I’m writing this the week before the Bodypower event at the NEC in Birmingham. Normally, I have a chat with the fighters the week before they fight and let them know what to expect and answer any questions that they may have. This time we (K-Star Thai Boxing) have an amazing 24 fighters representing us, so it may be a little difficult to get round and go over everything with everyone.
I don’t want to miss anyone out, so I thought that I would write down a few notes to help them and any other aspiring fighters that may be interested.
All the hard work has been done over the last 6 to 8 weeks, but what should you be doing in the last week before your fight? Its a question I get asked a lot.
Well as I said, all the hard work has (or should have) been done by now, it’s the last week of training before the fights, so your training should be tapering off now.
No sparring this week to avoid injuries. (Nothing worse than going into a fight with a bruised shin!)
The fighters classes at K-Star have been spaced out over the week on the days that we have to fit in with the fight training. Most fights happen on a Saturday or Sunday, so that’s why I have a fighters class on Wednesday. You should have a really good solid workout on Wednesday, then rest for the rest of the week or do a light workout on Thursday and then rest.
This is a very exciting week, you may be on a bit of a mental roller coaster. Some days the excitement will almost be uncontrollable, other days you may have a real battle with negative thoughts creeping in. Don’t worry, this is normal and the good news is that your opponent will be going through exactly the same things. (everyone thinks that they are the only ones.) Keep you thoughts positive!
I will Check your weight on Wednesday at the fighters class and you should be able to tell if you’re on target or not.
As this show is an on the day weigh in, you do not want to be dropping too much weight overnight. If you weigh in at the correct time you will have a minimum of an hour or 2 to rehydrate. Some of you may have four or five hours, but don’t take any risks by dropping too much at the last minute. So don’t be late for the weigh in. If you are late, you may also miss your opponent weighing in too.
I will be giving you a bit of advice closer to the day about what to do after the weigh in.
On fight day, the last thing that you want is to be getting stressed. So take a little time to plan ahead and make sure that you have every thing that you need a few days earlier.
Things that people often forget are their towel, (a small one for in the ring) extra T-shirts to change into before or after you warm up.
Groin guard, gumshield. Shorts and gloves.
You’ll need four bandages and a roll of boxing tape for your hands. Make sure you get these in advance.
When you get to the venue make sure you go straight to the weigh in. You will then have to see the doctor to your pre-fight medical.
If you have to go anywhere please let the instructors know where you’ve gone and leave your phone number.
Check when you are fighting and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get ready. But DON’T over do the ‘warm up’, make sure that you save some energy for the ring.
Over the next few days I will be making some more notes for you, so if there’s anything you would like to know, or not sure about, please send me a message ASAP and I will write about it.
Steve