White Collar Boxing

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

Hi EduGeeks,

 

Apologies if im posting this in the wrong area however i couldnt find a page for anything charity workwise so thought i would just post in general chat.

 

Just wondering if anyone has done any Boxing before or White collar boxing for Charity.

 

I made a very silly decision the other week to sign up to one of these to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

 

I will be very honest about this, im terrified haha

 

I have no experience in boxing at all and i wouldn't be able to say when i last did exercise before this,

However i made the decision that if people go through years of suffering with Cancer then 8 weeks training and one fight in the ring is nothing for me compared to what they have to go through.

 

I quickly reached out to friends and family when i signed up to see what they thought, the support ive had has been very overwhelming and has pushed me to go ahead and do this.

 

I have training now for 1 week, not been easy but ive done it. I just wondered if anyone has done anything like this before and if so any tips.

 

My official training for the fight starts on the 20th of February with the fight taking place on the 15th April.

Link to the event for anyone interested

https://ultrawhitecollarboxing.co.uk/locations/milton-keynes/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA8t2eBhDeARIsAAVEga2Ljh7_QKx8_nKWxsLAlwWfIlsFkgol7wJgKwSDdaTOeLepTR-rWY0aAsRKEALw_wcB

 

At the end of the day i just feel not only do i get to raise money for a great cause but also changing my lifestyle while doing this and getting myself fit (far overdue)

As we are all too aware 1 in 2 of us these days gets cancer and its pretty scary.

 

If anyone would like to follow my journey i do regular updates on my justgiving page below

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michael-addinell

 

Any support messages are very welcomed to give me some confidence haha

[Patrick]

Firstly, well done for signing up. It's not an easy thing to do. You'll definitely have nerves around this, and they might get a little worse before the fight, but two things to remember:

 

1) You'll be matched with someone of similar abilities, so remember they are just as nervous as you are and they'll have the same issues with technique. You're not getting in there with Canelo!

2) The ref's are well aware it's white collar and well aware that the fighters are new to the sport and are out of the comfort zone. The ref is there to keep you safe, and will be doing just that.

 

I've fought before, and if I can give you one tip it's cardio. Do as much cardio training as you can. You'll only going to pick up so much technique in that amount of time and most fighters will gas very quickly. In most of these situations the guy with the best cardio has the best chance of getting his hand raised at the end. Cardio is so important, outside of your training sessions in the boxing gym you need to be running (swimming if joints are sore) and shadow boxing. Shadow box the rounds of the fight (3x2 mins rounds etc). Don't worry about strength training, just do the boxing sessions and cardio.

 

Remember it's for charity, everyones In the same boat and enjoy it! You'll be cloud 9 after the fight regardless of the result. Good luck.

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

Firstly, well done for signing up. It's not an easy thing to do. You'll definitely have nerves around this, and they might get a little worse before the fight, but two things to remember:

 

1) You'll be matched with someone of similar abilities, so remember they are just as nervous as you are and they'll have the same issues with technique. You're not getting in there with Canelo!

2) The ref's are well aware it's white collar and well aware that the fighters are new to the sport and are out of the comfort zone. The ref is there to keep you safe, and will be doing just that.

 

I've fought before, and if I can give you one tip it's cardio. Do as much cardio training as you can. You'll only going to pick up so much technique in that amount of time and most fighters will gas very quickly. In most of these situations the guy with the best cardio has the best chance of getting his hand raised at the end. Cardio is so important, outside of your training sessions in the boxing gym you need to be running (swimming if joints are sore) and shadow boxing. Shadow box the rounds of the fight (3x2 mins rounds etc). Don't worry about strength training, just do the boxing sessions and cardio.

 

Remember it's for charity, everyones In the same boat and enjoy it! You'll be cloud 9 after the fight regardless of the result. Good luck.

Thanks Patrick, yes im defo going out my comfort zone.

I have been told to do cardio so ive been running most nights after work and i did some skipping last night which was really hard.

My gloves arrived yesterday and someone else i know advised me to start shadow boxing with the gloves to get used to the weight of them and also to help cardio.

 

The tip around shadow boxing rounds is a great idea and ill do this as i suppose it will give me an idea of how ill go in a round.

 

As you say its for charity and that's what's important, so far its been a great and support is amazing, the coaches have told me some nerves are good.

 

I will keep at this cardio though, its not going to do me any harm as i could really do with the fitness.

 

Once again thanks for the support and tips. I will be trying out that shadow boxing tonight

[JRA]

In a former life was a Thai boxer. Hit the other guy way more than they hit you.

 

Spar. A lot I reckon. Keep hands up and chin tucked, lead with the left and keep the pressure on. If you have the longer reach use that to keep your opponent at bay until you figure out the next "something" to do.

 

I'd also say ignore most hints from folks on the internet (especially me) and do whatever and as much of what your coach tells you. They make their livings and have spent their years specifically training fighters and know even better than you what'll improve you in the timeframe.

