Professional boxing and Amateur Boxing - Why without the amateurs...there are no professionals

https://www.myboxingcoach.com - Commentators on professional boxing often say one of two things when they are commentating on an up-and-coming professional boxer. Either:

"Boy, you can really see the amateur pedigree in this boxer" or "What he's doing there, that's part of the amateur style that he needs to drop for the professional ranks."

What do these commentators on professional boxing mean by this? A pal of mine asked the question so I thought I would fumble around and try to come up with an answer.

Amateur boxing is the basis of professional boxing. Amateur boxing instills the solid basics of the skills, the boxing stance, the clean straight shots, precise and powerful hooks and uppercuts. All of these things are taught by amateur boxing coaches in the community gyms all around the world.

In short, if you don't have amateur boxing, then you don't get the quality being fed into the professional boxing ranks.

When amateur boxers get good enough, or should I say if amateur boxers get good enough, they compete at international level, representing their country in competitions all around the world.

They face off against varied and complex boxing styles, and tough, seasoned operators from the 4 corners of the globe.

This is a huge learning experience. International amateur boxers learn not only to apply strategies and tactics to deal with this styles, but they also develop mental strength and adaptability to fight maybe four times over five days.

It's tough, extremely tough, and this for me defines that 'pedigree' to which the commentators on professional boxing refer.

So what about the liabilities? What aspects of amateur boxing need to be left behind when a boxer turns over to become a professional boxer?

To me, it's some simple things:

1. Professional boxing becomes a much more power-based activity - power over mobility.
2. Relating to point 1, a boxer becomes less foot mobile and uses more upper body movement for defensive (and offensive) work.
3. Intensity - amateur boxing matches can be frantic, frenetic and intense. In professional boxing, energy management for the longer duration of the fight is key.
4. Tactics - there are a whole set of different tactics that professional boxers need to adopt, many of which are simply not allowed or tolerated in the amateur ring.

It's a big change for a person when they shift from amateur boxing to professional boxing, they are very different worlds...but it's a hell of a journey.

Cheers

Fran


Whenever you are ready, here are 4 other ways that I can help you achieve your goals:

If you are thinking about beginner boxing, check out the 10 Beginner Boxer Skills playlist:    • Beginner Boxer Skills and Drills  

To access a wealth of bite sized boxing tips, jump to the 90 Second Boxing Tips playlist:    • 90 Second Boxing Tips  

To gain a solid understanding of bringing boxing skills together in a super-effective way, check out the 9 Boxing Drills to Build Style playlist:    • Boxing Drills to Build Style  

If you would like even more structure and clarity, go and download your free book The Beginner Boxer Toolkit here - https://www.myboxingcoach.com