by Bazza » Tue Jul 19, 2005 2:56 am
I trained young people (15 - 23 approx.) for about 12 years, at which time I was only starting to understand the subject.
A trainer will sort out many things for you, apart from teaching you boxing. A critical area for young boxers is to have their early fights managed to make sure that they are not cut to pieces in mis-matches.
Many lower ranked pro boxers, with years of experience, wouldn't last 2 rounds without the advice from their corners. To think you could teach yourself would be a big mistake in a sport where you pay for your errors in a big way. I assume you are a young guy and can add that it is a great sport. My own son reached a very high level as a 17 year old, he was technically a very good fighter. I took him out of the sport as he became too big for his age level.
This meant he was forced to fight older opponents and the risk of injury became too great for any benefits he might have got. Strangely enough, in a school with a bullying problem he was left well alone.
Apart from that, I recommend you learn the skills, you'll never regret it. I had a career in law enforcement so my training covered a lot of it. However, the ability to look after yourself and your family if necessary is never wasted.

Where's the throttle...?