Internal Limitations

Wednesday, January 13th, 2010

So what are inner limitations? Simply put internal limitations are those of the mind, our mental outlook.

So how do these limitations take form.

Confidence (lack of over)
Stress
Addictions (drugs, sex, gambling, food)
Procrastination (internal conflict)
Belief (im not good enough)
Motivation
Fear
Arousal levels
Goal setting
Internal dialogue
focus

There are other issues that you can add to this as athletes are also humans and live human experience. This can include abuse sexual, verbal and physical. Heart break, loss, rejection, low self esteem etc etc.

So just looking at this list can you now see why i say 90% of all performance is mental. Not just sports but life.

So each day we are going to be taking each one on the list into account and explain how we can re-adress these issues.

Take today to look at the list and highlight the ones you feel maye holding you back from your dream.

GET THE MENTAL EDGE
Michael Darbyshire is a Guest Writer for our Boxing Website



MM-A Team!

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

quinton-jackson-a-team-2010-first-photo2

Love him or hate hin Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson is entertaining, he amused us all with his practical jokes in the last UFC The Heavyweights series but upset critics when he pulled out of the final fight against fellow coach Rashad Evans.

Well, he is continuing to entertain in the 2010 re make of the A team starring;

Bradley Cooper as Lt. Templeton ‘Faceman’ Peck

Liam Neeson as Col. John ‘Hannibal’ Smith

Sharlto Copley as Capt. ‘Howling Mad’ Murdock

Jessica Biel as Lt. Sosa

And who could forget our own Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson as Sgt. Bosco ‘B.A.’ Baracus!
Any one who doubts his credentials have a look at this video of some of his highlights!



External Factors Can Stop You Achieving

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

OK external factors that will stop you achieving your dream.

There is a difference between internal and external limitations. I will explain more later in the course but for now external is anything that is outside your mind.

So today we are going to look at drink, drugs and sex.

If you want to e the BEST you will have to refrain from all these, simple.

If you think you can go out and get smashed out of your head, then do a six mile run at 5.30am forget it, it isn’t happening.

If you think you can smoke weed, take coke and pills apart from the mental damage these drugs do your mind will not e on your game, simple this creates losing.

If you think you can go out because youve got a bit of a rep in the local area as a fighter or a bit of a celeb and people want to get with is cool, forget it….people create problems, in the form of…kiss and tell, lies, pregnancies (unwanted), rival girlfriend/boyfriend, gold diggers…believe me this all takes you AWAY not TOWARD your dream.

Since writing this message… TIGER WOODS…enough said !!!!!!

Listen your sporting life is very short…DO NOT….waste it on stupid Persuits. I would even go so far is and I don’t want to say this but save it until you retire and you’ve made the money and got the dream!!!!!!


External limitations

The first one is relationships.

Partners
friends
Parents

Believe me there are many people out there ready and willing to sabotage your success.

WHY…I hear you ask..

Jealousy
Fear
resentment

And I will surprise you even more…some of these people WILL be the closest people to you!

There is a test for this which is quite simple….the more they call you and act out the closer you are to your dream!!!

Now i am going to tell you a little secret and i was guilty of the opposite for years.

DO NOT TELL ANYONE YOUR DREAM OR GOAL…ONLY THOSE THAT ARE NECESSARY TO OBTAIN IT…i.e. coaches, promoters, managers.

TELL NO-ONE..TRAIN, PLAN, WORK,SLEEP, TRAIN, PLAN, REST, VISUALISE,

The Chinese have a saying, the more people you tell your dream the less powerful and weaker it becomes. To harness your dream keep it to yourself and let the power grow inside you. When its out there its open to manipulation and jealousy, resentment etc is there to destroy it.

GET THE MENTAL EDGE
Michael Darbyshire is a Guest Writer for our Boxing Website



Meet Michael Darbyshire

Tuesday, January 12th, 2010

Box Pro are lucky enough to have Michael Darbyshire as a guest writer for the Box Pro Boxing Blog.
Michael is a Sports Mind Coach that specialises in the mental aspect of sports performance. As a qualified NLP Practitioner and Certified Sports Hypnotherapist. Michael has studied this field for the last 21 years and has had great success working with clients from various sports including boxing, MMA, golf and football.