 

Spar a lot.

 

You'll get nerves, probably BAD nerves, but that's fully totally ok (legit every fighter in the universe does and has done.) You're there for charity though which is a totally amazing thing to do, so don't forget that. We'll all wanna see you having done well and everyone donating will be behind you.

 

Spar too.

 

You'll gas out fast, don't worry. Cardio will help with that. Just go with it. As soon as you hit each other a few times the process just "aligns" quite appropriately. You'll see what I mean.

 

Sparring I'd say definitely, not sure how far along you've come in things but that's quite a feat to be tackling a fight with only a few weeks of training. Get used to getting hit, it's a very visceral and "distressing" experience at first! Also if you're one of those people who's too nice at first to hit people in training (I sure was) ask your coach for strategies to overcome that - and don't worry if so, everyone is there at the club to punch you and get punched too so it's what you all pay for.

 

Good luck out there! Post a vid up of your bout if there is one? Gave you a little sponsor and a cheeky message.

Edited February 3, 2023 by JRA

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

In a former life was a Thai boxer. Hit the other guy way more than they hit you.

 

Spar. A lot I reckon. Keep hands up and chin tucked, lead with the left and keep the pressure on. If you have the longer reach use that to keep your opponent at bay until you figure out the next "something" to do.

 

I'd also say ignore most hints from folks on the internet (especially me) and do whatever and as much of what your coach tells you. They make their livings and have spent their years specifically training fighters and know even better than you what'll improve you in the timeframe.

 

Spar a lot.

 

You'll get nerves, probably BAD nerves, but that's fully totally ok (legit every fighter in the universe does and has done.) You're there for charity though which is a totally amazing thing to do, so don't forget that.

 

Spar too.

 

You'll gas out fast, don't worry. Cardio will help with that. Just go with it. As soon as you hit each other a few times the process just "aligns" quite appropriately. You'll see what I mean.

 

Good luck out there! Post a vid up of your bout if there is one? Gave you a little sponsor and a cheeky message.

 

Thankyou so much, its really appreciated.

Yes i think once ive been hit a few times ill feel better, as crazy as that sounds.

 

I will share a video of it, im sure someone will be able to film it for me, not sure what quality will be. I should have some pics once i start training too which i will share here.

Im sure once its all over ill be super proud, plus how many people can say they have entered a ring for an official fight

[Patrick]

I agree with the sparring, but don't spar with anyone out of the gym and if the coach says you're not sparring until X amount of weeks into the camp, then I'd probably do as he says. You'll get an adrenaline dump on the night, so any sparring experience will probably go out the window anyway haha, but don't worry about that, everyone gets that for the first fight and it's too be expected.

 

Post your progress in here if you'd like with any questions etc. I'm currently helping train (I'm not the coach) some beginners for a charity MMA fight so it's great timing to see this post! I love seeing people of all shapes and sizes coming together in sport and especially if it's for charity. Lots carry on training after the events too which is a bonus!

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

I agree with the sparring, but don't spar with anyone out of the gym and if the coach says you're not sparring until X amount of weeks into the camp, then I'd probably do as he says. You'll get an adrenaline dump on the night, so any sparring experience will probably go out the window anyway haha, but don't worry about that, everyone gets that for the first fight and it's too be expected.

 

Post your progress in here if you'd like with any questions etc. I'm currently helping train (I'm not the coach) some beginners for a charity MMA fight so it's great timing to see this post! I love seeing people of all shapes and sizes coming together in sport and especially if it's for charity. Lots carry on training after the events too which is a bonus!

 

From what i know i think once they know who to match us up against we spar with each other, i think this is so we have an idea of how each other fight from what i have heard.

I think basically i need to listen to what the "teacher" says.

 

Ill keep the thread going over the coming weeks and share progress. (no laughing haha) i took a small video last night of me skipping as people are very interested in seeing the progress.

 

I did see the MMA charity event about 5 min after i signed up to the boxing, glad it didn't pop up before as it may have been abit too much for me.

 

Ive been told a few times after the fight i might actually enjoy it and carry it on. One step at a time

[Patrick]

How's your training coming along? Hope your enjoying it!

[Davit2005]

Same here, did Kickboxing and Muay Thai for a number of years, used to go in the ring and it is defo a different workout . Cardio is defo a good choice and try some shadow boxing too for full rounds.

 

How's it going?

Edited March 14, 2023 by Davit2005

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

Thanks guys, training is going well, i did have 1 week of missing out due to illness(i never got ill before exercising)

Last night the contact went up and the head injury disclaimers signed, finally did some contact sparring. We was doing 3 minutes with a partner then changing. I looked straight for the big heavyweight guys as i felt i needed to be punched in the face to see how it feels haha. I did notice with most opponents i sparred with whihc was a good 10 different partners i seem to be happier to go in and out of reach and alot of them are just in stance so i find myself going in jab and hook then stepping back out, i can see them trying to get reach on me so i keep the distance. Not alot of room with 30 people all sparring around you.

