in the ring stays in peoples minds, he doesn't need to make a bullshit public statement accusing certain parties of wrong doing. Shut the fuck up and get in the ring if you don't think you were appreciated enough.

There's more than enough talented fighters today like Manny Paq. letting their fists do the talking for their great achievements to allow any knowledgeable fan to miss you.

Manny is the man and I though he peaked. It appears the best is yet to come.

Blast from the past: A true all time great.

2008-06-27T12:23:00.000-07:00

With the retirement of Floyd Mayweather he and his team are claiming that he should be acknowledged as one of the best if not the best fighter ever. Floyd obviously hasn't done enough to earn that respect. Yes he has one titles in 5 different weight divisions but against whom really? On paper Floyd is there but looking closer and the truth comes out.

Here is a highlight clip of one of the indeed all time best in Pernell Whitaker. Unlike Floyd, Pernell had the zest to fight the best, Hell that rimed right there didn't it? Pretty cool! Pernell won titles in four different weight divisions compared to Floyd's five but Pernell did fight and beat better fighters which is what counts compared to how impressive Floyd's accomplishments on paper.

See for your self how good Pernell was against the best. He did it right by fighting the best, not by feasting on weak champions for the sake of collecting multiple titles in weight divisions and living with the fake glory that comes with that.

No, Pernell was old school.

What's lacking in a lot of boxing training camps today.

2008-06-23T09:04:00.000-07:00

I recently recorded a phone interview with strength/conditioning coach Mackie Shilstone that will be available on boxingperformance.com very soon. Mackie has worked with many world champion fighters from Michael Spinks when he beat Holmes to become the first light heavyweight champion to win a heavyweight title, Riddick Bowe when he beat Holyfield for the title, Roy Jones when he beat Ruiz for the heavyweight tile the first to do it since Bob Fitzsimmons, and Bernard Hopkins when he moved up to beat Antonio Tarver for the light heavyweight title accomplishing what his great idol Sugar Ray Robinson couldn't.

Mackie has been around boxing for a LONG time and what he said is sorely missing today is professionalism in fight camps and fighters period. We discussed Ricky Hattons tendency to balloon up in weight after his fights and the shear focus of his training camps being dropping the weight and not improvements in skill/style.

Mackie talked about the old school fight camps up in the Catskills and how they were run. He talked about his experience and time spent with the great Eddie Futch. Professionalism was displayed at its fullest. Mackie also commented on Bernard Hopkin's discipline and professionalism for the sport and how he now serves as a spokesman for it. That was Bernard's secret and fountain of youth that he constantly dipped in and drank from.

It's bullshit now a days with the training camps focus just being on getting the weight off for the fight. The taxing and over training that come with it withers fighters and their desire to fight more often as they must if they want to stay sharp and blossom. Where is the guidance and discipline that the old school greats like Futch, Arcel displayed and influenced their fighters with? The control and ability to know how much to push and when.

Better responsibility must be taken to create better fighters and lasting fighters. Listening to Mackie's stories about the old school fight camps and my experience/conversations with the old school trainers I spent time training with in upstate NY ingrains this in me fully.

It must be ingrained in many others too if they want their fighters to constantly reap the many rewards of being a world champion fighter or becoming one for that matter.

This is often the missing ingredient that prevents it from happening, or allows for a short taste and reign.

The blind leading the blind, a terrible trend in boxing strength training workouts.

2008-06-16T18:19:00.000-07:00

I was reading how my favorite fighter James Toney appears to be in the best shape since Holyfield. That's great, I can't wait to see him fight next month if it's true. The disturbing thing I read was he was lighting light weights with high reps the typical bullshit magic bullet that these strength?/conditioning coaches use, yes there's a ? behind strength as I'm shaking my head why? The reason why James lost to Peter in his last fight wasn't because he wasn't lifting light enough!

The popular trend in strength training boxers is if you're going to lift weights play it safe and lift light with lots of reps yet the people who prescribe this crap claim the fighter will get strong. This do this while obviously neglecting the real needs of the fighter.

I'm just so sick and tired of hearing this myth and seeing fighters misled by training this way. I watched a video that my bud Alwyn Cosgrove sent me with Kelly Pavlik stating how he trains some 6 hours a day and when he lifts weights... Yup... I ain't going to say it... SAME shit. His strength coach was sitting there saying I don't like to talk about Kelly's training. The dude didn't need to what Kelly was saying just made you shake your head why? Why is that guy in Kelly's camp?

So that is the trend in strength training boxers, the blind are leading the blind. It seems either none of these trainers have the balls to educate the fight team on why true strength training is needed, or they just don't care and are along for the ride collecting the check by playing it safe and going with the popular trend and myth. Judging from the shit I've been reading and believe me I hope it isn't true, it appears that the latter is the case.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/for REAL boxing strength training workouts

Q/A: Floyd Mayweather was he that good?

2008-06-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

With the seemingly for real retirement of Floyd Mayweather comes this question of how good was he?

What do you think of Mayweather? Is he as good as all of the hype or do you think he has cherry picked many of his fights too? -David-

David, Floyd is a really good fighter. He's a born fighter with what he can do. He stood out in the amateurs with his amazing skills and he carried that into his pro career with wanting to fight the best up to a point.

When he fought Hatton, that's the best he's looked in awhile. Floyd has hand picked his opponents over the years with his rise in weight. Besides the Hatton fight he hasn't looked all that spectacular or as much as he could because he hasn't been severely challenged. His handpicking soft opposition has been pissing a lot of experts and die hard fans off cause to earn the right to call yourself an all time best fighter you have to prove it against elite competition.

The bullshit cry you hear from Mayweather supporters ( keep in mind I'm a fan of the young Mayweather who fought the best available then, Corrales, Manfredy, Castillio) is that this is a business and so and so Cotto or Magarito for instance haven't done enough yet to deserve a fight. WTF ever!! Cotto and Maragrito are fighting one another and both are serious challengers and recognized by the FANS as serious contenders.

Team Mayweather needs to remember that when it's all said and done that you are remembered for the fights you have fought against good opposition, fights that fans will remember for years, not just shear talent alone. I know this is a business and to fight a multi division champ who has hand picked opponents along the way the fans determine their worth, not the fear of his team in avoiding the challenge. The fans are the ones who purchase the tickets and make the show memorable with their energy and mass attendance. You won't draw well and be remembered with fighting soft opposition and resiting the same old shit... There's not enough money in it, or it's just doesn't make good business sense.

Mayweather is a multi divisional champion but if you ask the average fan, not hard core fan but average fan to name those champions Floyd beat, they can't, because they didn't care to watch or if they did remember and that's why Floyd has been a huge disappointment with pay per view buys/sales, minus the Hatton and De La Hoya fights, but both Oscar and Ricky CARRIED and drove sales and attendance for both shows.

Zab Judah laid the blue print on how to beat Floyd, all Zab had to do was win 2 more rounds and he had that fight. Now we know why Floyd ducked Stevie Johnson at lightweight ( btw Zab carried a lot of sales in that fight too). I will say though that Floyd did respect the sport by staying in shape and not abusing his body with drugs and an over indulgence in alcohol. His not being in great shape was never an excuse to why he lost a fight or could.

If you want to be a savvy business man by taking pages right out of the Roy Jones Jr. low risk high reward gravy fucking train express manual of how to milk the system, go right ahead. You can't call yourself an all time best fighter. Again, Floyd is a really good fighter, he has amazing skills when he wants to use them, but he doesn't take the risks that the true greats did to live in history. A casual fan can name numerous Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman, Barrera, Holyfield,Tommy Hearns, and Roberto Duran opponents cause they took risks in tough fights.

These writers and hype machine media outlets are lowering the bar to be called an all time great. You may be asking Mike what must you do to be considered an all time great? Henry Armstrong set the bar high by holding titles in 3 weight divisions at the same time, would have held a fourth but was awarded a bullshit draw at middleweight, if he was awarded the decision he deserved he would have held titles in 4 weight divisions at the time there was only 8! Now that's what you call an all time great fighter! Harry Greb beat 18 world champs fighting and beating the best when he was blind in one eye! Sugar Ray Robinson had 174 wins with 109 KO's fighting and beating the best.

These fighters and many others, Benny Leonard, Pep, Moore, Charles, Langford keep the bar raised high.

You look at a fighter like James Tony Mike and his non title defenses where tougher than many of the other champs title defenses while he was champ and working hard. He was highly skilled and proved it against the best, welcoming the best to step to him. Pernell Whitaker jump all the way up to 154 to fight the toughest champion at the time there in Vasquez beating him just to show he could. Sweet Pea ducked no one. He was highly skilled beating the best and thriving on the challenge. Everyone knows he beat Chavez.

Then you have Winky Wright who is a modern day Charley Burley, He's too good for his own good, nobody will fight him. Floyd popped off a few years ago about fighting him and of course nothing happened. Winky wanted the fight in a heart beat. A true old school real fighter.

So in ending my long rant Mike yes I think Floyd has hand picked a lot of fighters, and hey that's ok to do on occasion, Floyd has beaten some pretty good fighters but what he needed to do to close his career right, was to fight the winner of Cotto-Margarito and fight a highly ducked fighter that nobody wants to fight in Winky Wright to close his career on a high note. He would do that then he could be mentioned as one of the best... Just NOT THE all time best as some delusional people think.

Guest Blog: Explosive Throwing Power.

2008-06-09T10:54:00.000-07:00

Anatomy of a Throw

To make our athletes more explosive we must create an adaptation via their routine engagement of reactive, speed-strength similar sport specific movements or through their involvement in actual sporting events or practice. For our athletes to become faster and more explosive, general and general specific physiological qualities can be developed in the weight room through the incorporation of throws. As we know, one of the greatest benefits of throws is that there is no deceleration at the end range of movement which is typical of strength training movements. Therefore, true kinetic extension of the engaged segments can be achieved. Another benefit is that various implements and movement patterns can be utilized. We must also acknowledge that in training, these explosive throwing movements are patterned, efficiently executed, without the hindrance of accumulated physiological and CNS fatigue and with optimal breathing. This is not the case in sport. Therefore, their inclusion should be a compliment to their sport and routine sport practice sessions.

