What Does A Boxer Do On Boxing Day?

Well, box of course.
I don't believe in shopping on Boxing Day. The way I look at it, store employees need a rest after the holiday rush. Besides, there will still be sales the day after Boxing Day.
I spent most of the day resting, but I did not do any training on Friday or Saturday, so I had to go Sunday.
I was a bit surprised, there were only a couple of people downstairs, and up in the boxing area looked like there had not been anyone there in a long time.
When I went in, the lights were off and so was the heat.  When I turned on the lights, I noticed they were paining these things. I'm not sure what they are, but they were spray painting some PVC piping connected by huge screws.

There was a settlement of spray paint all over the place. The ring even had paint on it. It is a shame because everything is now ruined. They also had all the windows open, and so the place was freezing.  Not very good when you are exercising. I don't know why they could not have waited until spring, to do this outside. Especially once I found out what these were:

Yes, they are going on the windows! How ugly is that? Welcome to Bloor Street Prison. 

It may have been OK, if they were a different colour. They should find a colour scheme, and stick with it for the whole gym.

Anyway, I did a basic workout. I did a few rounds on the bag, plus some other stuff. I will share my routine with you another time.

That's it. Boxing on Boxing Day. What else?

Paul "The Comeback Kid"

Boxing Films That Have Inspired Me

The Fighter

Film is a fantastic medium. It is amazing what a really good film can do to a person.
My choice to return to boxing, in some cases, may have been inspired by film.
In this entry, I will look at the top five boxing films that had helped inspire me to return to the ring, or inspire me to stay in the ring.
Cinderella Man: This is a film about a boxer making a comeback, so it is the one that has inspired me the most. There is nothing wrong with attempting to make a comeback.
Rocky: Everyone knows about Rocky. It is an inspiration for everyone, not just boxers. A nobody can become someone special in just a day. It is possible. Keep your hopes high.
The Fighter: I just saw this, although it is more about a boxer's brother taking over his career as a professional boxer, it is still an inpiration for me keep on going.

Streets of Gold dans Français

The Kid: This is not a very well-known film, but it is a Canadian film. Made in Montréal, about a young man who wants to box, but his parents don't approve. Regardless of how other people feel, just keep up with your dreams.
Streets of Gold: Another not-so-well-known film, but another film that applies not only to boxing, but any sport. It gives you the will to train harder, to get to your goal, and go for the Gold.

I was also thinking of starting my own reality TV show about my boxing comeback, called "The Boxer". It is still in its primary stages, and I will keep everyone updated of the process throughout this blog.


Paul "The Comeback Kid"

We'll Be Right Back After This (Somewhat Sexist) Station Break

The Holidays are close upon us, and as a result, my training is being cut back. Therefore, there is not much happening. This is a great time to take a break from my usual training blogs to discuss a topic I feel very stongly about: Women in combative sports.
As you have probably figured, I don't like it. I don't see any reason why a lady needs to be a boxer. I think it is completly and totally gross.
The problem is that every time I say something about this, I am sexist. Here is a newsflash: I am not sexist. I am opinionative. Just because a man feels that a woman should not do something does not mean he is sexist. Contrary to what they beleive, women are not equal to men. They are very different. Our body types are very different, intended for different types of activities. However, this does not in any way mean that women are inferior. I don't understand how ladies came about with this inferiority complex.

