WBC May Mental Health: Inside the Boxer’s Mind – Psychological Strategies

By Beka Romero

 Mental preparation in boxing should be another element of training, which will help athletes improve and enhance their sporting performance, not only physically but also mind wise.

Here are three strategies that will help you strengthen and train your mind:

1. Visualization: It is about imagining the desired moment in detail and vividly in your mind. Athletes can visualize every aspect of their training and performance in the ring, from beginning to final success. This technique helps improve confidence, concentration, and mental preparation.
2. Breathing Control: Deep and conscious breathing can help athletes reduce anxiety, stay calm and focused on the present moment, and to do it in a better way it is recommended to practice breathing in 4 beats that It consists of inhaling, holding the breath, exhaling and releasing the air each in 4 seconds.
3. Useful and positive self-language: This is about using positive words and phrases to reinforce confidence and maintain a positive attitude, which can be used during training, sparring and fights. Athletes can repeat affirmations such as “I am strong,” “I am going to win,” or “I am prepared” to counteract negative thoughts and strengthen their competitive mindset.

Making boxing a safer sport is a task not only of the athlete,  but also of trainers, managers, promoters among many others. The objective will always be to protect the integrity of the fighters at all times and promote mental health above and below the ring.