[Willy Wankenstein]

I'm going to be taking up boxing with a mate under Coach Syed Abdul Kadir hereabouts to gear up for an amateur tourney round about late august/early september. What I'd like to know is if there are any resources for cornermen out there, ie. what to do before the fight and in between rounds. If not, could any of our boxers out there offer any tips? Your input is much appreciated

[zefff]

I have some ordered notes but I have to dig them out of archive.

[Willy Wankenstein]

No rush, zefff. Much appreciated.

[The BadBoy]

Bare essentials:
Have a bucket,
Have a bottle of Water
Have a clean white Towel,
Have Vaseline (Petrolium Jelly)
Have a Bottle of water with a spray nozzle on it.
Have an Ice Pack.
Have some tape to secure loose bandages.
Have your boxers Gumshield and Medical card.
FIRST AID KIT (Just incase you need it. I've been to too many shows not well organised enough and you can't get hold of things like plasters etc without disturbing either the doctor or paramedics. Something you shouldn't have to do.)

Before the fight:

It is your reponsibility that your boxer gets to the venue in time for the weigh in. He shouldn't have to drive there if it's a long distance.

When you get to the event, get your boxer to the weigh in and get him checked out by the doctor. Give the medical card to either the organiser or the doctor at the weigh in.

Get your boxer relaxed and then warmed up and ready (apply vaseline/bandages etc) in ample time for the bout. (If you need details about this then ask).

Your boxer should not have to worry about wether he has his equipment with him or not. You as the corner should insure that he has everything he needs, especially if your only cornering one fighter on the show.

When you get to the ring:
Give your boxer any last minute instructions, i.e. go over his gameplan in as few words as possible. If it is simply to run and counter then just say run and counter.

Between rounds:
You are not allowed to talk to your boxer while the bout is taking place. I.e. during rounds.
Between rounds, only one cornerman enters the ring and only that guy talks.
Sit your boxer in the corner in a relaxed position(some prefer to stand).
Take his gumshield and give it to the guy out side.
Guy outside should rinse it off and hold on to it.
Guy inside should offer the boxer some water and spray him down and clean him up. Wipe away water etc.
Give him some instruction in plain and simple terms. The less words the better. Try not to shadow box and be all frantic telling him to do this and that. he wont remember any of it.
Give gumshield back to guy in ring and put it in boxers mouth. Make sure boxer is cleaned up and dried. Make him look presentable as it will psychologically effect his opponent. Also I have seen bouts stopped by doctors where a little blood from the lip or nose has mixed with sweat and water and turned a white vest red. only for the doctor to crap himself and stop the bout.
Leave the ring.

After the bout:
Take of boxer gloves, headguard, gumshield. offer water towel dry, clean up etc.
Tell your boxer to shake hands with opponent and his cornermen.
Get you boxer to the locker room. get him relaxed. Celebrate your vistory if you win Do not put him down even if he deserves it. That can wait for when your in the gym.
get him home.


Hope this helps.

[Willy Wankenstein]

Thanks for the detailed notes, BadBoy. What's a good medication for stopping nosebleeds, by the way?

[The BadBoy]

Unfortunately, it is very unlikely that you will stop a nosebleed in the minute you have without adrenaline. Unfortunately, adrenaline isn't allowed in amateur bouts. I would pinch the nose together at the fleshy part and apply ice for the whole minute. this could be a time when both cornermen have to get into the ring.

A few coaches I know use a nasal decongestant spray/inhaler like the Vicks one. I don't know if that's available in your country but there are bound to be other brands. I've never used it myself but they seem to think it contracts the blood vessels and stops the bleeding.

[Willy Wankenstein]

Righto. Thanks again. We have Vicks-brand products here, so I'll check those out and see. If nothing else, I can use the oil-based vapour rub which should at least help to seal minor bleeds.

[zefff]

Man Badboys tips are great...better than what I have on my HD at home because what I have are odds and ends for Kickboxing/MT/MMA really.

Having the essentials definitely is fundamental but I would add - have them in a compartmentalised container and not just thrown into a big bag so you know exactly where things are when you need them and dont have to go rummaging through loads of kit while time is running out.

Before the fight - get all the fighters bags and kit carried for him and dont let him stress over anything. He should not be concerned or worried about anything at all. If anyone wants to speak to him they speak through you, he doesnt talk to anyone outside the camp if you can help it and dont let his ears hear any gossip and dont let him know of any stunts that might be pulled by promoters, fans, opposition fighter or his ontourage etc, etc. Tension, apprehension, feelings on unfairness, injustice, contempt, annoyance, doubts etc are all distractions that can affect your fighters state of mind, emotional balance and physiology.

The more organised and relaxed you are the more relaxed and fluid he will perform. Keep the stress to yourself and dont burden him with it.

[Willy Wankenstein]

Thanks also for the input, zefff

One thing I've just realised, though, is that my mate and I will probably both be fighting in the same series of bouts, so I don't know if we'll be able to corner each other to the degree of care recommended here. Still, good to know for future events.

[The BadBoy]

That's normally the case Willy, Just try to keep these things in mind. Noone ever has the perfect scenario. Zeff makes a very very good point. NO DISTRACTIONS! If your competing aswell then make sure you don't put yourself in situations where distractins will easily occur, though I must say that I used to enjoy watching bouts before mine and help guys in the corner or sleep just to get my mind of things.