How to teach an explosive throw:

Level 1: Uninstructed
Verbally instruct the athlete or lifter to perform the movement in general terms. Have them execute the pattern. Notice the weaknesses, where the form breaks down or the kinetic alignment throughout the throw. Provide greater step-by-step instruction on each transition and segment of the movement with specific attention to the needs of each individual athlete. Remember, perfect practice makes perfect.

Level 2: Braced / Breathing
Now, have the athlete repeat the movement with the specific additional instructions of breathing execution and visit Click Here bracing of the torso to ensure force transfer, speed of movement and rigidity.

Level 3: Speed
With the torso now visit Click Here isometrically stabilized and intra-abdominal pressure engaged, the speed of movement can progressively increase. Note: As the speed increases so does the shadowing of the compensations or inefficiencies of the movement. Incorrect movements can become harder to identify so reinforcement of proper movement should continue, focusing on the basics.

Level 4: Leg Drive / Extension
As the speed increases, explosiveness can also improve with the instruction of driving through the legs (driving the ground away) and “reaching” at the end of the movement.

Level 5: Visual Target / Accuracy
We’ve established the force transfer, increased the speed and explosiveness, now we will improve the accuracy of the movement with a visual target. Introduction of cognitive (conscious intellectual activity - dictionary.com) during the pattern will now bridge the mind/body interaction. This becomes essential as we are trying to increase the potential for sub-conscious movement on the field.

Level 6: Identify Weaknesses / Modify Training Protocol
After Level 5, we are now ready to record next step strategies for developing the general strength qualities that will enhance our athlete’s throwing performance. These are modifications and updates to their training protocol.

Throws will enhance starting and explosive strength. With the right means, we can also dynamically introduce these implements into a movement to elicit and enhance a reactive throwing expression.

Get creative and understand that without a strong Click Here we cannot develop the torso strength and rigidity our athletes need to perform explosive, multi-joint, unanticipated movements.

About the Author
Jim Smith is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and an expert trainer who writes for Men's Fitness and the Elite Q/A Staff. Jim has been involved in strength training as a performance enhancement specialist for over 8 years and has worked with athletes from various sports who compete at various levels. He has published articles about his unique training style and innovative methods for many prominent strength and fitness related sites. He is also the authored of three renowned strength manuals. For more innovative training solutions, Click Here
Jim Smith, CSCS
Author Combat Core

Weekend Wrap Up.

2008-06-08T19:23:00.001-07:00

There were some great fights this weekend and some surprising upsets.

Pavlik-Lockett

Kelly did what he was supposed to do against an over matched opponent. It didn't matter that Ezno was Lockett's trainer, Hell his son Joe slaps with his punches so what the hell did Kelly have to fear in this fight.

That's what experience does for you in big fights, Lockett had NONE, Kelly has a nice back bone from his big fights with Zertuche, Miranda, Taylor.

Arum is aiming for an October match with Joe Calzaghe. If Kelly doesn't change up his grueling over training and some of the other unnecessary training methods he's performing, He's in deep shit against Joe.

Daniel Ponce De Leon-Juan Manuel Lopez

We have another exciting puncher in Lopez to look forward to in future big fights with his destruction of Ponce De Leon. Juan wasted no time in grabbing that tile with his fast and savage attack. Once again, the smaller fighters deliver the bigger action and Juan will cause a lot of people to be glued to the TV set when he fights again. Out with the old in with the new. Plenty of action guaranteed. Great for boxing.

Quintana-Williams

This fight shocked me the most. I thought Quintana would give Paul fits again. Paul like Juan wasted no time in grabbing the title. Paul took care of business in a big way. He's a very dangerous fighter when he comes into the ring focused and hungry. The question is, will he have another let down or keep the hunger, and ass beatings coming? He seems to have everything but consistency, lets see if he KO's that label in his next fight.

Forrest-Mora

This fight was a bit of a surprise too. Forrest was by far the more polished technician and early on it appeared he would have his way with Mora. I'm so impressed with how accurate Vernon is with his punches while fighting fresh. He didn't come into the fight in the shape he needed to to match Mora's energy and tenacity. Mora's awkwardness and aggresiveness was just too much for Vernon. Blame this loss on his team for not taking Sergio serious and not having Forrest in the condition he needed to be in. They thought Vernon's skill would make the labeled contender Mora look like a pretender. Big mistake and big win for Sergio against a highly skilled but under prepared fighter in Vernon. Mora's going to grow to a whole new level after this big win. His team deserves much praise after taking so much criticism. They showed their professionalism by having their fighter FULLY prepared by taking the title against heavy odds and snears.

Bringing back the old school skills.

2008-06-03T18:02:00.000-07:00

In this article ”http://www.maxboxing.com/Gerbasi/Gerbasi060308.asp on maxboxing.com

Vernon Forrest talks about what i so much agree with in regards to young boxers development in skills today. Below are two great Forrest quotes from the article.

“I’m one of those guys that was taught correctly and taught the technical side of the game,” he said. “A lot of these young guys aren’t taught that. One thing I know about boxers nowadays are that they are the most athletic boxers in the history of the game. These guys could play any other sport, but they chose to compete in boxing. But in terms of the most skilled guys, those are the older guys that are still around.”

“Back in the day you had the older guys, and then the young guys came in and took them out,” Forrest continues. “Nowadays they can’t do that because the older guys are that much more skilled. Guys know how to roll punches, how to pull away from punches, how to not take the full brunt of a punch, and most importantly, guys know how to not get hit with that second punch. It ain’t that first punch that gets you - 9 times out of 10 it’s the second punch that knocks you out.

I was taught by an old school coach and I'm SO grateful for that. I like to teach these old school skills, but why should we call them old school, this is what boxing is and how it must be taught, I always say, just because it's called boxing that doesn't mean that's what your watching.

I'll never forget being at several coaching clinics to renew my license and listening to the instructor ask coaches who were taking the course for their level 1 coaching license to define boxing. They COULDN'T!! Why the fuck were they there in the first place I was thinking. Know what you are getting into and know how to teach the true skills if you are going to do this. That's bullshit that coaches like this are allowed to train fighters.

I remember being at the NY State Fair back in 98 and watching this team from Niagara compete. I'm serious in saying that everyone of those fighters got smoked. No skill at all. Some in the crowd probably thought that the fighter stunk. It was the trainer that stunk as HE represented those fighters. Learn how to teach the damn skills. I experienced the same shit down here in Florida a few years back from this coach in Green Cove Springs. He told a friend of mine that his fighter was going to kick my fighters ass. I'm confident in my fighters skill so there was no trash talking back from me. In fact one of the best compliments I get is when an old school trainer praises me for my young fighters skill, I take that to heart when that happens and we all should take pride in teaching real boxing skills to our fighters. Getting back to the story, We fought and beat that kid that night and every fighter of that coach lost that night, many getting stopped. I haven't seen that coach since at any show.

Trainers just aren't teaching what Vernon is talking about, not many anyways.

We young coaches must get back to bringing the sweet science back to boxing.

Q/A: Gifted but lazy fighters.

2008-06-01T19:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Rob,

Couple of questions as to your approach to fighters training. Do you favour a block training approach programmed from fight to fight, and have you ever experienced one of your athletes who perhaps relies on natural talent too much prompting them to become lackdaisical with regard to their athletic development?

Last question, Nigel Benn/Roy Jones both in their prime how do you see it going?

Kevin, Great questions as always. I use a conjugated approach with cybernetic periodization. This is boxing and life, the real world.

Yes, I've had several fighters who relied on natural talent too much and didn't put in more quality hard work so what I did and do is put these fighters in way over there head with very experienced fighters OR I myself spar them( I can still get down pretty good in the ring) and light them up a bit to make them realize what they really need more of and that talent isn't enough without hard work and the talent they have has only taken them so far and the bar has now been raised on them with this sparring. The others see this and get the point.

That is coaching. Ass beatings/gym wars do have their place so as not to sound like a hypocrite as I do not favor them except for certain instances or scenarios like this. I will NOT ever put up with fighters who don't put in the work, I'm their trainer, my name is stamped on them, if they don't put in the work even after an ass kicking, out the door they go. I take full responsibility for my fighters and everyone knows right off the bat upon working with me that half ass work ethic is not accepted no matter what talent level.

I also give my fighters home work on youtube as far as old time fighters they must study and what to study, this keeps the bar raised too but in a more pleasant way. This study is FAR overlooked by many. You got to go way back for true skill or watch a young Pernell Whitaker, James Tony, Winky, Hopkins.

Q/A: Strength Training for a granite chin?

2008-05-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hey, is there anyway that you can train your "chin" - to be able to take more hits? I've heard of doing neck extension, while holding the weight from a towel that you bite on. Is this an urban legend or does it actually work? Thanks-David.

David, work of good defense so you don't get caught hard. Learn how to roll with punches so you can roll away from the power.

Look at a very hard to hit fighter like Winky Wright. What's so special about him? He keeps his hands up and elbows tucked. Pretty basic, but done very well.

Your ability to tolerant pain is within you. But do warm up properly before sparring and the fight moving your jaw around so everything is lubed and ready.

Work on your defensive skills bro. You know why most guys jaws get broke or fractured in fights? Cause their mouths are wide open when they fatigue.

Train with a mouth piece and bite down on that keeping your mouth closed on it learning to breath with it while you're training and tired. This will protect your jaw in the fight.

Hands up, chin tucked, mouth closed, and you can't go wrong David.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/for world class defensive techniques.

Fat camp or training camp?

2008-05-25T16:00:00.000-07:00

If Ricky wants to make it out of boxing without any serious long lasting damage his team better start conducting training camps instead of fat camps. Seriously, he could have made a statement in Lazcano fight proving that he is indeed back better than ever. That was hardly the case. What he did prove is that he is a very hittable fighter that has not improved in the skills department for quite some time.

Ricky MUST begin to act like a world class pro now by keeping his weight in check between fights by altering his lifestyle and partaking in a strength/conditioning program that improves his dire needs of strength, speed, power, endurance. He showed little of these qualities in fading against Lazcano and he'll get his ass severely kicked by the next world class fighter he faces unless these are improved.

