Blogs & Opinion


Ed Robinson:

Most Popular Posts:

Opinion Archive:

Learn from the best

Robinson turnes Ringside into a lesson into the art of boxing

Ed Robinson Posted 14th August 2012 view comments

Boxing is one of the most technical and tactical of sports and so much more than just the test of brawn it can often appear.

Yes, strength, power, ferocity and will to win are all important but equally as crucial are technique, tactics and physical fitness. The real battle in boxing is often in the gym, as young athletes train for years to perfect their trade and get fully fighting fit.

Stomach for it: Ricky Hatton shows Jamie Moore the bodyshot

Stomach for it: Ricky Hatton shows Jamie Moore the bodyshot

On Thursday I'll be presenting a Ringside Special on Sky Sports that breaks down many of the skills that champions employ. Aspiring young pro's Martin J Ward and Ryan Taylor join me in the studio as we hear from more than 30 of the top experts in the sport. Each one explains how to master one particular move, punch or discipline - cutting the ring off, slipping shots, countering, the uppercut, etc.

RINGSIDE - HOW TO BOX5.30pm, Thurs, Sky Sports 2 HD
REPEATED
11.00pm, Thurs, Sky Sports 2 HD
9.30am, Fri, Sky Sports2 HD
9.30pm, Sun, Sky Sports 2 HD

Obviously in a one hour show it isn't exhaustive but hopefully it will help to entertain and maybe educate. I think that those with little knowledge of the sport might gain a new appreciation of the Noble Art and hardcore fans should enjoy hearing the more in-depth analysis.

All boxers master the same fundamentals but they've also each got their own style and flair. For example, lightweight contender Anthony Crolla tells us why he favours a high, tight guard to block shots, while unbeaten super-bantamweight hope Kid Galahad prefers to keep his hands low - so that his vision isn't obscured and that his own punches are more unpredictable.

In many instances there isn't really a right or wrong way to do things, it's whatever works for the individual. Every fighter has his own particular strengths - qualities or signature moves that they are known for. In this show we've tried to target the best of the best to teach you!

Punching

Of course the big names are involved, from British great Lennox Lewis - who dissects the jab, to current heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko - who discusses stance. Carl Froch demonstrates feinting, Emanuel Steward taping hands, David Haye talks about his conditioning, Joe Calzaghe sparring and of course, for body punching few are more qualified than 'The Hitman', Ricky Hatton.

Elsewhere Peter Buckley, the 'King of the Journeymen', dusts off his gloves and shows us the survival skills that saw him through an incredible 300 pro fights. Ian 'Dapa' Napa, one of the most gifted technicians of his generation gives us defensive tips and Kerry Kayes, who has helped so many boxers make weight safely, reveals his own secrets.

From David Price to Tim Witherspoon, from Paul McCloskey to Kell Brook, from Matthew Macklin to London Olympic golden star Anthony Joshua, they all have their say. The show has been an extra-curricular labour of love for me over the past few months, I really hope you all like it.

back to top

Other Boxing Experts:

Latest Posts in Boxing:

Eddie Hearn

Cobra set to pounce

Being in the same ring as Carl Froch on Saturday night is not the place to be, says Eddie Hearn....

0 comments

Latest News RSS feeds

Hatton: Home helps

Ricky Hatton is backing Carl Froch to beat Mikkel Kessler with the home support providing the difference.

Board unhappy with Froch rant

The British Boxing Board of Control are to investigate comments made by Carl Froch on Wednesday.

Barker: No world-class worry

Darren Barker has banished his big fight doubts as he prepares to face IBF middleweight champion Daniel Geale.

Cobra wants intense weigh-in

Carl Froch believes Mikkel Kessler will feel the force of his army of fans for the first time at Friday's weigh-in.

Chilemba admits quit thoughts

Isaac Chilemba admits illness almost made him quit against Tony Bellew, but he plans to win the rematch in style.

Features

Carl Froch spends the day with little company but a lot to contemplate

Carl Froch spends the day with little company but a lot to contemplate

With his revenge showdown with Mikkel Kessler less than a week away, Carl Froch gets a rare day doing nothing in between Wednesday's press conference and Friday's weigh-in. Solitude, he admits, is a crucial part of his game...

The Vikings are here!

The Vikings are here!

Mikkel Kessler is joined by his compatriots as he aims to conquer the O2 Arena - and Carl Froch again!

Twelve rounds

Twelve rounds

We get up close and personal with promoters Eddie Hearn and Kalle Sauerland.