Common Boxing Myths Explained

Boxing myths are all over the place these days. Lots of people think they know all there is to know about boxing. After all, how complicated is it for a couple of guys to to strap on some gloves and punch each other until one falls down?

Most beginner boxers are this way: they begin to think that anyone who talks a good game about boxing knows what he's talking about. It doesn't matter what the actual truth of the situation is, the loudest talkers generally get the most attention.

There's nothing wrong with being nice to these sorts of know-it-alls. But you'd be wise to pay attention only to folks who have actually walked the walk (as opposed to those who simply talk the talk). In fact, this is the biggest difference between a pro boxing trainer and someone who just hangs around the gym once in a while. The pros have seen it all and they know what works and what doesn't.

Let's examine a few common boxing myths:

Boxing Myth 1: Slow, long-distance running is necessary for a boxer

While there's nothing inherently wrong with long, slow running, it won't serve you as well as other forms of cardio and conditioning. In modern times, many boxers have dispensed with the long-distance roadwork. Fighters now favor other forms of general purpose cardio and conditioning. Modern conditioning workouts are muscle-sparing (they don't burn as much muscle as traditional running does).

Boxing Myth 2: Muscle causes you to be muscle bound and slow

This is a tall tale that causes much more harm than good.

Of course, there are some overly-muscular people who lose flexibility and agility because of their unbalanced physiques, but thankfully these folks are few and far between.

In fact, boxers will generally end up with an ideal amount of muscle mass, simply by following a well-designed boxing program.

To box well, you need as much strength as possible while still maintaining your muscular endurance (and, of course, your preferred bodyweight).

Boxing Myth 3: Fat doesn't matter, I can still be fat and fit

Wrong. If you are a fighter, you need to cut as much fat as possible so you can carry the most muscle for your given body weight.

If you're carrying around some excess flab, you won't be as capable as someone who is "fighting fit". It's that simple.

Learn how to fight, but do it responsibly

When you’re faced with an overly aggressive person, you probably won’t react very well unless you have some training to help you deal with the situation. The ability to “calm the raging beast”, so to speak, is a useful skill that anyone can learn. Unfortunately, like most skills, it can let you down on occasion. Sometimes, generally when alcohol is involved, there’s literally not a thing you can do to diffuse a tense situation. Sad to say, there are times when you need to fight, and knowing how might just save your life.

Occasionally, someone will confront you with passive-aggressive behaviors. These include things like calling you names or trying to bully you. In these situations, you don’t need to get rough with anyone. The way to handle yourself is with words, not fists. But if you are really in danger of falling victim to bodily assault, you have to know something about self defense. There’s no way around it: to be fully secure, you have to know how to fight.

There is an important skill that most police (or others who deal with violent people) possess. That is, the ability to judge at a glance if a situation is potentially troublesome. This sort of ‘survival skill’ requires you to figure out how most people act when they are just having fun, so you can avoid misjudging a situation. You don’t want to get physical with someone who is only playing around, right? If someone is accosting you with some good-natured name calling, you shouldn’t hit him, it’s that simple. On the other hand, you need to be able to recognize when name-calling is simply the first step towards escalating the level of violence from verbal to physical.

It is never a good idea to go around looking for a fight. But you should always be ready for one, if the situation dictates it. When you find yourself in dangerous places where people are drinking, this caveat is doubly true. It’s triply true when the alcohol is inexpensive, plentiful, and relatively un-regulated. In cases such as that, you have to be careful because there is a level of danger that is always present.

On the other hand, nobody wants to go around half-cocked at all times. Staying clear-headed and calm is something you should strive for. But this may mean limiting your alcohol consumption, or abstaining altogether. It does you no good learning how to fight if you are the one who flips out on other people at the drop of a hat. Learning to fight should go hand-in-hand with learning how to act in a responsible manner.

The good news is, it is easier than ever to learn how to fight because there are plenty of reputable places on the web where sober-minded people congregate to discuss serious issues such as this.

Boxing injuries: the most vulnerable part of your hand

When boxers or martial artists hear about hand problems, they immediately jump to the conclusion that it's the "boxer's break" or a fracture of the fourth metacarpal (the bone on the little-finger side of your palm).

But the truth is, there are many more thumb injuries caused by improper technique or preparation than there are breaks to the bones in the hand. The joint at the base of your thumb is vulnerable and easy to damage. If you hurt it, your training will suffer for weeks or months.

As a boxer, MMA practicioner, or fighter, you must take steps to protect your thumb.

• Learn how to throw the left hook -- both on the heavybag and against an opponent -- so you reduce the chance that you'll impact the thumb.


• Always wrap your hands -- including the base of your thumb -- when you work out and especially when you spar.


• Make a good fist and tuck your thumb underneath.

Don't damage your thumb. It's that simple.