The association between competitor level and the physical preparation practices of amateur boxers

Abstract

Physical training, testing, and monitoring are three key constitutes of athlete physical performance; however, there is a currently a lack of information on the prevalence of such methods in amateur boxing. This study aimed to explore the physical preparation practices of senior elite (SEB) and senior development (SDB) amateur boxers, and to determine whether these practices were discriminated by competitor level. One hundred and one amateur boxers (SEB n = 59, SDB n = 42) were surveyed on their understanding, perceptions and application of physical training, monitoring, and testing practices. SEB were associated with strength/power training (SEB 78%, SDB 50%, P = 0.005), monitor of training intensities (SEB 68%, SDB 40%, P = 0.006), and performing regular fitness testing (SEB 76%, SDB 50%, P = 0.006), compared to SDB. Likewise, SEB were twice as likely (56%) to have their physical preparation managed by a strength and conditioning (S&C) coach or sport scientist, compared to SDB (26%; P = 0.005). For the first time, these data demonstrate the extent to which competitor level is associated with preparatory practices in amateur boxing. Cost was identified as the main barrier in implementing several forms of scientific support in SDB. These data serve as a framework to enhance preparatory practices across different competitor levels in amateur boxing. This might include boxer and coach education on the benefits to a more scientific approach, and the use of cost-effective methods to develop, monitor and assess amateur boxers physical performance. This may be of particular importance where boxers are not funded, such as the SDB in the current study. However, this work may also be used to emphasise the importance of strength/power training, physical fitness testing and monitoring at the elite level of amateur boxing.

Functional performance of the upper limb and the most common boxing-related injuries in male boxers: a retrospective, observational, comparative study with non-boxing population

“…No medical diagnosis was done for the conditions studied. As mentioned by Finlay et al and Altaribba-Bartes et al self reported data in boxing might not be always accurate [ 36 , 37 ]. This could be attributed to the criticizing boxing is receiving for being dangerous (coaches want to highlight the numerous benefits of boxing so that more people join the sport) as well as due to the boxer’s mentality to fight through the injury especially before a bout [ 36 , 37 ].…”

“…As mentioned by Finlay et al and Altaribba-Bartes et al self reported data in boxing might not be always accurate [ 36 , 37 ]. This could be attributed to the criticizing boxing is receiving for being dangerous (coaches want to highlight the numerous benefits of boxing so that more people join the sport) as well as due to the boxer’s mentality to fight through the injury especially before a bout [ 36 , 37 ]. What is more, there is the side of boxing that is associated with underground activities and officially recording of any kind is not welcome by some clubs.…”

“…For the time being, the traditional protective methods should be employed as described by the coaches, such as long bandages even coupled with foam, taping around the wrist, at least two weeks of absence after serious wrist sprains and correct punching technique (punching with the wrist slightly flexed, so that the metacarpals and the radius are in line, and making contact with the index and middle finger). The effect of strength and conditioning training towards injury prevention at the wrist should also be studied, considering that benefits on injury reduction have been observed in various sports [ 38 , 39 ] and the implementation on boxing populations is low, especially among Senior Development Boxers (SDB) [ 36 ]. Further studies should be conducted regarding the functional status of veteran boxers, female boxers, as well as the association of glove size and injuries.…”

The effect of 8 weeks of punch resistance band and dumbbell training on the arm power of ‘youth’ male boxers

“…Power is one of the main physical components in all combat sports [35,6] . In a boxing match, power is generated from how fast the punch moves with the strength of the boxer's hand swing [15,10] . A blow that has more power than the opponent can cause the opponent to fall, be knocked out, or cause injury.…”

“…The amount of punching power also depends on body weight classification, the heavier the boxer's body, the greater the power produced, although this will result in a lack of punching speed [8] . Then skills such as training experience and how often he participates in competitions also influence a boxer's skills [10] . The last is the type of punch from boxing [22] .…”