Bottom line, Ricky's training camps are grueling fat camps that are tailored to drop the weight quick. Look at the way he hits the heavy bag with his hands damn near down by his waist! He doesn't have the type of reflexes to get away with this flaw. My point is that there is no focus on improving skill or adding to his style. team Hatton must bring in another coach like John David Jackson who can instill some solid defense into Ricky's style. Cause what they're doing now sure the hell isn't working. Just watch the replay of his fight against Lazcano as it shows the obvious.

Q/A: Corrective exercise for forward head.

2008-05-21T06:07:00.000-07:00

Rob,
I remember reading from you a while back about an exercise to prevent forward head posture where you lean back against a wall. Do you think neck extensions with a head harness would work for that too?

Hey Alex, first of all if there are muscle imbalances in the pelvic region ( lower cross syndrome) they must be addressed first as the pelvis is a major postural control center so if there is an upper cross syndrome there is more likely a lower cross syndrome as well.

Yes training the neck in extension will help.

When correcting postural imbalances training the postural muscles in static correct postural alignment work very well to improve imbalance. Prone cobras are another excellent postural corrective exercise correcting forward head, shoulder pronation, pronation of arms and thoracic kyphosis. Alex try using them at first with 5 sec holds-5 sec. rest, working to 10's on, 10's off, try holding for 30's, then 60's and progressing to 2 min. This works very well cause your training the postural muscles in this desired correct alignment for long holds.

Keep in mind Alex it's best to keep at least one corrective postural exercises in your training program to combat faulty posture and improve maintain proper balance as sport and ergonomic of life alter them.

Weekend wrap up.

2008-05-19T07:05:00.000-07:00

Byrd-George

The story of Chris Byrd dropping 40 + pounds to light heavyweight distracted many of us from the obvious going into this fight... Chris Byrd was a shot fighter. The writing was on the wall in his last heavyweight fight against Povetkin, Chris just couldn't get out of the way of punches.

I knew George was a very fast handed fighter going into this fight and Chris wasn't prepared for that speed as his reflexes were lost in his tough losses to Klitshko and Povetkin. The speed and power at light heavyweight is obviously far different and Chris experienced that. I'll admit, I overlooked that Chris was pretty much shot going into his fight with George. No shame in losing though, as he's had a great career winning a heavy weight title and battling it out with the giants and faring pretty damn good in many of those fights, like his style or not, he had balls doing it.

Kirkland-Albert

I like Kirland and he was very impressive with stopping Albert for the first time ever in their fight. Kirland's hard core training methods were hyped up going into this fight. He can bang hard that's for sure. He needs to develop more all around skills though. Sure, don't take away from his strengths, but what is he going to do when he fights a fighter with balls, toughness, and skills. Marching relentlessly forward banging away will only take you so far, if Kirkland can expand on his awesome tenacity and punching power he can enjoy longevity in this sport and he'll be able to adjust when he must when a fighter stands up to his strengths.

Angulo-Gutierrez

Angulo is a patient persistent killer. He starts off a little slow and that must be improved upon but when you make a mistake or create an opening, he's on you. That was the factor in this fight, Gutierrez started off fast and had some great success severely hurting Angulo, but he made to many mistakes that a great counter puncher like Angulo capitalized on.

Alfredo really needs to increase his speed though. He hangs his punches out there to much and he'll be caught regularly himself when he faces another persistent fighter with great hand speed. He arms punches a lot too and needs to get more leverage on his shots so he can get a guy out of there faster when he has them hurt. He's a young fighter though and has a lot of upside and time to grow, and i think he will. Sparring with Antonio Margarito has been speeding that up too. He's a great young gun to keep an eye on and his future is bright in the aging junior middleweight division.

Gamboa- Jimenez

I was really looking forward to watching Gamboa fight with all this hype of his comparisons to a young Meldrick Taylor. What a bunch of fucking bullshit! What really got me was the praise of Gamboa's team going into this fight, he does have a great strength/conditioning coach in Mo who's been doing his job, but the lack of discipline that Gamboa displayed in the fight was very disturbing for such a high praised fighter!

I mean what the hell are they working on in camp?! Keeping your hands down and hot dogging it? The dudes in trouble with a fighter who can jab, move and counter with power. I think Gamboa has A LOT of potential, but they need to tighten ship in the discipline/technique department during the fight and NOT give a fighter like Jimenez opportunities to counter and drop a fighter with seemingly superior gifts in Gamboa. Hey this is the pros, NO head gear and heavier gloves, anything can happen and having discipline makes sure it doesn't.

Tonight Chris Byrd's actions will speak louder than his words.

2008-05-16T16:04:00.001-07:00

Chris Byrd fights tonight in his first apperance in the light heavyweight division. Chris has shed 40+lbs. to make 175. He said it was mostly fat but looking at his physigue at heavyweight and now he lost a lot of muscle too, and there was a strict dietary plan involved to achieve this.

Here's a comparason of Chris at heavyweight and now, courtisey of maxboxing.com scribe Steve Kim.

In his bout against Evander Holyfield in December of 2002, he weighed 214 pounds. Now, he will come in at 175 or less. Back then his chest measured 44.5'', now its 38''. His waist has gone from a 35to 30.5. His thigh back then was 24.5'', to 21.5''. And even his fist has shrunk from 12'' to 11

Big difference in the Chris Byrd we'll see in the ring tonight for sure. We'll see how he handles the drop and loss of muscle during the fight, this isn't sparring anymore. He's not fighting a guy that's coming to roll over. Shaun George is fast and ellusive so we'll know after this fight if Chris is indeed as fast and strong as he says he was in training camp. No more words, action counts tonight.

Q/A: Mythical Matchups

2008-05-15T15:37:00.001-07:00

Rob, Who do you like in the following matchups?

Terry Norris vs. Wifred Benitez
Lennox Lewis vs. Joe Louis
Azumah Nelson vs. Erik Morales

-Mike-

Mike I like these match ups!

Norris-Benitez

Terry was a devastating puncher and could box but not like Benitez...The thing with Benetiz was he NEVER trained, never took boxing really serious. He could have been MUCH better. We saw the best of Norris as he trained his ass off.

Norris hit harder but Wilfred could crack pretty good too. The factor in this fight would be speed and movement and Benitez owned both of them. The knock on Terry was that he wasn't disciplined during the fight, he could loose focus and become frustrated and start fouling or making mistakes.

People forget how slick Benitez was... He gave Leonard lots of fits in losing by 15 round stoppage with only seconds left, lost a close dec. to Hearns and beat Duran. While NEVER training serious! He would stand in front of Norris taunting him, laughing at his power while countering and dancing away... YET being in range to get off again and again and again. That's how you shut a puncher down.

So Benitez wouldn't cooperate with Norris and become part of his highlight reel, he would move, counter and then set down on his punches to earn a UD or even a late stoppage ( IF Wilfred trained at least 8 weeks).. Terry was very good fighter, but he wouldn't be able to cope with Wilfred's natural skill and NEVER fought a fighter close to it.

Keep in mind that Wilfred won his first world title at 17 years 6 months.....That's what you call a great fighter! You won't find any police officers, post men, or shot former champion fighters in his record either as you will in OTHER so called great fighters records.

Lewis-Louis

You know Mike, I could really see Lennox out boxing Joe. He had the jab to keep him at bay and he could work off of his jab with hooks and upper cuts while moving away from Joe's dangerous bombs. People may think I'm full of shit with this scenario but styles make fights...

Lewis could do this but he could also lull himself to sleep with his own style and success rate. He could have a lapse or become lazy and make a mistake. Louis was the type of fighter with the type of power to take advantage of a mistake by changing or ending the fight quick. I could see this happening, Lewis out boxing and shutting Joe down for 10 rounds then Joe pouncing on Lennox's ass after coming over top of a lazy Lewis jab with a heavy right hand and ending the fight before the crowd and ref could register what the fuck just happened.

Power solves problems fast. Joe had lots of it. Louis by 10th round KO.

Nelson-Morales

The professor ( Nelson) is not talked about enough. He was a really great technician in the ring with good power and a sturdy chin. A classy true pro. He fought the legendary and possibly best featherweight champion of all time in Salvador Sanchez going into that fight with only 13 fights! He lost by 15 round KO but earned much praise. He beat a badly faded Wilfred Gomez for the WBC featherweight strap in 84.

He would have his hands full with the feracious and relentless fighter Morales was though.

Fight tempo would be key in this fight and I feel Eric would set one to high for the Professor to be able to comfortable do what he did best. He would have to forgo his style and strengths just to hang with Eric and the pace he would set in the fight. If you want to know what I mean about pace just search for Morales-Barrera I on youtube and see for yourself. Morales was a beast! He didn't spend time in the studio trying to sing to win a fucking grammy, or be a model, and fight 2 division blown up fighters...Nah... He kicked ass and was a REAL Mexican warrior arguably one of the top 3 or 4 best ever and that's why he's worshiped in Mexico.

Fenech was a high volume, aggressive puncher and Azumah knocked him out after drawing with him the first time out, but Morales had a more fierce aggression and hit to the body and head harder than Jeff. Nelson never faced a fighter who could rip to the body like Erik could while also having the quick ability to follow up with viscous head shots not giving his opponents the chance to think.

Again Mike, It's the pace and power of Erik's attack that would do Azumah in. Azumah would have brief moments were he would catch Erik coming in but I just feel Erik would be too much for Nelson and Morale's pace wouldn't allow the professor to take advantage of and pin point Eric's weaknesses during the fight.

An older, wiser, more experienced Nelson gets stopped in the last round as he did the last time he fought a REAL Mexican great while again earning much praise and awe in his gallant fighting effort.

Choosing the right heavy bag for your boxing training workouts.

2008-05-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

What should I look for in a good heavy bag? Space is defiantly an issue, so would one of those wave/free standing type bags be just as good as a hanging one. -Matt-

Matt, In my opinion you get a lot more out of a hanging bag. Leather bags are great, canvass I feel sucks for sure when its cold out and they harden. Get a soft filled so you don't bust your hands, wrists, elbows, and shoulders up. Ss far as weight depending on your size get a 100lb. heavy bag so you can get some good movement with the bag allowing you to work on your footwork, punching distance, along with your punching skills. This is what the hanging heavy bag offers that the free standing doesn't and you don't need that much space to work it either.

