starting boxing lessons tomorrow, what should I know?

[Blarg]

Tons. Watch out for the "one size fits all" answers. Many people aren't capable of giving more than one viewpoint or adapting a style or tactics to people with different bodies or backgrounds. That means their own understanding of even their own viewpoint and way of moving will be very limited. You don't have to be much of a thinker or a teacher to be a fighter.

[AlexHoops]

What type of diet is best when training? Does this change before a fight? After a fight?

Edit: I am currently 5'11, 158. My coach says a good weight for me will be 152. Is this a good weight for me to be at, or is it a standard answer for the first time a coach sees you to say lose 5lbs?

[shemp]

Maybe he's concerned for your survival. You'd get killed fighting middleweights.

[cts]

thanks for the advice in this thread, I've always wanted to get into boxing and I had a heavy/speed bag combo in my old house but I haven't found a gym in Virginia with boxing lessons. I googled a bit and it seems like there is some sort of boxing club in Richmond, maybe I'll check it out this fall.

[Jordan]

[ QUOTE ]
Maybe he's concerned for your survival. You'd get killed fighting middleweights.

[/ QUOTE ]

When you guys talk about amateur fighting, what are you referring to? Surely if I want to get into boxing I won't have to fight this guy: http://www.usaboxing.org/86_1944.htm

Right?

Aren't there other fat n00bs, like myself, that I could box with? I will likely never be able to do anything athletic at a competitive level. Are there boxing options that are feasible for novices?

[danvh]

If you go to a good gym, or deal with a promoter you trust, you can always find good amateur fights. The problem is lots of people dont care about amateur fighters so they just put guys together that have similar records, or similar time training..

If you can find a local promoter or coach that you trust, he should be able to find you a fight against someone your skill level..

[bigshowmack]

Don't drop your hands. Ever. Unless you like napping that much.

[Weir]

nope sorry Jordan. You have to fight Nate James in order to break into the ranks of amateur. This is a long, storied American boxing tradition.

[hoyasaxa]

The best piece of advice i can give is to be really open to unlearning whatever you already think you know. Starting boxing is WEIRD at first. the stance will feel very strange.

just listen to your coach

[Blarg]

This is pretty awesome advice.