The reason why women should not be boxers for example, is that their body type is not meant for it, and it is dangerous for them. It is not sexist, it is nature.
Here is something interesting, there is still a "No low blows" rule that a applies to female boxers. Why? There is nothing down there. If anything, there should be a "No high blows" rule, because a woman's breasts can be damaged from getting hit. It's just a huge joke. I can't seem to take female boxing seriously. Besides, I have yet to see a really good woman boxer. This is also because they are not supposed to be a part of this sport.
I would like to finish off by saying, I don't care if anyone feels that I am being sexist. Let me tell you what happened when I tried to join Fitness One. I went in an wanted to joint this, apparently, all female fitness center. I was told by the manager, "You can not join. This is a woman's-only club". Oh, so, you are refusing to let me join because I am a man? Hmmmm, I don't know about you, but that sounds sexist to me.
I could have complained, and got them in trouble with the Human Rights Commission, but I didn't. Which is another thing that separates men from women. A woman would have complained. The reason we guys don't complain, it gives us ammunition against women. See, because of this, no woman can ever call me 'sexist' ever again for anything. I now have a licence to crack sexist jokes such as this one: What do you do when your dish washer stops working?........Slap her on the ass and tell her to get back into the kitchen. How about my all-time favorite Al Bundy line: If God had intended women to bowl, he would have put their breasts on thier backs, so we'd have something to look at while we wait our turn". Classic!

What, am I being sexist? Too bad. Let's see what happens when someone tries to open an all-male fitness club, or ban girls from the boxing gyms.

Paul "The Comeback Kid"

I Survived Junmar’s Class...and All I Got Was This Lousy Backache

Yes, I have completed week two of Junmar’s Hell Class.
Let me give you a rundown on what he does in his hour-long "classes":
::Alternating skipping and running-on-the-spot for 10 minutes
::Alternating sit-ups and push-ups for 5 minutes
::Running around the gym floor for 5 minutes
::Circuit training including medicine ball, dumbbells, dips, and jumping on/off the ring, this takes about 20 minutes.
::Technical boxing , practicing all defence and offensive moves, 10 minutes
::Punch bags for 10 minutes
Keep in mind, there are no breaks, this is one after another. 60 minutes of constant training.
I was able to keep up with him for about 85% of the time. That is not bad considering Junmar is half my age, and it has been years since doing any serious training. I am quite proud of that. It will take some time. I think Junmar realizes that. He pushes me enough to motivate me, not so much as to cause injury. I figure that if I attend his Tuesday class every week, plus my training with Tim on Saturdays, plus my own training in-between, eventually this will be a piece of cake, which is the whole idea.
After class, I was waiting for Hurley to show up for our sparring. Junmar was talking about his experiences with teaching boxing. He feels the exact opposite as I. He finds that teaching girls how to box is easier. He feels that when guys come in to learn to box, they have a lot of aggression, when women are more interested in technique and grace. Oh, Junmar, how boring. Do you think people watch boxing for the gracefulness? Boxing was not meant to be graceful. I mean, there are graceful sports, not-so graceful sports, and some that fall somewhere in-between. Sure, all sports have proper technique and rules, but for combative sports, throw the gracefulness out the window. The idea of combative sports is combat. How about that? Yeah, push me over with a feather, too. When I watch fighting sports such as on The Fight Network, I want to see some blood, or a knock out or a tap. Yeah, that’s what its about. If I wanted to see technique and grace, I’d watch some sissy sport like figure skating.
Hurley showed up after about a half-hour. Good, because I needed the rest after Junmar tried to kill me. I wanted to get one more session in with him, because he said that he would be taking a couple of months off from the gym starting this month. We did five rounds of sparring. Yes, I did this right after Junmar’s Hell Class.

Everything went fine, until he nailed me in the nose. I mean this time it was really hard, and it hurt! He had the nerve to say, "Oh, did I hit you in the nose?" Yeah, like he didn’t know. Now, I will admit that he pissed me off, and well, I got a little over-aggressive. Yes, I’m afraid that Junmar’s grace and technique took a hike at that point. I wanted to get him right back, and in the process, I missed, and bent back my left thumb. It is very badly bruised right now, and you know, it is 100% my fault. I did something one should never do in the ring, get angry. Therefore, I take full responsibility for my sore thumb.
Also sore are my legs, arms, and back. Mostly due to Junmar’s training. People ask, why do I punish myself like this? I look at it this way: The pain is my body telling me that I need more exercise. Once I have pushed myself beyond that threshold, there will be no more pain. As they say, ‘No pain, no gain’.
Bruised nose, bruised thumb, bruised ego. Poor baby. Maybe, I’ll take up figure skating.

Paul "The Comeback Kid"

Are Two Coaches Better Than One?

I had my first class with Coach Junmar this week.
What can I say? His classes are…interesting. I mean that in a positive way. He has a very unique way of teaching, and he has a very interesting style of boxing. He has taught me that there are three different types of jabs. That's interesting, I only knew of one. He also has some very interesting defensive techniques. These will remain a secret. You never know who (possibly a future opponent) might be reading this.Junmar was coached by Rick Souce, who was an undefeated professional. Junmar is a part time instructor and competes for the Bloor Boxing Gym. My other coach, Tim, was a professional boxer for a short time. He currently works security for Zellers. I have always found that a bit amusing. What is he going to do, punch out shoplifters?
I am getting confused. I don’t know if having two coaches is a good idea. The way Tim teaches boxing is completely different from Junmar’s.
I guess all I can do now, is to accept coaching from both, and take it from there.


I found Junmar very helpful, especially with correcting my hook, which apparently sucks. However, going back to the last comment, Tim teaches me to hook differently.
Junmar describes the hook as a stirring motion and move with it, where Tim says to lean into it and "pop" the hook. I personally hate the hook. I never use it, so I never bothered to learn it properly. My attitude about it changed when I saw a guy knocked out by one. Yeah, OK, I’ll learn that now. I’m willing to learn anything that can put another guy down on his ass!

Junmar Emon:
Coach and friend

Junmar starts his classes with some cardo work, followed by a bit of cardo, than some cardio training, and then a bit of cardio. Are you seeing a pattern here? Cardio is very important in boxing. It is one of the things I have noticed after my few sparring matches. I am very tired after. For the peak physical condition required to compete, I should not be tired after three rounds. That’s OK, it is just a matter of getting back into it. I’m sure Junmar’s "Cardio Classes" will help. Also, Tim isn’t exactly easy on me, either. When I first trained with him he said, "Don’t worry, Paul. I haven’t killed anyone…yet."
I am beginning to appreciate that Junmar just might by trying to train me seriously. He agrees that age should not be a factor in boxing.
Well, so far I am enjoying my training, and my goal is to not only compete again, but compete in the Pan-Am Games when they come to Toronto in 2015.
Look out. The Comeback Kid is coming back, strong! Hooks included.

To see a video of one of Junmar's matches:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewnvcNDG994

To see photos of one of Junmar's matches:

http://sports.webshots.com/album/578434610DRpqzS

Sorry, Tim does not currently compete, so I have no media of him.

Paul "The Comeback Kid"

Boxing Plus

What do you do when the coach does not show up for a scheduled class? Coach yourself!
On Saturday my coach, Tim, at the other gym, for some reason was not there. I remember what he said after the last session, "Be here by noon next Saturday". OK, I am, where are you?
I like this coach, because he is one of the few that actually trains me seriously. The problem is, as mentioned, he is not always there for our sessions.
I waited until 12:30, and then decided to do my own training.
This would be a good time within this blog, to share my training experience with you.
To be a boxer, one has to be top physical condition at all times. As I mentioned once before, my conditioning is pretty good for my age.
Here is a quick look at a boxer’s training:
Training is based on the length of a round, which is three minutes. Therefore, everything done in training is done at three minute intervals.

::Skipping 3 x 3 mins
::Knuckle Push-Ups 3 x 30
::Heavy bag/Technical 5 x 3 mins.
::Speed bag 3 x 3 mins.
::Footwork/Technical 2 x 3 mins.
::Shadow Boxing/Technical 3 x 3mins.
::Sparring 3 x 3 mins. (when possible)

Knuckle push-ups, fun wow!