Be sure to get some good hand wraps and gloves too.

To learn how to maximize your heavy bag workouts
Click here: http://boxingperformance.com

This is why boxing is often labeled the theater of the unexpected.

2008-05-07T05:57:00.000-07:00

Watch this clip all the way through.

Simon Brown vs. IBF Jr. Middleweight Champion Vincent Pettway 4-29-95.

Now that's a sick KO!

Q/A: My thoughts on Oscar's last performance and his career.

2008-05-05T19:25:00.000-07:00

Rob P-
I was wondering what your opinion is of the de la hoya vs forbes fight tomorrow. I personally have always repected de la hoya's ability's in the ring, but resently after watching the preview on hbo a few times i am questioning his character. I dont understand why a fighter with his ability has to keep stressing his dedication, trying it seems to regain street credit lost when he begain promoting fights a few years ago. I mean honestly when your hungry for something its in your eyes, just look at glen johnson. You should not have to tell people or your self that your committed, people just no. Obviously there is a bigger picture to that subject then what was on that show, but that is just my opinion. If de la hoya wants to stay on top of the boxing world for years to come and get back that respect from fans, he needs to get rid of the mayweather circus that surrounds him and go back to the roach. Nothing personal against mayweathers training ability, just not a fan of his personallity. Anyways i am pulling for Rudy on this one. Jarrod.

Jarrod, Sorry for the late reply. I was at the Elite seminar over the weekend...

I'm not a fan of De La Hoya and I was taunted pretty good over the weekend seminar about it lol!

For the majority of Oscar's career he's been a broken record, he's also been more than just a fighter and that is what's hurt him over the years.

It's BULLSHIT to think of him as a really great fighter. He's more a product of proper promotion and management than anything and I challenge anyone to prove me wrong.

Oscar has won a couple of impressive fights and I can't hate on him for milking the system. He IS a smart business man...Just NOT a great fighter.

So that's why he's been full of excuses Jarrod.. With all the fucking trainer changes over the years he's never really gelled into his own. The excuses stem from the trainer changes too... Oh, so and so has me doing this, and that Oscar often says before another fight.

Oscar never had street credit... Do you know what would happen to him if he sparred down in Mexico in those hard core gyms... I would PAY to see that. Those Mexican fighters would beat the shit out of him and taunt him. He's never been a true Mexican fighter with the style he has.

Now you put Glen Johnson in any hardcore gym in the world and he'll whip some ass. Glen is a really good fighter cause that's what he's focused on. He's a true old school fighter.

I agree with Floyd Sr's personality, I met and talked with him before. Saying he has an ego is a huge understatement.I disagree with him not being the right trainer for Oscar right now. To be able to hang with Floyd Jr. he needs more of the style Floyd Sr. teaches than Freddie's style. Freddie is a GREAT trainer but his strategies won't help Oscar in the rematch.

Oscar needs to retire now, spare us with this sorry ass rematch.

You saw how he was touched up by a blown up Stevie Forbes Jarrod. He's a good promoter and that's what he should be doing. He just hasn't been a REAL fighter for many years now.

Boxing is 90% Mental... Just Ask Oscar De La Hoya.

2008-04-30T17:57:00.000-07:00

Oscar De La Hoya has been trying to relax in the ring after all these years. Before his biggest fights he will spit out the same old song of... This has been the best training camp of my life, I'm so focused and in the best shape of my life. During those fights though Oscar fought tense. He never really dominated in his biggest fights for this reason, he couldn't relax.

In interviews leading up to this weekends fight, Oscar has said the same as he always has and that he's not overlooking Forbes but yet he's focusing on the Mayweather fight in September. WTF! Somethings never change I guess.

One thing that has supposedly changed is that Oscar has finally learned how to relax in the ring. After all these years working with Floyd Sr. who has been trying to instill this is Oscar, Oscar says he's finally mastered how to relax during the fight.

My true point in this post is that no matter how good of shape you are in, no matter how strong you are, you matter how much quality sparring you got in before the fight, if you can't relax in that ring you're done!

That is true mastery, relaxing the ring and controling your emotions. We'll find out after all these long years in boxing if Oscar is telling the truth and has finally mastered his this Saturday night.

Q/A: The lessons of sparring and maturing in your boxing training workouts

2008-04-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

Rob, . I had only been boxing for 2 months and had no previous experience and was put in the ring with a guy who was a lot more experienced than I was, but still he wasn't very good. I didn't do so bad but It was not what I expected and he did land some some hard shots on me and left me feeling discouraged. I was told I did good but I didn't think so and I think my trainer felt I did good because he probably thought it was good for me not being very experienced and maybe being able to take a good punch. I now see that as bullshit.I sparred with my trainer and was a lot more comfortable sparring with him and learn a lot more but was still kind of discouraged in my training so I took a little break. Now that I'm back I have been training alone getting in shape and just asking trainers to work the mitts with me . I am starting to see the game unfold, and see the same things happen to other guys. They get paired up with these guys who want to impress their trainers and use the new guys as a punching bag to display their skills on. Also I see them urging these newly trained fighters to get in the ring way to soon so they can "see what its all about".

I'm sure you have seen this before. I noticed trainers dont really want to teach alot about boxing unless you want to fight competitively.And it seems like the old school test is to put you through some rigorous sparring sessions to see if you have the chin and mental toughness to handle it. Then they wait and see if you come back for more knd of thing. I dont want you to think its a soyg post because I love it there.

Paul, You can't get down on yourself too hard if you have a bad day at the gym and in sparring. Even when you're ready to spar you are still going to have some off days. If you want to box this is part of it. You must be persistence and patient. If you want to box eventually you have to get in there with more experienced and better fighters to learn and get better.

Maybe look for another gym if the trainers there don't want to teach you more of the art of boxing or if you don't want to fight. That's a real boxing gym you're training at. Those trainers you are talking about want you to earn that time you spend with them, they want you to respect their time, cause we boxing trainers get burnt on occasion by teaching a fighter some skills and then they quit. I don't just work with anyone either. Now I don't agree with testing new fighters by lighting them up in the ring and waiting to see if they come back before teaching them more, some of the diamond in the rough fighters are the ones that first appear timid and unsure. That's our job to instill confidence and flip the switch on in those fighters... if they're willing to learn and go through what they must cause once that switch is turned on they are dangerous and the night and day changes in their mentality is stunning! all good trainers have worked with fighters like this and it's VERY gratifying.

Communicate with your trainer Paul, Tell him what you feel unsure about and what you are looking for to continue training. Again you may have to find another gym if there is no way around the system of sparring they employ, or if they won't put a more adequate sparring partner in their with you so you can blossom to a new level allowing you to then work with better fighters.

Looking back on Hopkins-Calzaghe.

2008-04-22T07:11:00.000-07:00

Well the days of saying a fighter is getting old when he nears his thirties has been over. Watching 36 year old Joe Calzaghe and 43 year old Bernard Hopkins fight at a highly competitive level proved that age in no factor.

I thought Joe won the fight 114-113. I have no problem for those seeing the fight in Bernard's favor 114-113. Bernard landed the crisper harder punches, he just didn't land enough of them. Joe landed more punches but they were slapping punches. Joe showed he could adjust and fight as good as you can against the foul inflicted style of Bernard.

Bernard showed great reflexes and timing in dropping Joe in the first round. Both fought good and did a lot of good things. That's why it was such a tough fight to score.

In the early 90's George Foreman was the big laughing stock of boxing for fighting on in his forties. The laughing stopped of course after he crushed Michael Moore with that powerful right hand of his in winning the heavyweight title at 45. There was no snickering at the 43 year old Hopkins going into this fight but there is much praise after the fight as we were watching one of the all time best almost beat, NOT get dominated by the best light heavyweight in the world at 43! That's a living legend.

Guest Blog: Dynamic Planks for a Ripped Powerful Core.

2008-04-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

The Next Level of Core Training - Improve Core Strength and Performance with Dynamic Planks.

When you think about the most basic abdominal exercise, the first one that pops into your head is probably planks.

Planks are where a person lays out into a push-up position but instead of being on their outstretched hands, they rest on their forearms. In this position, the athlete or lifter will remain for a specific length of time. If the time exceeds one and a half minutes that is considered pretty good.

The benefits of planks include rehabilitating a back injury, glute activation, developing proficiency for bracing the torso with intra-abdominal pressure and an isometric contraction of the abdominals and developing muscular endurance of the muscles that stabilize, support and engage movements of the torso.

But in accordance with the Principle of Overload and the Laws of Chaos, there is a progression for all resistance training means. Progression of an exercise will increase the difficulty, which increases the demand and work capacity of the lifter and in turn, provides more adaptation and benefits.

So what is the next training progression for planks? Here are some of the most common modifications :

Raising one foot off the ground (ensure the lifter doesn’t shift to the side to compensate by forcibly firing the glutes and bracing harder
Add a weighted vest or back pack

Further unique adaptations can be obtained if we are relentless in our pursuit of our ultimate goal – real world strength. It is this real world strength that is developed not only with fixed, patterned strength training movements, but with random, rapidly adjusted reactive means. This is truer to real life and everyday movements.

Here is the modification that will produce the results we want. The lifter will setup in a conventional plank but with their feet on an elevated box and their forearms on a mini-trampoline.

This is a plank x 10!

This variation is much more difficult to stabilize because as the lifter adjusts, so does the base of support (the trampoline) they are resting on! We can of course increase the difficulty by externally loading the lifter or having them lift one leg, but we want to make this exercise really difficult. By having the lifter raise up onto their hands, more vibration can be achieved.

Now hit a plyometric push-up with the goal of restabilizing and restoring a static posture as quickly as possible. This creates a full body tremor that improves the integrity of the elbows, shoulders and hips.

Now, let's perform a one arm plank on this setup. This requires a greater glute and opposite oblique contraction to counterbalance the movement. The goal is to minimize the hips shifting and remain rigid. This movement can be held for time and increased in difficulty by a partner-assisted agitation.

For a more advanced movement a plyometric push-up can once again be engaged, but this time we will land on one arm.

