The Lonely Walk

How are boxers able to withstand such physical and mental punishment?

How are boxers able to perform to such a high physical level?

Are there special training techniques that boxers use?  

These were just some, amongst many, of the early questions that I had in my head when my journey working with professional boxers began. I wanted to learn how these unique athletes could perform under such harsh conditions and how they are able to achieve such extreme levels of physical and mental fitness. 

I then wanted to see if I could improve them even further. Despite limited success in my own combat sports journey (blocking punches with your face is never a good idea!), I believed I could.

I quickly realised that, not only did I not know the answers to these questions, but I didn’t know anywhere near as much as I thought I did. 

I had a lot to learn. 

I had more questions than answers. 

To this day I still do.

My questions were not only about the physical characteristics of a boxer, but also about their mindset; the way they think, their habits, fears, hopes and dreams. And, perhaps most importantly, who they are as a person.

How does a boxer learn to control every part of themselves, optimizing body and mind connection to ensure that they perform when the time counts?

…because there may not be a second chance.

When they make that walk they can have no regrets.

Boxers are known for their extreme levels of fitness and the ability to withstand enormous physical punishment within the boxing ring. Those of you who have had a punch in the face will know that it’s not the most pleasant of experiences.  A punch to the body, some might say, is even worse. A boxer takes this punishment every single day. That takes unique strength in both your body and your mind.

I began to wonder how this is possible.

If any one of us happened to be involved in a fight on a Monday, we certainly wouldn’t be doing it again on a Tuesday! What is it about these athletes that allows them to push themselves to the limit every single day, performing an act that 99% of people are scared of? 

The great Frank Bruno said that “boxing is the only sport that you do not play”. It is absolutely true. When a boxer loses a fight, unlike most other sports, they can’t ‘play’ again next week. The consequences can be catastrophic.

Boxing is the loneliest sport in the world.

Despite the team a boxer has around them; boxing trainer, cuts man, fitness coach and corner support. When all is said and done and in spite of all the training and preparation, a boxer enters the ring to face battle alone.

Fighter versus fighter.

When I first began my career working in professional boxing, most of the fights took place in small halls and leisure centres. Now professional boxing is once again huge business, with fights in arenas and stadiums becoming normal.  Thousands of fans are there to witness the battle, and the walk to the ring is longer and lonelier than ever.

As they take the walk to enter into combat, they face many emotions, feelings and thoughts. Adrenaline, anticipation, excitement and fear is running through their veins to every inch of their body. They have given their all to get there and tonight, they are the star of the show. 

This walk may only last a few minutes, but this is the lonely walk.

It is now 100% them vs their opponent.

Them vs the world.

They may or may not be the underdog.

The crowd may or may not be on their side.

At the other end of the walk lies success or failure, hopes and dreams, or despair and devastation.

Why Is This Relevant To You?

The lonely walk of a professional boxer is also a metaphor for life for each and every one of us.

Because at some stage, we all have to face our lonely walk.

What is the lonely walk in your life?

Now, I’m not suggesting that any of you should quit your job and embark on a career change getting punched in the face! But what lessons are there that can be taken into day to day life?

One thing I am certain of is that all of us, when faced with times of difficulty – you (and I) will always revert to our training (or lack of training).

Are you resilient enough to deal with these times?

To deal with the stress, the fears and the difficult times that life will throw at you, whether that’s in the boardroom, the office, your personal life, or on the playing field.

You must be strong enough to deal with these demands, and learn not only to make your lonely walk, but to face it, embrace it, and to perform at your highest level when the time counts. Or will you do what is now becoming more and more commonplace, and fold, hide, run or even avoid these situations all together?

The lonely walk is where you will learn how professional boxers at the highest level can:

• Perform under pressure in front of tens of thousands, and sometimes millions of people.
• Make decisions despite often extreme fatigue.
• Re programme their fears to enable success.
• Use failure, to be their greatest weapon.

And most importantly, how you can implement these techniques in your life, to improve your personal ‘lonely walk’.

I’m a huge advocate of boxing and combat training. 

I believe it is good for you.

However, this book is not a book full of training and nutrition plans. Or one that will simply talk about muscles and exercises. This book is designed to give you an insight into the life of a professional boxer, their ‘Gladiatorial Mindset’ and how they face, and take, the lonely walk.

In this book you won’t hear solely from me, but also from the fighters, the warriors and champions. The men and women who have faced their walk, often many times over.

It will help you explore and understand your own lonely walk to help you improve your life.

Enjoy your reading.

“The Lonely Walk”.

An Inside look at the only sport you don’t play.

Ric Moylan.

***All author profits to be donated to Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital.