God, I still remember those training sessions. The ones where I'd walk out of the gym feeling like I'd been hit by a truck—emotionally and physically. My dad standing there, arms crossed, telling me I wasn't working hard enough when my lungs were burning and my arms felt like lead.
There were days I genuinely hated him.
When Your Dad Makes You Want to Quit
Last Christmas brought me the best gift I could've asked for—my son Oran. After twin girls with Natasha, we finally got a little boy. And watching his tiny hands curl around my finger got me thinking about my own relationship with my dad.
Boxing does something weird to father-son relationships. It twists them, stretches them to breaking point. I've been there. My dad Sean pushed me until I wanted to scream, cry, or just walk away. "Boxing can do that to a father and son, no matter how close they are and how much they love each other," I told a reporter from The Sun last week. We were sitting in this dingy café near the gym, and I could feel myself getting emotional just talking about it.
Our relationship nearly collapsed completely back in 2019. After that Frampton camp... Jesus. We barely spoke for weeks.
Three Losses and a Breakdown
Last September was brutal. Cacace outboxed me at super-featherweight, my third straight loss. I laid my gloves down in teh Wembley ring and meant every bit of it.
What followed was the darkest three weeks of my life.
I cried. A lot. Hid away from everyone—even Tash struggled to get through to me. At 34, I thought my career was over, adn the thought terrified me. What the hell was I supposed to do now?
Dad's Colorful Pep Talk
It was actually my dad who snapped me out of it. In typical Sean O'Hagan fashion, there was no gentle approach. "Stop being a silly c***," he told me over breakfast one morning. Just like that. Classic Dad.
And somehow... it worked? I found myself back in the gym the following Monday.
My dad's coaching style was never what you'd call "nurturing." He'd push me to breaking point—mentally and physically—and there were times when his brutal honesty felt like a punch to the gut. Those moments made me a world champion twice over, but they also nearly destroyed us.
What Scares Me More Than Getting Hit
I've been boxing since I was nine. NINE. That's 25 years of my life defined by the ring, by training camps, by the roar of Leeds fans at Elland Road.
Retirement terrifies me more than any opponent ever has.
"I don't know what I will do without boxing, even with a lovely family and other interests and hobbies," I admitted. The thought of that void keeps me up at night. I've seen too many fighters turn to drink, drugs, or worse when they hang up the gloves.
My manager bet me £50 last year that I'd be coaching within six months of retirement. Maybe he's right. But not with Oran. Never with my son.
The Last Dance?
This Saturday, I'm facing Asad Asif Khan. It's not a world title fight. It's not even close. But it matters to me.
The Mick Conlan fight is being talked about if I win. One last chance to show what I can do before I walk away for good.
Listen. I'm not deluded. I know I'm in the final chapter. But I refuse to become a stepping stone—some name on a young fighter's record. "I just want to finish on a performance that I and the fans can be proud of," I told The Sun, "and I know I still have that in my locker."
Whether I win or lose on Saturday, one thing's certain: if Oran ever shows interest in boxing, I'll support him every step of the way.
But I won't be the one in his corner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dangers of professional boxing?
Professional boxing, like any contact sport, carries inherent risks. They include acute injuries, such as cuts and bruises, broken bone, head trauma, and potential chronic conditions caused by repeated impacts, such concussion syndromes, or neurological disorders. Boxing regulations, safety gear, and proper training can help reduce risks. However, they cannot be completely eliminated. Boxing professionally requires you to accept and understand these risks.
What does it take to start training for professional boxing?
In order to begin professional boxing training, you must be physically fit, have discipline and be willing to learn. To begin training, it is important to learn all the fundamentals. This includes stances, footwork techniques, punches, defensive techniques, etc. You should join a reputable gym with trainers who are experienced and understand the nuances in professional boxing competition. Beginner boxers are usually subjected to a strict regimen of technique drills, conditioning and sparring before they consider competing.
What are the key components of a boxer's training routine?
A boxer’s training program is typically composed of a few key components. Technical skill development, strength and conditioning exercises, sparring and mental preparation are all part of a boxer's training routine. Technique-focused workouts improve punch accuracy and defensive maneuvers, while tactical drills develop fight strategies. Sparring is a great way to gain practical experience. Conditioning exercises improve athleticism. Mental training is aimed at building resilience, confidence and focus.
What diet should a boxer who is a novice follow?
A novice boxer should follow a nutritionally balanced diet that fuels intense workouts and fosters recovery. It is generally recommended to consume a mix of carbohydrates for energy, lean proteins for muscle repair and growth, and healthy fats for overall health. As well, vitamins, minerals and hydration are essential. Consulting with a sports nutritionist can provide a personalized diet plan that aligns with the boxer's training regimen and weight class targets.
Is there an age limit for boxing?
Age restrictions do exist in professional boxing. Most boxing organizations require boxers to be 18 years old or older before they can fight professionally. Although there is not a set age limit for the upper age bracket, factors like physical capability and health will naturally limit what age one can safely and effectively compete. It is important that older athletes are thoroughly evaluated for risk and fitness before they take up a professional sport.
What role does a manager or promoter play in the career of a professional boxer?
Promoters and managers are crucial to a professional boxer's career. Managers are responsible for guiding the boxer's career path, negotiating contracts, and handling the business affairs of the boxer. They also provide support in selecting the right fights and looking after the boxer's interests. Promoters are more focused on marketing, event organization and attracting sponsorship attention. They also focus on enhancing a boxer’s profile.
How do you progress from amateur to Professional Boxing?
A significant change in competition, intensity of training, and mental preparedness is required to make the transition from amateurs to professionals. An amateur boxer must establish a strong track record of performance, typically honing skills in various local and national competitions. The key is to get a professional boxing certificate and work with managers and trainers that can guide you in your career and help secure professional bouts.
Statistics
- On average, a professional boxer spars between 100 to 200 rounds in preparation for a major fight.
- Nutrition experts emphasize that over 70% of a boxer's diet should focus on carbohydrates and proteins for energy and recovery.
- Approximately 80% of professional boxers start their career in the amateur ranks before transitioning to the professional level.
- Less than 10% of professional boxers are undefeated throughout their career, highlighting the sport's competitive nature.
- Reports suggest that successful professional boxers can earn upwards of 50 times more than the median purse for entry-level professionals per fight.
- Professional boxers typically train 4 to 6 hours per day, 5 to 6 days a week, depending on their fight schedule.
- Research shows that a boxer's reaction time is typically under 0.25 seconds, honed through repetitive drills and sparring.
External Links
How To
How to select the best boxing gear
Selecting the right equipment is critical for both safety and effectiveness. Quality gloves with wrist support and adequate cushioning are a good investment. Learn to wrap the hands correctly. Hand wraps protect your hands and knuckles. A mouthguard is a great way to protect your teeth, and also reduce the risk for concussion. Consider a range of punching bag to help you develop your technique, and boxing shoes with good ankle support.
Did you miss our previous article...
https://sportingexcitement.com/boxing/contract-drama-finally-over-whittaker-and-cameron-stop-squabbling-just-in-time
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