Not only does this have amazing implications in a rehabilitative setting, but decelerative properties for the torso, back and shoulders as well. Sports that require ballistic upper body expressions (which is essentially all sports) or sports with high incidences of shoulder or hip injuries can benefit from this vibrational environment. The more vibration we can introduce, the more rapid the contractions, primary and antagonistic, of the engaged muscular and the greater stability of the kinetic chain. This creates a balance and teaches the athlete how to stabilize in opposition to random stimuli.

For more real core strength:Click Here

About the Author
Jim Smith is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and an expert trainer who writes for Men's Fitness and the Elite Q/A Staff. Jim has been involved in strength training as a performance enhancement specialist for over 8 years and has worked with athletes from various sports who compete at various levels. He has published articles about his unique training style and innovative methods for many prominent strength and fitness related sites. He is also the authored of three renowned strength manuals. For more innovative training solutions, Click Here.

Two Of The Best Body Snatchers In Boxing Displaying The Lost Art of Working The Body... You better be watching!

2008-04-14T18:42:00.000-07:00

Magarito showed last weekend in his big win over Kermit Cintron what a great body attack does for a fighter. Having a great body attack will eventually end the fight quick with the opponent twisting with pain on the canvass. Magarito placed that fight ending body shot perfectly and it's fights like this that young fighters must take note of quality body work.

Another fierce body puncher in Miguel Cotto also took care of business last Saturday night. Miguel rips the body HARD and has honed this craft better than any other fighter in the welterweight division, even Margarito I believe. Cotto gets so much damn leverage in his body shots and it's the way he sets them up that make them even harder to deal with.

That is why it's so important to watch body snatchers like Cotto and Magarito go to work. You really see the lost art of setting a fighter up for the energy zapping body shots at its best. There's more to body work than whacking away at a fighters mid section.

Come July when Cotto and Magarito fight one another it will be a night of savage body work on display. Great in fighting is something to behold and model. Trainers and fighters of all ages can and will learn something that you do see often at its finest come July. I know my eyes will be glued to the TV watching these two body snatchers going to work.

PS.... I had Glen Johnson beating Chad Dawson. It's a damn shame that Johnson is probably the most robbed fighter ever in boxing! At near 40 years of age, the dude landed the harder leather and was strong and resilient as hell in the later rounds. Johnson is another old school fighter to watch. He masterfully blocks and rolls with punches, then is in great position to counter with his own hard, not pitty pat punches. That is what boxing is about and it's a damn shame that he isn't being awarded the decision for his great work.

A Great Fighter To Model In Your Boxing Training Workouts.

2008-04-10T08:44:00.000-07:00

In my previous post I talked about how Aaron is such a great student of boxing. Well James Toney was too. Watch his high light clip below and watch the old school techniques and moves he displayed against GREAT opposition. Jame's second trainer Bill Miller would lend James tapes of Jersey Joe Walcott, Archie Moore, Ezzard Charles, Sugar Ray Robinson and Rocky Marciano. James would study and break their movements down on video while adding those old school skills to his own style in the gym with relentless practice.

The result is what you see in this clip. Look at how James rolls, dips, slides, and counters punches in close quarters. Look at how he effectively fought of the ropes. Watch the Barkley fight and how James would pivot while chopping Iran Barkley up in the inside with body head combos while constantly turning Iran. Brilliant skills and James will tell you he owes this to his passionate study of the past old time greats.

Tell me, what other fighter today displays skills like this besides Mayweather? If you want to save some study time, watch a prime James Toney go to work. Then do what he did, bring the skills to life in the gym with hard work.
Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ to learn defensive slipping, parrying, and offensive countering techniques.

Boxing Training Doesn't Stop At The Gym For Hungry and Developed Fighters.

2008-04-05T13:50:00.000-07:00

Aaron Williams looked sensation last night in his impressive KO win against experienced Andere Purlette on ESPN 2's Friday Night Fights. Aaron's fast track development can be attributed to his constant study of old fight films of some of the greatest fighters ever. Fighters like Sugar Ray Robinson, Archie Moore, Ezzard Charles to name a few. Aaron just doesn't stop his boxing training at the gym, his study of the all time greats has allowed him to progress rapidly in skill and style as a young pro.

Studying film is so over looked in young boxers training in this day and age it seems. Many fighters just want to get the training over with at the gym and go on to other things they like to do. They don't make boxing an evolving study and practise that can mold them into a more complete fighter. This is often seen in their stalled or limited development in skills.

When you see a young fighter like Aaron Williams who looks better and better with experienced fighters, there's usually a lot of extra work on his part going on outside the gym. His studying of the all time greats allow him to raise the bar on his own skills and performance against experienced fighters earing him the high praise that goes with it. When he competes in his first world title fight it may appear that he's been there before based on his performance. When that happens you'll know why.

Can Lifting Heavy Weights Continually In Your Boxing Strength Training Workouts Make You Slow?

2008-03-31T20:00:00.000-07:00

This is the biggest reason the myth of lifting light weights with high reps exists. Thinking heavy weight training makes you slow. Well, can it? I discuss this in this Q/A.

I have been boxing for roughly six months. Before boxing I stayed in the gym and lifted heavily basically trying to bulk up. I was maxing out on the bench at 205. My question is if I continue to lift heavily will it affect my hand speed? I want to have a more developed upper body but I am not sure if heavy lifting will benefit me in terms of a more developed frame while maintaining hand speed.

Don't waste your time with light weights and high reps.. I really can't believe people think this is the way to lift. Enough!!

If you JUST lift heavy weights without improving RFD, speed, you can become slower. BUT performing true plyometrics will increase speed/power, RFD.

Even performing speed strength reps with the bench press won't make you as fast as plyometrics training because you decelerate with the bar at the end of the speed bench movement, to prevent this add bands, or chains to the barbell.

The bench press is just a general exercise. Strengthen your core in rotation, strengthen your lats to better decelerate the punch, and legs to develop fight ending power. Yes I'm repeating this as I stated it in my last post this is what you want ingrained in your mind and practice.

Again, don't perform light weight with high reps, you won't get faster or more powerful this way, you get that type of muscle endurance training with your bag and mitt work.

Perform max effort lifts to build base strength, ( Chins, under, over grip chins, neutral grip pull up, 1 arm row in rotation, exercises like this to develop your upper body then perform plyometrics to become frighteningly fast and powerful! Just hope that your competition is lifting with light weight and high reps, cause kicking their asses will be cake with your added power! :-)

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for proven strength training, and corrective exercise programs.

Q/A: Why I Leave The Bench Out Of My Boxing Strength Training Programs.

2008-03-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

Hey Rob,
In a follow up to my last question (thanks for the quick and in-depth reply!) - did you leave any bench press or pressing variations out on purpose?
If so, why?

Another question, related again to my previous question. Is going heavy all the time, with all exercises (ie keeping it within the 5-6 rep range, and keeping it tough), does this over-tire the CNS?
I don't believe so, but I have read it before.

Charis, Look at the video I pasted here of The "G-Man" Gerald McCellan. Watch where the power comes from.

The bench press is a good general exercise however my thinking is when training boxers I don't want to spend precious time with the push pattern when the power comes from the fighters core rotation, legs, lats, AND relaxing-not being tight when punching. If I was to use a push pattern I would use unilateral db presses add some rotation, then ascend to a standing integrated 1 arm cable push, and then ascend to a 1 arm med ball explosive push/throw with rotation on a rebounder for higher carryover. I don't want to spend that time when I can get better results addressing the legs, core, lats. Why add more pushing when you spend so much time in a flexed posture? I have used the bench before that's why I feel this way. Also keep in mind how much time a fighter spends in flexion. Boxers develop pronated shoulders, tight upper abs, and a kyphotic posture, Prone cobras, Scaptations, foam rolling the T-spine, db ext. shoulder rotations, forward ball rolls, barbell roll outs, blast strap roll outs, also stretching the tight muscles, this is what you need to focus on to improve your boxing performance.

You are not going to be using 5 reps Charis for all your exercises, Just your Max lift that day as to not burn out the cns. A 5 rm is a lot different feel than a 1-3 rm. So for a lower day Perform ex. 5 rep front squat, Upper Day, 5 rep Chin Up.. keep the other 2-3 exercises at 6-8, 10-15 can be used for injury prevention, corrective exercise. Core use resistance with reps of anywhere between 8-15.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for proven strength training, and corrective exercise programs.

Q/A: Why Not To Develop Sacroplasmic Hyperthrophy In Your Boxing Strength Training.

2008-03-24T08:16:00.000-07:00

This was a good question asked to me about developing sacroplasmic hypertrophy in your boxing strength training.

In Joe Defranco's WS4SB, it has a lot of hypertrophy related work. In one of his articles he points out that over 10 reps would be sacroplasmic, and less, myofibrilar. Would his repetition work (8-12 reps x 3 sets), on the supplemental exercises, be "detrimental" to my training? I say detrimental in the sense that I want to be as quick and powerful at a certain weight as is possible, rather than adding muscle "just" for the sake of it.

Should I follow that program, but use less reps, like limit them to 5-6?
I plan to follow this plan along with conditioning days and daily boxing training.
Am I better off just doing the standard Westside Barbell system? I understand that a lot of Joe's athletes are NFL guys who might need the extra size.
Please help,
Charis Louca

Charis, Joe has written sample workouts he uses for fighters and they differ from his WS4SB articles as both needs are different.

You are answering your own questions, Sarcoplasmic hypertrophy will be detrimental to your training. I'm telling you through experience. Mybofibrilar hypertrophy is far more functional, I mean it won't alter performance to the degree of Sacroplasmic..

Well Charis if you want to stay at a certain weight division don't lift your way out of it. Right, just adding muscle for the sake of it doesn't do much in improving the qualities that you need to end fights quick.. Explosive power/speed. If you want to add more size you have to educate that muscle with speed/power training in the movement patterns of boxing when putting it on to transfer for improved performance.

The standard Westside system was created for building up the big 3 lifts of a power lifter, not a boxer you really have to modify it. Search Joe's article archives on his site he has a good modified template for fighters.

Structure your training for YOUR needs as a fighter.If you don't want to add muscle for the sake of it then don't train that way. Using 10-12 reps on supplementary exercises will do that.

