Page 15 - Doug Werner Boxer's Start-Up

Sparring is another matter but still a stage of intensity
below amateur competition. Sparring is a closely super-
vised bout between individuals who are, by and large,
trying to fine tune their technique. Proper headgear,
mouthpiece,wraps,sparring gloves and groin protection
are always worn.

Sparring is really a boxing lesson --- the boxers are the
students and the referee is an accredited coach. Or one
of the boxers is an accredited coach. It’s not about win-
ning or beating someone up. It’s about developing your
own form and style --- working out the kinks in your own
game. It’s not so much a contest between you and the
other guy as it is a measure of your own boxing skills.

The scope of this book is the boxer’s workout and a
little sparring as defined above. The intent here is to
spread the good word about boxing’s benefits to mind,
body and soul.

Inflicting or receiving injury is not the message.

If you spar with the proper protective gear, under prop-
erly supervised conditions and with a healthy attitude,
your chances of avoiding major mishaps are probably
pretty good.

However, it’s important to emphasize the fact that we
are talking about boxing. Punches are thrown and
leather is eaten. If you spar you’re gonna get tagged on
occasion and hurties happen.They just do.

If you don’t wanna get hit, don’t spar. Stick with the
boxer’s workout.

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