We as boxing fans often forget that boxers are human and assume that they do not get scared or nervous before they get in the ring. But even fighters like Mike Tyson stated that they were riddled with fear before fights. Others have reported having actual physical reactions before getting in the ring. Fear and nervousness are part of the game, but it’s how fighters handle and surmount that fear that makes the difference. Let’s take a look at some of the things boxers like to do before fights.
Change their Eating Habits
Many boxers will start changing what they eat in the week leading to an event. They will often do this so they can cut weight for the weigh-in. Other people do it because they want to enhance their performance and others have certain foods they like to eat largely out of superstition.
Fighters like Errol Spence, for instance, like to eat a peanut butter and jam sandwich with almond milk on the side right before fights. Mike Tyson, on the other hand, said that he likes having a chocolate bar and a glass of orange juice before fights. This might seem strange, but that’s a lot of quick carbohydrates and when we look at how energetically Tyson used to fight, we can’t help but think that all that sugar may have helped.
Listen to Music
Boxers also like to listen to music before fights, but for different reasons. Some boxers listen to music to amp them up, while others listen to music to calm them down.
Floyd Mayweather is said to have a full playlist of songs that he likes to listen to before every fight. David Haye, on the other hand, said that he listened to relaxing music right before his fight against Wladimir Klitschko. Whether it helped or not is still questionable, however.
Play Online Games
Another thing you’ll see a lot of boxers do is play video or online games before getting in the ring. They might not play on a full gaming rig, but you’ll find many of them playing mobile games or even getting a few roulette spins or blackjack hands at an online casino. It’s not that strange when you think about it, as many boxers are also avid gamblers. This allows them to unwind before a fight and even earn a few pounds before a big fight.
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Play Chess
Not all boxers are into video games, however, and some prefer classic games like chess. This might sound like a strange game to play before a fight, but how many times have we heard fights referred to as “chess matches”?
Chess is a great game to develop anticipation and has been shown to significantly improve visual pattern recognition, which is extremely important in boxing. It should come as no surprise that some of the greatest tacticians in history like Lennox Lewis and Wladimir Klitschko liked to play chess regularly and before fights.
Spend Time with their Family
Some boxers like having their family present at fights while others are fiercely against it. Those who do bring their family often like to bond with them before fights. Boxing fans often don’t think about this, but there’s always the possibility that a fighter will lose their life in the ring, and this is something that’s in the back of every boxer’s mind. Getting some time with their family before a fight is a good way to reassure everyone and spend some quality time together before a fight.
Dancing
Some people might think that dancing and boxing are totally unrelated, but having dancing skills can actually make you a great boxer. Did you know that Mohammed Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson both had a dancing background? Vasily Lomachenko, who probably has the best footwork in boxing right now, was also trained as a dancer from a child by his father. All of these boxers were said to practice a few dance moves before they stepped in the ring. This could be a great way to warm up the legs or lay off some steam.
Having Fun with their Friends
You also have boxers who like to take things easy and have fun with a few of their close friends before a fight. This allows them to get some of the nerves out and put them in a better mood.
Not all fighters like to get social before a fight, however. Fighters like Canelo Alvarez have been said to completely isolate themselves before they get in the ring and the days before a fight. This isn’t hard to believe when we see how focused he is in the ring.
Stop Having Sex
If you’ve heard stories about fighters practicing abstinence before a fight, it’s definitely not a myth. Tons of boxers, fighters, and athletes swear by this, and some say that they will refrain from having sex months before a fight. They usually say that having sex before a fight will “take their legs away”, but there’s little to no evidence that this is true.
As a matter of fact, fighter Chris Byrd participated in a study that sought to explore this theory and it was found that he actually hit harder after engaging in intercourse. So, the jury is still out on this one.
If you wanted insight on what top boxers do to prepare themselves for a fight, here you have it. It’s fascinating to see what boxers like to do before they get in the ring, and you can inspire yourself from their rituals if you need a little boost before your next event.