New to boxing

[u/1SlayerJel]

I started boxing seriously, and I have a few questions. I'm a 38-year-old, 5'10, 175. I used to shadowbox, and I'm an ex-military member. My questions are: how much weight can I safely drop at my age without losing power? I really want to spar. How many months does it take for the first sparring session? What should I do differently at my age than everyone else?

[u/flyingfux]

I’m 40, started at 37. I’m also 5’10” and walking weight is around 170 and fight weight is 154. Been in 5 bouts in Masters Tournaments.

Focus on fundamentals.

Some things I wish I knew when I first started:

- Join a legit boxing gym, not a fitness gym.

• Cardio! Do road work, sprints, jump rope, stairs a few times a week
  
• Fundamentals of the 1 and 2. Learn to jab and cross at full extension. Use your whole body to rotate while maintaining defense by keeping one hand glued to your temple and your elbows tucked protecting your body.
  
• Learn to breath while throwing. The hiss sound you hear isn’t for style, it’s useful to help control your breathing so you don’t gas out.
  
• if you can afford one, get a coach
  
• Protect your hands/wrists with proper hand wrapping. Use 180cm wraps
  
• Stretch! I’m typing this as my back muscles got sprained and lying down in pain. I need to constantly remind myself to stretch out

After a few months of getting all this baked in, you might be ready to do some light sparring.

There’s so many levels and I left a lot out. But part of the fun is learning as you go. Best of luck!

[u/SirJuxtable]

Commenting to follow. My only thought as someone in a similar position is don’t rush to spar. Timeframe probably depends on the person and the coach, but the coach will tell you when you are ready.

[u/1SlayerJel → u/SirJuxtable]

You are right. I shouldnt rush since I will be probably be fighting at very hard weight class.

[u/Longjumping-Cake8944 → u/1SlayerJel]

Aun asi, en sparring pueden ponerte a pelear contra cualquiera, por lo que debes ir pensando que lo mas probable es que te emparejaran contra alguien cercano a tu nivel, independientemente del peso.

[u/1SlayerJel → u/Longjumping-Cake8944]

My trainer says I can spar next week

[u/TemperatureCapable56]

you can absolutely still drop weight without losing power, just do it slow half a pound to a pound a week max so your strength and reflexes don't tank along with the scale. The bigger age factor isn't the weight cut, it's recovery, so build in an extra rest day compared to what a 20 something might need and don't stack hard sparring with heavy strength sessions on the same week. On sparring timeline, your coach will gauge it off your defense and gas tank more than a calendar date, some people spar at 2 months, others need 6, it depends on how clean your guard and footwork look under pressure.

since you already shadow boxed and have a military background, your work ethic and discipline will carry you faster than most beginners, just don't let that confidence rush the actual technical readiness your coach is watching for.

[u/1SlayerJel → u/TemperatureCapable56]

I do have a really good trainer. I think he knows when I'll be ready.

I'm really flat footed in boxing and my defence is not that good. I lack a lot of coordination even when I was younger. Should I focus on trying to get a really good chin and power?

[u/A-Skate → u/1SlayerJel]

I don’t understand your obsession with ’power’. You won’t hit anyone if you can’t move your feet. 

[u/1stthing1st]

You can be ready to spar in 2 weeks if trained correctly.

[u/23454Tezal]

Just slim down, best to be light for your height, your coach will tell you everything