Michael is available for one to one sessions, online sessions and team sessions. Please visit his website at www.michaeldarbyshire.com or contact him on +44 (0) 7955 995 202 for a free consultation on how he can help your sporting performance.

Michael Darbyshire is a Guest Writer for our Boxing Website



Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

hayden_Paniettiere_Wladimir_Klitchsco

Looks like Wladimir Klitschko and Hayden Panettiere have been getting close and rumours have it they are actually going out with each other! Wladimir Klitschko seems to have picked a Hero for a girlfriend in Hayden, star of NBC’s Heroes series.

Heavy Weight Wladimir currently holds the IBF, WBO and IBO belts and has been thrown into the limelight more recently by David Haye’s marketing promotions to be baited into a fight with the Brit. Wladimir is a giant in the Heavyweight division, not only in experience but in size, at 6′6″ and weighing in at his last fight as just over 240 pounds, he seems an unsusual choice for 5′1″ Hayden Panittiere. Makes you wonder how they… erm… get on?

Wladimir has always been pegged as the less blood thirsty of the Klitschko brothers and perhaps Hayden Paniettere is attracted to his softer side, the side that plays chess and is an environmental enthusiast! He is however 13 years her senior, but she does seem to like older men!

Hayden (Who plays Claire Bennet the Cheerleader that heals in Heroes) has been linked to many celebrities, including T4’s Steve Jones, and her co star Milo Ventimiglia. I’m sure they’re pretty gutted to see their ex with a World Boxing Champion!



Roach Prepares A New Game Plan For Pacman

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

pacman-mayweather

The Countdown has started for the unmissable Manny Paquiao – Floyd Mayweather Jnr bout and Roach has confirmed the contracts are signed and he is preparing a new game plan for Paquiao.

Manny Paquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach has let on that he Pacquiao will be making some changes in their technique when training for the mega fight against undefeated Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Pacman has shown off his skills in two recent high profile fights, Ricky Hatton, where he brutally knocked out the North Manchester Hero, and Miguel Cotto who displayed some powerful puches and good discipline that would have beaten most opponents, but Pacman took it in a 12th round stoppage.

“This is completely opposite of the [Miguel] Cotto fight, opposite of the [Ricky] Hatton fight, and opposite from the [Oscar] de la Hoya fight,” Roach told Brad Cooney of 8countnews.com. “We will come up with a new game plan, a 10 week camp, and some changes. We will work on setting traps and taking Floyd’s speed away from him.”

Roach added: “It’s a difficult fight, it’s the most difficult style for us to go against because he is a runner and a counter puncher.”

The two-time Trainer of the Year recipient also disclosed that the fight is official on their end as Team Pacquiao already signed the contract.

“I don’t know if they officially signed, but we have,” he said.

Pacquiao and Mayweather are due to fight on March 13 at a venue still to be announced. Most people feel Las Vegas is the front runner to host this box office favourite. We’re looking forward to the press conference on January 11th where should find out more.

Both fighters have a huge following and both are undefeated so arguments are starting over who will come out on top, Roach, amongst others are labelling this as the “Fight of the Century.”

“It’s the best fighting the best right now. People can say what they want, but he’s very good at what he does. He’s not an exciting fighter, but he’s good at what he does,” he said.

Manny Pacquiaois the the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion, has a record of 50-3-2, with 38 knockouts. Mayweather is the current No. 2 pound-for-pound king (who previously held the top pound-for-pound spot), holds a clean 40-0 record with 25 KOs and also beat Ricky Hatton at the peak of Hattons career in Las Vegas. Who will win?

“Floyd is not an offensive guy he’s a very defensive fighter, but defense doesn’t win fights, offense does. We will excel in those areas, and we can match his hand-speed. Mayweather is very clever, it’s a challenge for both men,” Roach continued.

Paquiao has always been known to train hard, whereas Floyd Mayweather is a natural in the ring with good fightingintuition and a clever game plan; both have experience. Box Pro have always been big Paquiao fans but feel in this case Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather could take it, in any case this is certainly going to be an exciting fight and with only 3 months to go, we can’t wait!!



