Page 144 - Doug Werner Boxer's Start-Up

Chapter Twelve

I start things off with one of the guys (Jordan) and it goes OK.
Relaxed. Just working on the jab for a three-minute round. I feel
confident and score pretty much when I want to.We don’t hit hard.
Maybe half speed. I stay in for another guy (John) who is a little
more intense (his wandering feet make loud squeaking noises) but
I keep it cool as before. I take some shots because I’m a bit too
mellow and don’t move enough.I hit him here and there and could
have done more, but I feel it’s better just to keep things serene.

I sit one out and watch John try to dismantle the next fellow (Ryan).
Jordan and I look at each other and I say I don’t think we were
throwing like that. He agrees. Poor Ryan sorta covers up and takes
it.He’s a bit pigeon-toed and with his lanky posture looks totally out
of his element. Al keeps a close watch on everything, however, and
makes sure it doesn’t get out of hand.

We go back to it with license to use both hands and my pace is
about the same as before. With Jordan, it’s again an evenly paced
give-and-take.With John there are again moments of flurry, and I’m
a little concerned about the emotion of the bout --- I don’t want
either of us to get serious. He scores and I score. He tries to hit
harder but I think it’s mostly the excitement. In working his body, I
hit below the belt a couple of times. I ask if he’s OK and he says
yeah.

John and Ryan bout again,and Ryan shows improvement.He moves
better, doesn’t shell up and throws a few. By this time the guys are
getting tired, and I’m surprised to find that I’m probably in better
shape than they are. But then I have been doing this since July. The
others are relatively new at it.

In another room I go one round with Al, working on slips and jabs.
With Al I need to move. It’s the only way I can successfully defend
myself and get a punch or two in. It goes much better than the last
time I sparred with him. Heck, I even land a jab or two.

Working with the students boosted my ego because I felt I pretty
much dictated the action.With Al it’s a whole new ball game. I have
little confidence in my ability to spar with him because our skill
levels are so far apart. Alan’s slips are awesome.His reflexes are very
fast. I try to keep my eyes on his chest or face and off his hands.

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