Boxers are renowned for being some of the fittest sports athletes, as they push their bodies through grueling training regimes to ensure they are ready for 12 tough rounds in the ring. Here is a look at how they prepare for big fights which could end with them winning a world title at the end of it.
Training Camp
When a fight is signed, a boxer will go into training camp. This is often away from their home so there are no distractions. They are joined by their trainer, nutritionist, and physio, and they all prepare the boxer for their big fight.
Each boxing trainer will have their own method for this training camp. For example, Tyson Fury, who is +100 in the sports betting odds to beat Oleksandr Usyk later this year, has made trips abroad to do some sparring with similar opponents to the Ukrainian in his training camp.
In boxing, the training camp before a fight is so important, and that’s reflected in the betting guides, as bettors and pundits will analyze the preparation each boxer has had before making their prediction.
In elite company.
🇯🇵 @NaoyaInoue_410 x @Canelo 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/77GJYs4ayc
— Top Rank Boxing (@trboxing) April 10, 2024
Undisputed super bantamweight champion Naoya Inoue is one of the biggest stars in the sport today. He has been through some tough training camps ahead of his big fights and has been rewarded with incredible results, with world titles coming at five different weight categories.
Food
As with any fitness journey, food is crucial for fuel and recovery. The diet plan will depend on the condition of the boxer, but it will include the right number of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
The best boxers in the world will have their meals prepared for them, along with any supplements they are required to take.
Another important factor for a boxer is staying hydrated, after workouts and throughout the day. Drinking lots of water is crucial for any athlete. They will sometimes add some electrolytes to their water if they have had an extra tough session.
Watching Previous Fights
As well as hard work in the gym, boxers will spend hours with their trainer watching videos of their opponent in previous fights. From this footage, they will come up with a game plan for the ring.
A trainer will try to identify a weakness in the opponent, whether that is their defense, energy in the latter stages of the fight, or their footwork. At the highest level, a small weakness can make the difference between two world-class boxers in a title fight.
The winning formula 🤝@Canelo x @CANELOTEAM
🔜 May 7 #CaneloBivol pic.twitter.com/qVc2gxN52T
— Matchroom Boxing (@MatchroomBoxing) March 20, 2022
Although a boxer will be given a game plan ahead of a fight, they also must adapt if this strategy does not work, so they will discuss other options with their trainer. Some boxers, like Canelo Alvarez, have a long-standing relationship with their trainer. However, others prefer to switch trainers regularly to pick up fresh ideas and methods.
There are some major fights lined up in 2024 across the international calendar so it could be another big year in the sport.