Well, there is more, but that is the majority. Usually we train a minimum of three times per week for an hour to 90 minutes. Although, I go every day, because I have "getting-out-of-shape-obia".
The gym owner was there on this day, and he asked I would help him coach the class. I agreed, and I went on to assist in teaching. The students on this day were girls, and although I don’t like girl’s boxing, I can’t refuse to teach them. One of the reasons I don’t like women boxers is that they suck. It is very apparent when you try to teach them. As much as I hate to say it, men are easier to teach this sport.
After class was finished, the gym owner invited me to join the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. Wow, me? Imagine me as a jiu-jitsu artist in addition to being a boxer? Double the weapons! Yes! Starting next week, I will be learning another deadly art. Cool. What I can not do with my fists, I’ll take care of with a good hold.
I guess this will officially make me an MMA artist. Don’t they make a lot of money?

Paul "The Comeback Kid"

Eye Of the Tiger: Not Always the Cream Of the Fight

I love sparring. It is the absolute best exercise.
When you are as seasoned as I, this creates some problems: Finding someone willing to step into the ring with you, and finding a gym that will allow it.
I am very surprised at how many boxing gyms, even my regular one, do not allow sparring. Either, only during sparring classes, or when there is a coach present.
My gym has the same sort of policy, because they are open 24 hours. Therefore, someone has to be present in the boxing area in order to use the ring. Oddly, my gym is the only one I know of that gives full access to the boxing area to all members. As a result, they are trying to avoid inexperienced guys from jumping into the ring and pounding the piss out of each other. That I understand, but I am not six years old, and I am an experienced boxer. I pay my fee, and I should be able to use the ring whenever I want. It is really not my problem that other people are irresponsible.

I like how they hang two signs off the ring ropes "Absolutely NO SPARRING".

When I went in to take photos after 10:00, the signs were not posted. I found one sign shoved under the ring. I was tempted to kick it further under. Interesting, how on the night I wanted to take photos, they forgot to place the signs. It is as if they knew Paul was going to take pictures, and make sarcastic comments. Come on, I have been going there for almost two years. When am I ever sarcastic? Never, right?

Anyway, my idea is to restrict access to the boxing area to only those who are boxers or who have taken "x-number" of boxing classes, so they at least know the safety rules. Even to punch the bags, if you are not wearing the correct gear, you can damage your wrists or hands. So, to say that they want any member to be able to go in and just beat the crap out of the bag, is still not a good idea.

This "eye" watches to make sure

nobody is doing anything in the

ring they are not supposed to,

like use it.

I found a guy, 18 years old, to spar, but he comes in at 10:00 PM, after the coach is supposed to leave. The only time we get to step into the ring is when the coach stays later.

Needless to say, they really need to find a better system.
As for the sparring itself, I think I am doing quite well, especially against someone almost half my age. I managed to get two sessions with him so far. Three rounds last week and three this week. He certainly makes me move, great. However, he starts off easy, usually the first two rounds. Then, for round three, he gets a bit more aggressive. Of course, I also get more aggressive, and start to hit harder. Last week, I nailed him quite nice in the ribs, and in exchange, he smashed my nose. This week, I poked him good in the abs, and in exchange, he nailed me in the kisser. My lips are still sore today, but so are my arms and legs. This is good. It means I am getting a good workout. I am looking forward to our next session, whenever we can get one in.

My point here, I feel that I am not being treated seriously. I started boxing in 1982 and my coach was Vinnie Ryan. For those who don't know, Vinnie was coach of the Canadian Olympic Team in 2004. I have been boxing on and off ever since. OK, maybe more 'off' than 'on', so I agree that I need more training, but I am far from being a beginner.

My new coach starting next week, will be Junmar. He is a nice guy, and a great teacher from what I hear. He said that I need to learn more technique before I can do any serious sparring. He said that I need to learn this...and this...and this...and by the time I have learned everything I need, I still won't be able to spar, because my walker would not fit through the ring ropes.

I agree, I am not perfect, and I appreciate learning new skills, but don't treat me as if I know nothing. Besides, isn't sparring the best way to learn new techniques?

