Boxing can improve your self-confidence not only in the ring, but in other aspects of your life as well. It’s an extremely challenging sport that tests your limitations, as you’ll have to overcome both physical and mental obstacles. In addition, boxing’s an individual sport, so you’re solely responsible for your own success — and failure.
Self-confidence skyrockets when you’re able to calmly stand across the ring from another boxer without fear. That being said, certain days may be frustrating and test your ability to stay positive. This guide outlines some ways to maintain optimism and self-belief throughout the training process.
The Rigors of Training
The easiest way to establish self-confidence is to practice each and every day with enthusiasm and maximum effort. Competitive boxing requires you not only to attend daily skill sessions — focus mitts, sparring, etc. — but also to implement strength and conditioning routines on your own time.
Staying driven and having a disciplined routine will make you a mentally tougher, more confident fighter. Think of a future opponent each time you work out, and consider if there’s any way that your opponent could be working harder than you. Remember all your hard work each time you enter the ring.
Overcoming Hardship
Everyone has a rough day now and then. This is especially true in boxing — particularly in daily sparring. Although you put out maximum effort day in and day out, there will be moments of frustration that make you question your abilities. This may occur when sparring someone new, or even when sparring someone you know well. A loss in competition can also add to this sense of disappointment. After all, you may feel as though your hard work isn’t paying off.
It’s important to take each day in stride, though, and brush yourself off when you stumble. Build upon your strengths and continue to work on your weaknesses. Champions aren’t made overnight. It takes time to be the best, and you can only be the best if you stick to your goals and work through the low points.
Fun Fact
Miguel Cotto started boxing at age 11 because he was overweight and insecure. He quickly developed self-confidence and a love for the sport. Cotto has won professional titles in the Light Welterweight, Welterweight, and Light Middleweight divisions, and he’s considered one of the most successful Puerto Rican boxers of all-time.
Perfect Fundamentals
Your confidence in the ring will continue to increase as you master the fundamentals. You should always have a hunger to learn new skills and improve. These skills come easier, though, once you’ve established a strong foundation.
Be technically sound each time you shadow box, and go through your routine. You’ll be able to take on any opponent — even more experienced fighters — if you showcase solid fundamentals. The judges appreciate a technically-sound competitor.
Work your way up in difficulty as you begin each drill. For example, start your heavy bag routine with a round consisting only of jabs and crosses before you move on to five- and six-punch combos. Confidence in individual movements leads to overall confidence once all the pieces of the puzzle are added together.
Hot Tip: Ring Work
It’s important to develop a familiarity with the boxing ring, so take advantage of opportunities to shadow box or spar. All boxing rings have similar characteristics even though they may vary slightly in size.
Be Proud
Ultimately, take pride in the fact that you’re courageous enough to undergo intense training in a difficult sport. Many people don’t have the mental toughness to make it to the gym every day, or to wake up in the morning to run sprints. Your commitment and effort attest to the fact that you’re a strong-willed person who has the potential to succeed. Don’t sell yourself short. In the end, the wins you achieve will uplift you, while the losses will teach you which skills need improvement.