Focus more on developing max strength and power.Your max strength rep bracket will depend on your training age/experience with max work. 5-6 if you have a younger training age, 3-5 as you mature. Add plyometric work when you achieve a max strength base. You can add those before your Max effort days or on another day. You can however add plyometic progression training in your program now building your way to true plyometrics.

Now it's not like I don't ever use higher rep brackets of 10-15. I will use them for smaller muscles and problem areas,( injury prevention work) or when adding some size to the neck.

I don't know without assessing you what you need Charis. I will say though that for strength training use exercises like Front Squats, dead lifts, lunges, step ups, rows, chins, pull-ups, posterior chain work, rotational core work, reverse crunches, face pulls, L-lat raises, scare crows.

Keep the volume low performing 3-4 exercises that address your needs per workout so you can recover and focus on boxing and you'll be fine.

Good Luck with your boxing.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ for proven strength training, and corrective exercise programs.

Q/A: What to do when you have a bad experience sparring.

2008-03-21T16:52:00.000-07:00

You are gonna have bad days and experiences when you spar. Here is a really good question about dealing with a bad experience and how to remedy it in your boxing training workouts.

Hey Rob, just writing it with an unfortunately bad experience i had last night. I was sparring this guy last night beginning of the first round i was winning against this guy, then i get hit with a straight left(he was a southpaw) and went down on my ass. I got right back up and fought the rest of the round because it will take more than that to put me down. The thing is my whole body felt like it was vibrating and i just really felt more f'd up than I've ever felt in my life. So then for the second round i came out still kind of dizzy and buzzing (they only use 30 second breaks at this gym so i couldn't fully recover) and i went after him basically kicking his ass but he kept countering me with these straight lefts and I got dazed again and the people stopped it. I was fine i was still fighting back but they said my eyes looked messed up. Now today i feel a little bit like a hang over and i have a head ache. Basically although i still think i landed more shots and could've finished out the 3 rounds its was a big blow to my ego and confidence and i am really pissed off. i am better than this kid and just really pissed. whatever you have to say on stuff like this happening would be appreciated man, i know ill come back stronger. i gotta wait a week tho my trainer wont let me spar for another week.

Justin, Good times isn't it bro getting buzzed experiencing shit you never felt before! That's boxing. Many run from it and never come back. Sounds like you have the right attitude in wanting some get back and improvement.

There is NO need to feel ashamed and bummed. It's great you experienced what you did. That's what sparring is about, it's your grade card. Sounds like you need to go back and work on your footwork and using angles to punch in, move to the left against that south
paw next time so you move away from his left hand. Learn to use your jab to set up lead right hands. Fast lead rights work very well on southpaws. Bro I still spar with them and they can be a pain in the ass if you allow them.

Why the fuck did they have you resting 30 seconds after you got dropped in that round while still boxing hurt?! At least they stopped the sparring session and didn't allow you to continue for round 3.

Swallow that shit, swallow it good, think about that experience when you shadow box while working on what you didn't do and need to do as I explained. Visualize him in front of you when you're shadow boxing and do what you will do to him next time you spar.

Get a fellow fighter at your gym and break down what was hard for you to deal with... What I mean is, even if you don't have a south paw fighter there have a fighter turn south paw for you and work on moving to your left. Work on timing and slipping the left hand that caused you problems. Just break it down and master what was difficult.

I can't tell you how many times I was upset at my performance in sparring especially with someone that shouldn't have done much. That bad taste and hard work practicing what you need to allows you to come back even stronger, and you will if you work. Getting tagged good and yes I've seen white lights, couldn't feel my legs at times, didn't remember finishing the sparring session several times.. all that creates a strong backbone so in future sparring sessions against better and stronger fighters it should take a lot more to phase you. Mike Tyson was knocked out many times in sparring Justin. IRON Mike... That's right much worse happens to elite fighters. Behind closed doors. This is boxing, you're going to continue to be tested, challenged with painful experiences, anything can happen. That's the sport.

Be glad that happened in the gym Justin as I tell my guys. Better experience it in the gym than in a fight where you DON"T know how to deal with it. Good sparring gives you experiences like that so you can learn to deal with it and overcome it then when you fight if you get tagged and hurt you know how to handle it. Again, good sparring that you are READY for teaches you so much and gives you blessings like what you felt.

Let me tell you something, I had this 28 year old big dude step into the ring last week, he got tagged with a decent, not hard but decent right hand. He melted in there. He couldn't handle it and quit sparring while tearing up sobbing. He said he couldn't do anything, nothing was working. 28 years old and big. Doesn't mean jack. He hasn't been back.

That's a fucking pressure cooker in there that at times makes aspiring fighters crack from that pressure.. Many don't enter the ring for those reasons. The pressure and heat. Good for you for experiencing it and wanting to improve and learn from it.

Buckle up bro... You ain't seen and experienced shit yet! It's only going to get better and so will you if you stay with it!

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ learn my defensive slipping, parrying, and movement drills.

Learn Jim "Smitty" Smith's Advanced Training Secrets for Explosive Strength and Power in Combat Core.

2008-03-17T06:15:00.000-07:00

My Buddy Smitty has just released a new kick ass MUCH needed product called Combat Core, Advanced Training Secrets for Explosive Strength and Power.

Click Here

It's been reviewed by the best in the business and we all are VERY impressed and thankful that Jim as created this product. Everything you need to develop explosive strength and power is in this ebook.

I recently had a chance to sit down with Jim Smith, CSCS of the Diesel Crew and the author of I was able to get the low down on his new product and talk to him about what "real" strength is all about.

Rob Pilger: Jim, First off, thanks for the interview. What do you think is the biggest mistake most trainers make when trying to develop core strength?

JS: Most trainers focus on what I have dubbed building strength of movement patterns. What they fail to realize is that this is only one piece of the total puzzle. Building strength in the gym with movements like leg lifts, sit-ups, reverse sit-ups and so on...is a compliment to a bigger, more comprehensive core strength program. There are other criteria that make up the rest of the pyramid that I have established in .

Rob Pilger: What, in your opinion, is the biggest myth concerning abdominal programs?

JS: For trainers, I would point to my previous response. For the general public and even athletes, I would say that they believe that "more is better." They believe, if they do 1000 crunches each workout, they will get ripped abs. Of course, the real answer is that being able to display a sick set of abs is the direct result of low body fat levels. If you want abs, you better get the fat off that is covering them.

Rob Pilger: How does core strength affect back pain and posture?

JS: Your abdominals and back musculature work together to stabilize and protect the spine, hips and pelvis. If any of these muscle groups (and surrounding structures) are weak, posture is affected and sometimes the muscles (groups) become inhibited which causes the secondary movers to become overactive or on-tension. This will inevitably lead to injury and poor performance. Building torso strength by incorporating compound exercises that activate many muscle groups at the same time, teaches the lifter or athlete to move their body as a single, coordinated unit. Isolated exercises tend to lead to imbalances if used too much.

Rob Pilger: How has your abdominal training strategies changed over the years?

JS: I used to think that by throwing in a couple sets of sit-ups or leg raises at the end of the workout was enough torso strengthening work. But over the years as I have gained experience and continued to study performance, I have developed a new, more comprehensive training model specific to athletes. The same attention and effort that you put in to planning your primary training sessions, you must also spend on designing your core training strategies.

About the Author
Jim Smith is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist who writes for Men's Fitness and the Elite Q/A Staff. Jim has been involved in strength training as a performance enhancement specialist for over 8 years and has worked with athletes from various sports who compete at various levels. He has published articles about his unique training style and innovative methods for many prominent strength and fitness related sites. He is also the authored of three renowned strength manuals. For more innovative training solutions, visit www.CombatCoreStrength.com.

Click Here To Get Combat Core Now.

Grading Pacquiao-Marquez.

2008-03-16T12:25:00.000-07:00

It was a tough nip and tuck fight as I predicted. Although not as dramatic as Vazquez-Marquez III, it was still a pretty damn good fight. Both fighters fought through bad cuts trying to impose their will on one another with several momentum changes during the fight. I agreed with the 114-113 score for Pacquiao, however I wouldn't have bitched at Marquez getting the nod. It was just a damn tough close fight to score.

Both fighters displayed great conditioning deserving an A. Really in speed, and conditioning too. You have to give Manny an A in strength/power since he dropped Juan good and Marquez a B+ stunning and hurting Pacquiao throughout the fight. Both corners deserve an A+ as they steered their fighters very well keeping them focused through several momentum changes throughout the fight.

In losing Marquez is still the best super featherweight with Manny Pac now moving up to lightweight to fight WBC Champ David Diaz in his next fight. I would love to see Marquez fight Joan Guzman or Edwin Valero next. Both would be very exciting fights. Marquez is just such a solid fighter and professional. He is always willing to go through hell to win and is so poised in the ring. A true pro! Juan doesn't really need to fix anything.

I was surprised to see Manny neglect a lot of the new improved skills he displayed in his previous fights. He relied on his powerful straight left too much. He's really going to need more than that in his rise to lightweight. Yeah Diaz isn't an ultra talented fighter but he is a relentless bruising fighter who likes to wear you out. Manny must increase his strength and power for this upcoming fight if he is to win it and not be bullied around the ring by Diaz. As with the rise in weight, so must be the rise in strength/power. Without both Manny is just not going to enjoy the power advantage he had at 130lbs. He's going to need more than his dynamite Publish Postleft hand and speed to beat Diaz. The well rounded skills he was honing need to come forth. If Manny wants the same success at lightweight he better make some changes in his strength/conditioning regimen now. Or else he's in for a rude awakening.

Marquez-Pacquiao II Tonight... My prediction

2008-03-15T07:54:00.000-07:00

The rematch everyone has been waiting to see is finally here! No you won't be watching two unskilled and over paid heavyweights... The TRUE big men once again share center stage.

This fight guarantees action as both fighters don't fuck around in the ring! They are fighting for their countries and the pride behind that. Mix that in with the bad taste of a draw still wet in their mouths and you've got a fight that could be a fight of the year candidate. That's how great it looks on paper and I seriously doubt Manny and Juan will dare perform any different.

