04/17/2026
Some guys love to spar. Some only spar light. Some fight wars in the gym. Man like James Toney mostly just sparred for training.
A lot of trainers only allow light sparring or rather, technical sparring to work on specifics. Each case is different. Every boxer have their preferences and every trainer their methods. I agree there needs to be plenty sparring before a pro match to prepare for a specific opponent. Then, sometimes, that specific opponent drops out and the boxer must adjust. It’s a crazy sport that way. Yet, just like SRR (Sugar Ray Robinson) said. Ain’t no sense in a “game plan,” pre-fight. In his way of thinking, if you have a “plan,” your opponent could just do the opposite thing and neutralize the whole plan. Best to just train like a beast and be ready for anything. Fundamentals win fights. Styles make fights. Champions are made outside of the ring.
Personally, I love sparring above all the other training exercises. That means there’s plenty ware n tear… no matter the amount of rounds, it’s the WILLING who will win. The will to win is one of the most overlooked aspects of all champions regardless of the sport.