Amir Khan Vs Dmitriy Salita Fight Review

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

amir khan

Amir Khan who has been accused of being protected in his line ups defended his title against the New York Orthodox Jew, Dmitriy Salita, Dmitriy has had some exciting fights on the undercard of big names such as the Klitschco’s but tonight was his chance to showcase his place in professional boxing. Khan was stopped by Prescott but since took the WBA Light welter weight belt in a bout against Andreas Kotelnik.

Khan is an exciting fighter, similar to David Haye, you know he can fight well but there is always the question over whether he will get caught and go down. Training under Freddy Roach Khan looked in good form and will have a solid game plan to beat the American and prove his title. Dmitriy, undefeated, faced Khan who is by no doubt the best fighter he has had to face, Salita came back at critics before the fight that he would be the best fighter Khan had ever faced.

Khan knocked Salita down in the first ten seconds and hurt him badly, Dmitriy got back up but was no match for Khans fast fists, it was not long before he was cornered by Khan throwing combinations and power punches, rescued only by the Puerto Ricon referee. Starting back again Khan unleashed an estimated 5 punches a second finishing the New York Jew in the first round.

Amir Khan shut up his critics by stopping the undefeated Salita in 1 minute 16 seconds to keep hold of his belt, and has earned his place as Pacquiao’s new sparring partner.

Since Khans Olympic Amateur performances he has been a hero to British boxing fans but has come a long way to the fighter he was tonight. After his put down by Prescott, Khan has come back faster and stronger and has his eyes set on more world titles and international fights. With the backing of the UK Khan hopes to move on to bigger things and only 3 days before his 23rd birthday has proved to be one to watch as he matures, and couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present.



Manny Pacquiao Vs Floyd Mayweather Jnr is ON

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

manny_pacquiao1floyd-mayweather

The fight that everyone has been hoping for has been confirmed, Manny Pacquiao will fight Floyd Mayweather Jnr on March 13, this will answer the question on every boxing fans lips ” who is the best pound-for-pound fighter”.

After the entertaining match between Pacquiao and Cotto last month, Pacquiao proved that not only is he fast, and a power puncher, but he can take the hard hits as well. Pacquiao took punches from Cotto that would floor most hard men, and kept coming back for more. Mayweather stopped Hatton in his tracks in a brutal knock out, but who can predict the outcome of these two exceptional boxers.

Fans have been crying out for this headline fight since Pacquiao beat Cotto in an entertaining 12 rounds, and the promoters have certainly listened. We have heard each boxer will earn 30 million dollars from the fight, so assuming this goes 12 rounds, are on a wage of around 833,333 dollars a minute. The venue is yet to be confirmed but it could be the stadium of the Dallas Cowboys, the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, or the Superdome in New Orleans.

The contracts have not yet been signed as their are still some finer details to work out, but Pacquiao reportedly told  Local TV,

“13 March is OK. The difference between Floyd and others I have fought is that Floyd makes a lot of trash talk that should not be imitated by young people.”

Mayweather does talk the talk and that will create even more hype about the fight, the difference being that Mayweather is one of those trash talking boxers that end the conversation in the ring. Both undefeated, this fight will be unmissable and should bring in an estimated 150 million dollars in Pay Per View revenue alone.

Many critics are questioning the early fight date as it doesn’t leave much time for promoters to sell tickets, but it seems Pacquiao set the date so it didn’t conflict with his campaign for a congressional seat which starts in April for an election in May.



Haye vs Valuev review

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009

David Haye vs Nikolai Valuev Comic Strip Poster

David Haye’s next fight had been long awaited with nearly a year out of the ring since his last fight with Monte Barrett. After disappointment that the Klitschko fights couldn’t go ahead, another World Title shot with the biggest heavyweight of all time was mouth watering! Haye had only previously had 2 fights in the heavyweight division having become the undisputed cruiserweight champion, and there was some uncertainty about how he would cope against the much larger fighters (Haye being a “small” 6′3″ and about 220 lbs!!!). The now mammoth gap in height and weight that he was giving away (9 inches and 100 lbs) made it a true “David vs Goliath” event!

