Mitts part and parcel of fighter’s makeup
IN BOXING, the action that takes place in the ring is the product of many hours of hard work, pain and courage.
In the next few weeks this column will delve deeper and take stock of what actually goes on behind the scenes – as well as highlighting a series of crucial issues that could improve boxing.
This week the focus is on pad-work, its purpose and how to utilise mitts effectively.
Mitts – or pads as they are commonly known – should be seen as a map to a particular destination
A map warns you of the risks and dangers that you will encounter along the way.
It is precise, the coordinates are accurate, with the actual distance guiding one about the twists and turns of the hills and slopes.
That is what pad-work is meant to be designed for. Working on mitts resembles the actual fight as it serves as a base for combat strategy.
This means that the trainer conducting the session has to mimic the opponent. If the opponent is a lefthander the trainer has to assume such a stance.
If the fight strategy is anchored on particular blows, they have to be polished on the mitts.
Pads are not only for warm-up purposes but follow a choreographed pattern that will serve its purpose in the actual fight.
Pad-work actually precedes sparring sessions.
Sparring partners, with a similar style to the opponent are normally hired in the pad-work sessions.
Any mistakes and habits that could impact on possible victory should be curbed during the mitts session.
It also important to understand that the Mayweather-style type of pad-work is often used for public workouts. Otherwise, no boxer would disclose his/her fight plan in public.
A public mitts session is often a “choreographed display”.
Some boxers and trainers adopt that rhythmic choreographed style throughout their preparations.
But most of the moves are not even practical and relevant for the fight in question. This is only beneficial for purposes of the warm-up but not fight strategy.
A boxer who has engaged in relevant mitts session can easily be picked out during a fight as he often displays sharpness and alertness.
His positioning is often superb while timing is also perfect.
This is why mitts sessions should never be downplayed when preparing for a fight.