I like the positive retooling Freddy Roach has done with Manny Pac. He's becoming and really is now a more balanced fighter. That was NOT the case in their first fight so Marquez will be facing a totally different beast in the ring tonight. On top of that Manny has reportaly had his best camp since the first Barrera fight. Unlike their first fight, this time he's focused and in great shape.

On paper Marquez is older, has more wear and tear but the dude is still a helluva fighter! He's a terrific counter puncher and that may cause Manny fits once again in this fight. Juan is very tough and durable, has good power, he recovers VERY quick when hurt, has good hand speed. Marquez makes it very uncomfortable when your fighting him. He's very crafty and just knows how to fight. He'll force Pac to fight like hell tonight cause that's what Juan is bringing with him. Juan is still pissed and brining extra venom from the outcome of his brother Rafael's fight with Vazquez a few weeks ago.

It won't matter as Manny will be too fast and strong for Juan. He's not that one punch fighter that gassed out and lost focus 4 years ago. Manny's more balanced skills and speed will allow him to adjust to anything Marquez brings to him. Freddie Roach is a brilliant strategist so their fight plan is going to be solid allowing Manny to stay focused and execute a tough win this time with NO controversy.

Manny Pacquiao by close decision.

This is why you want to develop a powerful upper cut in your boxing workouts.

2008-03-12T17:35:00.000-07:00

I feel that the upper cut is the most neglected and lethal punch in a fighters arsenal. It's a sneaky and viscous punch that can change the fight quick and end it in your favor. Fighters MUST master the upper cut and when to throw it. Want more proof? Check out this clip of Bernard Hopkins vs Joe Lipsey. I remember this fight like it was yesterday. When you watch the clip you'll see why.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ to learn how to develop a fight ending upper cut. I'll give you a hint, it's NOT an arm punch.

Grading The Big Fight Weekend.

2008-03-10T19:24:00.000-07:00

Well David Haye did what he said he was going to do in his fight against Enzo Maccarinelli. He exited the cruserweight division unifying the titles with a spectacular A+ KO of Enzo. David has a lot of people excited. He will bring much needed excitement to the dreadful heavyweight division whether he wins a title or not.

The Sam Peter and Oleg Maskaev fight was a joke! Yeah there was one good round and that was it. Both get an F ( Peter's power/strength is a B+ though when he doesn't hit in the back of the head and yes he did hit Oleg clean so he earns two good grades) and it's scary to think that people are calling Sam Peter the future of the heavyweight division. I think not. When the hell is Tony Thompson going to get his chance! If Tony fights Peter, Tony beats his ass! The dude has skill and heart. Peter has no skill and it's sad to see a fighter who relentlessly clubs fighter in the back of the head to earn the majority of his KO's champion.

The best fight on HBO was Diaz-Campbell. Campbell did what he said he was going to do against Diaz and that was to bring it all night long. He did and Nate won his first tile at ht e young age of 36! Juan Diaz is the fighter who usually overwhelms his opponents with his non stop punching. He finally faced a fighter who would not wilt but return the favor forcing his will and earning the big win. Nate Campbell showed great conditioning A+, Strength A, Power A, opening a cut with his power and stopping Diaz from marching in, Speed A, He was catching Diaz with good hooks and uppercuts early in the fight when Diaz was still in it. His corner earns an A+ too in having Nate ready and keeping him focused to the final bell. Great job by former 2X Champ John David Jackson's team. y!

Coming this weekend is an awesome mega fight with a score to settle. I'm talking about Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manual Marquez . The true big men once again take center stage. This fight is guaranteed to satisfy!

Why it's not wise to go to failure in your boxing strength training.

2008-03-06T06:27:00.000-08:00

I often hear people talking about how great it is in going to failure in their supplementary strength training for boxing? Why I say? Why instill faulty movement patterns and create shit motor engrams? How can going to failure at the end of your push up set while it looks like you're fucking the floor benefit you? It can't and it's a bad idea.

Maybe it's the go hard or go home mindset that makes coaches and fighters think and act this way. Strength training will only enhance your sporting skill if it's applied correctly. Many seem to over look this.

Instead of going to failure keep a good rep or two in the tank at the end of the set. This eliminates faulty movement patterns ensuring proper motor engraming ( stored movement patterns in the brain ) , improves recovery, while also reducing the chance of injury.

The motto is...train don't drain. Don't fuck up your boxing skill with a garbage approach to your strength training.

Click here http://boxingperformance.com/ to learn proper boxing skill and performance enhancing training.

Looking back on Varquez-Marquez III

2008-03-05T18:50:00.001-08:00

So far it's the fight of the year. Both get an A+ in their performances. Both fighters came in superb condition and as hungry as their first encounter. Both showed tremendous conditioning, speed, strength, power, and the special ingredient.... will

I thought Pat Russell did a great job by taking a deducting a point for low blows and by calling the knockdown in the last round. Terrific calls. He maintained control of the fight by deducting a point for the belt line low blow. Low blows take the fight out of the fighter and can ruin such a great fight. Russel didn't allow one of those to sneak in. Marquez was obviously held up by the ropes preventing the knock down. I can't believe that Gary Shaw is protesting it! His fat ass knows damn well it was a great call!

Watching that fight you were just in awe of the physical and mental conditioning of both fighters. Performances like this make you proud to be a boxing fan. That's why both fighters deserve A+ grades and beyond for their effort. Sigh...If only the heavyweights could put forth such an effort... Sigh.

Maybe the score will be evened in four. Meaning Vazquev-Marquez IV... But both need a LONG rest for that fight even being mentioned!

This is the crap that goes on behind the scenes in boxing.

2008-02-28T18:41:00.000-08:00

Alwyn Cosgrove emailed me this...

http://ringtalk.com./index.php?action=fullnews&showcomments=1&id=1786

To say I wasn't disgusted and pissed as much as Alwyn was is an understatement. Damn, just when you start to feel great about the momentum boxing is gaining you get assholes like WBC that shit like this.

Look, we all know who the good fighters are. We know the TRUE champions. How much does the ring magazine champ have to pay in sanctioning fees? Not a damn dime! They have more recognition than most off these fighters wearing this junk belts. Notice when a fighter unifies, he doesn't stay so for long. These alphabet soup dip shits KILL the sport, suck from the fighters. Every fighter should do what Riddick Bowe did years ago ( although his reason was for ducking Lennox Lewis ) throw their belts in the trash and wear the ring belt that carries no corruption with pride!

I met Greg Sirb several times and he is a class act. Boxing needs more people with the passion of the sport and respect for the fighters that Sirb has. WBC President Jose Sulaiman sure as hell doesn't have any.

Grading Klitschko-Ibragimov

2008-02-25T18:40:00.000-08:00

Grading Klitschko-Ibragimov? Who the hell am I kidding? They get an F! Grade them on what? That wasn't a fight! I mean they weren't pushed to gauge anything. Tell me the truth, you fell asleep after the six round didn't you? That's good, I hope you slept through Kellerman hyping Klitshcko's jab putting it in the same league as Holmes and Lewis. Mad Max better lay off those espressos or whatever the fuck he drinks to get so amped before the fights. The dude blurts out some what the hell are you thinking bullshit sometimes.

So we had a fight that Wlad dominated with one hand, his jab. Wlad does have a good jab. It's good but not yet that great. EVERYONE was wondering why the hell wasn't he wasn't dropping the so called steal hammer he possesses? Wlad is WAY too safety first. He does not like to engage. Sure he has potential BIG money fights ahead but damn! He could've stopped Sultain if he wanted to.

Sultain couldn't work his way inside as he planned. Klitshko continually knocked Sultain's jab down while keeping him at bay with his. Sultain had no plan b, no way of adjusting. He started to loose his cool lunging in throwing wild hay maker punches. He looked pretty amateurish in there as his frustration grew.

That was basically the fight. Sultain had no way how getting past Wlad's jab to lay hands on him and Wlad chose the path of least resistance by staying on the outside punishing Sultain with crisp jabs and occasional hard right hands. Yup, that's it. Fucking BORING! It's fights like these that make you actual miss the demented but call it like it is Larry Merchant. We would have had more entertainment listening to Larry whine about the fight!

So if anything was to be graded I think it was the corner work.

Klitschko's A

Manny was pleased with everything but Wlad's aggression to go in for the kill. It was there for his taking, but he chose not to go for it. Wlad came in prepared, fit, ripped and used his height and tools to the fullest. Just not his heart and balls. Without them he will never reach the next level. Manny knows this.

Ibragimov's F

I like Jeff Mayweather. He's the quietest/classiest Mayweather. I know, I know, who the hell would've thought there could be after listening to the constant loony tunes of Floyd and Roger.

Jeff gets an F as his body language said it all in the corner. He had NO answer. No way of getting Sultain sparked and back in the fight. No nothing. He was quiet several times in the corner. There just was no answer or insight for Sultain. So it was round after round of the same. Makes you wonder on who the hell they brought in for sparring Sultain? It sure didn't look like Sultain had good sparring with tall ranging fighters. Makes you wonder if Jeff will be back with Sultain for his next fight? Who knows, all I know is I hope Klitschko vs. WBA heavyweight champ Ruslan Chagaev isn't made next cause we could be seeing the same scenario again!

The real big men will be fighting this weekend. Oooooh yes! Varquez-Marquez III is this Saturday night! The super bantamweights are proving to be the true big men of the sport. Watch Saturday night to see for yourself.

Wladimir Klitschko vs Sultain Ibragimov... My Pick

2008-02-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

Tonight's heavyweight match up features something that hasn't happened in 8 years.... UNIFICATION. Finally the right steps are being made to clear the muddled mess in the heavyweight division.

Tonights fight doesn't guarantee fireworks as both fighters aren't true sluggers. I think we may see a stinker with Klitschko boxing and controlling the fight with his ramrod jab, or some good action with Sultan using angles to get inside and working Wlad's body and heads in close. That is what Sultain MUST do to win. If he stays on the outside, he gets outpointed or possibly stopped. That will just play into Wlad's strengths. If Sultain can work inside he has a chance to upset Klitschko. Sultain does have fast hands, good footwork, power and can box well using lateral movement punching in on angles, but again he must work to do this on the inside and not the outside in this fight.