I was hoping to attend the event and support Haye, but I recently got married and knew that I would be sunning myself in Mexico when the fight took place. Thankfully my wife knew what she was getting into when she married me, and had already agreed to find a sports bar showing this fight and the Cotto vs Pacquiao fight during our honeymoon! On the day of the fight we had terrible weather. Hurricane Ida was approaching and we had some torrential rain. After carefully finding a bar just 10 minutes drive from our hotel, we went outside to see cars almost completely submerged by rain water, with thunder and lightning so loud a passer by screamed in terror hitting the deck for saftey! Amusing, but not looking good for the fight…

We eventually found a taxi driver that was prepared to aqua plane through the water, and we made it to the bar in good time. The NFL was playing on the TV’s, and I asked if they were going to show the Haye fight. Normally in the past I have had to explain who David Haye was, but this time (even in Mexico) they knew exactly who I was talking about. I guess all that publicity in the build up to the Wladimir Klitschko fight really increased his profile! The signal was a bit intermittent due to the weather but at least I could watch it! So long as we didn’t lose reception completely I was happy. The bar didn’t seem that busy but when Haye appeared on screen there were cheers in the bar, seemingly lots of fans were hidden away.

The fight itself was fascinating. Haye clearly had a gameplan to use his speed and remain elusive, which was a wise decision as trying to grapple with a 300 lbs “beast” would definitely have been draining and going toe to toe could also have been disastrous. I thought Haye did a good job of moving in and out of range, and he was never really hit cleanly by Valuev throughout the whole fight. Apparently Haye injured his right hand early in the fight (round 2 or 3) as a result of hitting Valuev square on the head, which Haye later compared to hitting a large brick! This may have explained why the punch numbers dropped, and although Haye was doing a good job of remaining elusive I was concerned that he wasn’t throwing enough to win the rounds convincingly. Although at times Valuev looked like the mummy slowly plodding around the ring, he was stalking Haye and he was the current champion. Would the judges think that Haye was fighting too negatively to win the rounds? In round 12 Haye landed a few good 1-2 combinations to the head of Valuev, and 2 minutes into the round he caught him with a left hook that wobbled the giant. At this point I lost my “British composure”, having remained relatively calm until this point I suddenly jumped up and shouted “f**king finish him!!!” much to the bemusement of some of the other punters! Valuev seemed to recover quickly however, and the fight was down to the judges. This is what I was dreading. Could Haye win the judges in Germany? Had he done enough for a clear victory? When the results were called and the first score was 114-114, I thought it was either going to be a draw or they were going to deny Haye his victory. However when the announced Haye as the “new heavyweight champion of the world” the bar erupted! He had done it!

The next fight for Haye seems like it’s going to be John Ruiz, which will be a very different gameplan to the Valuev fight. I think we can expect another KO for that! Listening to the American commentators, they were very impressed with Haye saying that he had a good gameplan and that he remained disciplined throughout the fight. Clearly he wasn’t the bully or the slugger that they were expecting, and he’s definitely a threat to the Klitschko’s whether they are prepared to admit it or not.



Haye vs Valuev is back on!

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

At one point it looked like the fight may be off, as John Ruiz (Valuev’s mandatory challenger) was threatening legal action if he did not get to the fight. Valuev was apparently fuming about this, saying that he had already beaten Ruiz twice and that it simply wasn’t a fight that the boxing public wanted to see. This could’ve been disastrous for Haye after losing out on fights against both Klitschko brothers for a variety of reasons. However it looks like Haye is still going to get the ‘David vs Goliath’ encounter he wants in the heavyweight division this year, and he will undoubtedbly be looking to not just beat Valuev but to knock him out!

A deal has apparently been struck with Ruiz to allow this bout to happen, although the final arrangements for which are still being decided – possibly a fight with the winner?  The fight is for the WBA world heavyweight title which is going to be held in Germany on the 7th November, so get in your diaries now! I’ve never been that excited by Valuev or any of his fights in the past, but I’ve got a feeling this could be a great fight…