 

Out of the Gym im still doing my weekly run which i usually do with one of the engineers from work and i do 2.5KM in just over 20min currently. I also do quite alot of skipping at home.

 

After sparring last night and alot of blocking mainly using my lead arm its super sore so i need to work on something to get my arms used to been in guard for long periods.

 

Ive also started training using the mouthguard now as we was told its best to get used to them now rather than on the night.

 

Weigh in is next week so i will update on that, when i started i was 65KG and expect about the same. I also now need to get my walk on music together and submitted. I am think "hey Mickey" by Tony Basil but open to any suggestions

[Patrick]

Sounds like you're doing well if you are already sussing out range. As for the soreness from the blocks, your body will harden to it but it just takes time. Just keep doing what you're doing, you sound like you're going in the right direction.

 

As for the walkout song, Micky Gall an ex-UFC fighter walks out to Hey Mickey and it always made me smile!

[PotNoodleTech]

Just imagine your oppenent is your line manager that should do the trick!

 

BOOOM BABY!!!!

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

Thanks Guys,

 

So i made the official final list today for the fight.

You have to sell 10 tickets and raise at least £50 to be guaranteed a fight so i made the cut.

 

I also submitted my walkout music today too, i did go for "Hey Mickey" its all for fun right so hopefully this will help entertain a little even if my boxing skills dont haha

 

Weigh-in on Wednesday for me as we get closer now to been matched up to our opponents.

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

found it hard last night in training, can tell its getting closer to fight as its all starting to step up more now. Did my weigh in last night and was 67.2KG so im in the super super featherweight haha

 

remaining training now will be sparring with my own weight class and i can start guessing who i might be matched up against.

 

just for an update for anyone interested

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

Not long to go now guys,

 

Saturday is fight night, i now know my opponent, (im the rough looking guy)

So nervous but im ready to get this done with now.

 

Once again huge thanks to everyone who has supported me so far. I am so close to that £1000 target

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michael-addinell

 

 

 

[LukeRowberry]

How’d you get on?

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

How’d you get on?

 

Sorry for the delay, i took a week off after the fight, thought it would be safest.

 

So sadly i lost the fight but to be honest im pretty glad its over.

 

I just didnt throw enough punches in the end, took a few to side of head that hurt and just struggled to find any gaps.

 

Getting punched in the ring was so much different to sparring ect my guard and plan all went abit to pot. I did defend well but just couldnt get punches thrown.

 

Overall i raised £925 so super pleased and as a group we raised £25,000 so id say only loser is cancer.

 

I will say i wont be rushing to do one of these again haha but i did follow it through.

 

i have some pics ill try put up

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

[Patrick]

Well done for getting in the ring and having a go. Takes guts! For a great cause too.

[Whisky]

Well done mate. Takes courage to step through those ropes and you've got some fantastic memories and a brief understanding of how difficult Boxing is. I'm not a fan of White Collar Boxing but it does sound as though you were matched well and you have raised a fantastic amount of money.

 

Respect to you.

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

Well done for getting in the ring and having a go. Takes guts! For a great cause too.

 

Thanks, i gave it my best. great cause and showed to myself i can still do things. Going out the comfort zone was hard but rewarding

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

Well done mate. Takes courage to step through those ropes and you've got some fantastic memories and a brief understanding of how difficult Boxing is. I'm not a fan of White Collar Boxing but it does sound as though you were matched well and you have raised a fantastic amount of money.

 

Respect to you.

 

Yes i can understand that, i lost fair and square in my fight, the lad was just younger and fitter than me but the matchup was good.

 

There was one fight though i thought they got completely wrong in the matchup. Must have been smallest guy and they matched against one of guys who was quite abit bigger and so much more aggressive, 1st round it was a KO and poor lad had to have abit of oxygen. He was k and did walk off but i did think they messed up abit with that match up.

All the others seemed good and fair though.

 

Im not a fighter that i do know haha

 

I will stick to my cars and sim racing for a while now haha

[Whisky]

Yes, unfortunately that does happen very often for different reasons and can become unsafe.

 

Do you think you'll keep going to the Boxing for general fitness and to keep your hand in or is that it?

[RedwayNetworks_Michael]

So i have already planned to continue my running once a week, i wont take up boxing but i will use some of the training stuff moving forward for fitness, like skipping, shadow boxing and even abit of sparring with friends that train.

 

I wont be signing up to any boxing clubs though im afraid, i did my part of that now.

 

Alot of the guys that did the fights are signing up again already but for me i did it as a fundraiser and to try something different. I tried it but im not a fan of been punched like that so its a no from me.

 

I have no regrets though and met some great people

[Whisky]

Ha-ha! I get that and yes you tried it. Well done and good luck with your next adventure.