Klitschko tipped the scales at 238 while Sultain 219. Speed will be shown tonight and will be the key to victory. Wlad must snap fast hard jabs to control Sultain from outside and Sultan must use quick lateral movement, head movement, and hand speed to score on Wlad when he sees openings.

I think it will be a close fight in the early to mid rounds but Wladimir's size and strength will start to take over in the late rounds IF he can keep Sultain on the outside. Sultain is very determined and if HE can establish a relentless body attack early, Klitschko could be the one to wither in the late rounds.

I want Sultain to win, but I like the weight Wladimir came in at and I think he will take over in the championship rounds and win a rugged decision.
Enjoy the fight!

**** Don't miss HBO Sports special film presentation of JOE LOUIS America's Hero... Betrayed, tonight at 8 pm in the East and following HBO Boxing's Wladimir Klitschko vs Sultain Ibragimov in the West.****

Pavlik-Taylor II... The Grades Are In.

2008-02-18T18:07:00.000-08:00

Pavlik-Taylor II sure wasn't as exciting as their first fight, but it still wasn't that bad of a scrap. MUCH props for Taylor fighting the way he did. His improved defense surprised many. His jab was sharp and his conditioning was better.

Pavlik looked flat. Pushed his punches and didn't really get into the fight until the 7th round. Hell, it was a great experience for him as this was the first time he went 12 rounds. He took all the championship rounds as a good champ should. He showed he could carry his power into the late rounds severely hurting Taylor to the body in the 11th round. He needs to be far sharper though in his next outing and whatever caused him to perform flat, he better make sure it doesn't happen again. Although he was off, he was consistent at what he could do round after round and that too was impressive.

Their grades are as follows.

Conditioning

Pavlik B+
Taylor B+

Pavlik just wasn't busy enough to really gauge his conditioning. His work ethic in camp is never doubted, I just wonder what means Loew used to condition him? He needs to be far busier in his next fight. The best of them have off nights though.

Taylor showed much improved conditioning. He was aggressive from the get go to the late rounds. He said he spent more time conditioning for this fight than he did in his last. That was no bullshit as he really kept Pavlik from doing what he completely wanted. Jermain's condition wasn't the problem in this fight. He was just in the ring with a better fighter that night.

Strength

Pavlik B-
Taylor A

Pavlik wasn't pushed around but he really didn't seem as strong as the first fight. Maybe it was adjusting to the heavier weight, who knows. When he decides to move up to 168 for good, he needs to improve his strength as he won't be pushing guys around at that weight.

Taylor was always a strong fighter. This is never an issue with him. He will have no problem with carrying his strength to 168 and even improving upon it. If he wants to win another world title at 168, it's time he brings in a qualified strength coach.

Power

Pavlik B-
Taylor B+

Pavlik never had Jermain badly hurt in this fight. Of course Taylors slipping and blocking Pavlik's heavy right hand had a lot to do with this. I get the notion that Pavlik's team didn't have him performing the right kind of power training to allow him to summon the power as he usually does. Something was wrong in this fight. Whether it was a preparation issue or a nutritional one, Pavlik just can't afford to have that happen again against world class opposition.

You could hear the thud of Taylor's power punches. That says it all. Pavlik's chin is just that good. Taylor showed he still has the power in that jab to shut any other fighter down. His right hand was really crisp that night too. If Roy Jones Jr. signs to fight Taylor, Taylor has the power to land Roy's ass on the canvass for the count of ten again.

Speed

Pavlik C
Taylor A

Pavlik's punches lacked snap and speed. He couldn't double up his jab on Jermain. His speed was nothing like it was in the first fight. He just looked so sluggish. He can't afford to have this happen against a heavy handed counter puncher if he wants to keep his title. Preparation MUST improve and not allow for let downs.

Taylor was sharp and fast. His jab was on. He was fast on defense picking off and slipping Kelly's punches. Big props to Ozell for having Taylor faster and just all around better in this fight. It looks like Taylor may fight Roy Jones in June. I think Taylors strong and fast jab gives Roy fits. Roy isn't going to like the taste of Taylor's right hand that's going to be served after those fast jabs. If Jermain can keep his speed and conditioning up, he certainly can rejuvenate his career at 168.

Although Kelly won and I had it scored 115-113. There was no loser in this fight. Look for both to make a lot of noise at 168 which will perhaps lead to Pavlik-Taylor III

Pavlik-Taylor II My Prediction.

2008-02-16T08:13:00.000-08:00

A lot of questions will be answered in tonights big fight. Did Taylor really underestimate Pavlik as much as he said in their first fight? Was Kelly's performance a fluke? I think not, Pavlik is just that good. Who will benefit more with the fight being fought at the 166lb. limit? Again I think Pavlik.

The biggest advantage Pavlik has over Taylor and really the biggest difference between the two was how Pavlik was matched, moved, and now how he has matured as a solid pro. Taylor has never evolved, never progressed more. Taylor fighting predominantly blown up Jr. Middleweights has back fired on him. He's just not used to being in the ring with a fighter as strong and consistent as Pavlik.

I think Taylor will be dangerous for the first two-three rounds and that will be it. I mean really what do you have to worry about with Jermain? His strong jab and right hand that's it. He's a VERY predictable fighter that doesn't do many things great. Why wasn't he developed more? He's paying for it now.

Kelly's relentless pressure, strong jab, heavy right hand, and body work will take the fight out of Taylor. I don't give a shit on how much better shape Taylor says he's in. That won't matter cause Pavliks in great shape too and HE'S the better fighter. KELLY has proven he can fight with big pressure punchers while Taylor in his first fight with Kelly didn't.

Taylor has too many flaws and makes too many mistakes. Pavliks the type of fighter that capitalizes on those mistakes BIG TIME. That will be the deciding factor again in this fight. Look for Kelly to land his heavy and lethal right hand over Taylor's low left hand and even his jab in the middle rounds earning Pavlik another KO victory.

There's another interesting fight tonight with Nikolai Valuev vs Sergey Liakhovich. I have to go with the giant in this fight. Valuev weighed in at a massive 321.8 while Liakhovich came in at a heavy and soft 250.8. Liakhovich won't be as mobile at that weight and this will cause him lots of problems with Valuev. Nikolai is not that skilled, but he's very strong and determined. I see Valuev's shear size and strength wearing Sergey down late with a 10th round TKO victory.

Enjoy the fights!

This Is How You Punch! Three Of The Most Exciting and Hardest Punchers Ever In The Middleweight and Jr. Middleweight Division.

2008-02-13T17:53:00.000-08:00

These are the punchers you study. Notice where their power comes from.

" The G-Man " Gerald McClellan

" The Hawk " Julian Jackson

" Terrible " Terry Norris

The belt is supposed to make the fighter better. What the hell happened?

2008-02-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

The old timers would often say that the belt makes the fighter better. Quite often the fighter proves this true as the earned name champion makes the fighter fight harder to keep his belt.

This was not the case this weekend with the very hyped WBO champion Paul Williams. The Punisher was the one that was punished for his foolishness of over looking Quintana during his preparation or lack there off.. He obviously didn't train like he should have for this fight.

Quintana laid the blueprint on how to beat Williams. Great lateral movement, a stiff jab, and crisp counter punches kept Paul out of his rhythm. Quintana kept to his fight plan AND did everything he said he was going to do against the punisher.

Paul showed a lot of flaws in this fight. I mean he would through lazy punches and often dropping his hands or brining them back slow. The quick counter punches of Quintana made him pay. Brilliant on Quintans part! Paul didn't adapt and adjust. He did for a bit but then lost focus. Champions don't fight that way.

That's what you get when you buy into all that shit the nut huggers yell in you ear while your training like your fighting a bum. Not a professional approach at all. His whole team included. They all got a REAL lesson in this fight.

Paul needs to clean up his technique and basics. He needs to quite reading the headlines on how feared he is or really now was. This could be the type of fight though that polishes the punisher. This may be the type of fight that lights the fire to really raise the bar on fighting skills and ability. Only time and his next fight will tell though.

His grades in this fight are as follows.

Conditioning- C Did just enough to stay in the fight, not dominate it.

Strength C- Quintana bullied him around too much.

Power C- Quintana kept stepping in and countering and countering. No power to keep him at bay.

Speed C+ Paul pushed his punches many times in this fight. He is too WEAK to have real speed. This MUST be addressed!

I will say that Paul needs to get stronger so he can develop some power that will stop a fighter in his tracks. He should be using his lanky long arms to put people to sleep like Kelley Pavlik, Who is another tall lanky fighter. The thing with Pavlik is that he has fight ending power and polished skills.

This fight showed what Paul lacked and needs. Lets see if his team can fix these weaknesses. They shouldn't hesitate be to contact me as I can make Paul live up to his Punisher name. If he wants to be champion again lets get in REAL fight shape and develop the power that will end fights quick behind his high punch output. Paul has all the ability. He just needs the right training to bring it out.

I was impressed with Quintana when he fought and beat Joel Julio. He hung in with Cotto for awhile, no shame in loosing there. Quintana appears to be the type of fighter who WILL improve with the belt and being a champion. I will give him a hellava chance to beat the Cintron-Margarito winner. He could easily out box both.

Quintana's grades.

Conditioning- B+ he was gassed good in the last round. Needs better conditioning so he can box well the WHOLE fight and not get caught by power punchers Cintron and Margarito. Road work of slow paced 6-8 mile jogs won't do it either.

Strength B- Mauled and pushes around the weak Punisher at will in the inside. Didn't do that against the strong Cotto. Needs to improve big time if he's to fight the above power punchers.

Power B- Stung Paul pretty good causing him to hold on at times in the fight. Quintana's style doesn't allow him to be a real power puncher. Still some more power will be needed to stop the bigger and stronger Cintron-Magarito from marching right in.

Speed-A You have to give him an A for coming over Paul's jab and countering. Using quick lateral movement then moving in and getting his shots in over a lazy defense. Great work.

Quintana will be rewarded for this great win with fighting the winner of Cintron-Margarito and making A LOT of $$$ doing it. He needs improvement too. If he gets it, we could again be hearing... AND NEW in his next fight.

Go to http://boxingperformance.com/ to lean how to improve Conditioning, Strength, Speed, Power, and over all boxing skill.