I have a lot of respect for the people at the gym. The coaches, trainers, managers and other members. They are my friends. I don't expect any special treatment, just show me some respect for what I am trying to achieve. No matter how crazy it may seem.

The point of all this? I am for real. Take me seriously. If I have to write a blog every day for a year. Yeah, I'm a 40-year old boxer. Big deal. Want to take it into the ring? Please do.

Paul "The Comeback Kid"

The Comeback Kid

I hate it when people use the excuse "I'm too old". I dislike it even more when someone tells me "You're too old". You are as "old" as you want to make yourself. It was this attitude that caused me to make the decision to return to boxing. Yes, I am returning to boxing at the age of 40. So, what? This is probably one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I first started boxing "accidently", in 1982. Let me explain.
In high school, I was a skinny little runty wimp. I was always attacked by the bullies, and so on...anyway, I got tired of it and asked my dad for help. He knew someone at work who was a trainer at a gym. My initial idea was to bulk-up. My dad gave me the address of this gym, and I went. I had no idea it was a boxing gym until I walked in. I thought it was a very bad idea at first, but after a couple of weeks, I began to enjoy it. It was spring, and by the time I returned to school in the fall, I had gained muscle in my upper body and arms. All the time learning how to box, or "kick ass", as I referred to it at the time.
The other guys at school were surprised, but the best part was when someone from school walked by the boxing gym as I was exiting. That was sweet. Word travels fast through a high school, and it was as if someone turned off the Bully Switch. In a way, I was angry that the bully didn't try to attack me again. I really wanted a reason to knock him onto his ass. If not just for myself, but for all the others he picked on. However, I was better than he. I was not going to just attack him for no reason. We all know that is not right.
I continued to practice boxing into my 20's, but by my late-20's, I became bored of it. For some reason, I had not been getting very many bouts, and those I did get were just local club matches. I was never given the chance to compete at a national level, or even provincial level. No chance at the Olympics, or anything. It is frustrating to put so much effort into a sport for so many years, and to not get anything back.
I became lazy, and I really did not take good care of my body. I ate a lot of junk, and failed to exercise. I became fat, and started to develop medical problems. Through my 30's, I really didn't care about myself. The death of my mother in 1996 didn't help.
By 2004, I was living alone, lost my job, and got into some serious financial problems. More problems that did not help my self-esteem.
It was not until I was hired for a very good job by a decent company in early 2008, that I looked at myself, and was disgusted with what I saw. I joined the fitness club at work, and as part of my daily routine, I would beat the crap out of the bag. I decided that I enjoyed this a lot, and I missed beating the crap out of another guy.
I found a boxing gym, interestingly, just a block from my apartment. At first, I did not like the new gym. After a few months there, I began to know everyone, and it became more fun.
I have noticed a change in my body. I feel better, I get sick less often, and I now have a six-pack, which I had never before had. I feel that I am in the best shape of my life.
I continue to train almost every day. The other day, I did eight rounds of sparring with guys half my age, and I ran circles around them. In the process I was taught that boxing has changed a lot since the 80s. For example, the left hook was not used often back then, so mine sucks. The left hook is very popular right now. I've seen guys knocked onto their asses by it, but I am not used to defending against one. Probably, I will learn after getting smucked up side the head a few times.
Another thing that has changed about boxing is that it used to be a man's sport. It still is in my opinion. Somewhere between the 80s and now, some "lesbian" complained about not being allowed to box, and now we have to allow them in the ring. That's fine, but I don't have to like it. Let the ladies have their fun. I'll wait for the real athletes to enter the ring, thank you. Some may think that is a sexist statement, but it is my opinion and it is not going to change. Besides, you don't know what happened when I tried to join a "women's only" fitness club, so don't talk to me about "sexist".
Anyway, I really enjoy my training as a boxer. I take it seriously, although I don't think others realize that I do. I want to make some real competition. Not just sparring and small exhibitions. Yes, I'm 40, but I'm for real. Just like we can not block a person from boxing based on gender, we also can not block someone based on age.

Paul "The Comeback Kid"