I want to spar but....

[Irish0910]

I have a similar problem but it's not that I don't like to get hit, I just get frustrated when I do and don't counter. I want to be a slick boxer like Toney but I'm not at that level at all so I get pissed at myself and lose the desire to spar for awhile. Then a train for awhile and just get back in there and slowly but surely it's improving.

[fraidycat]

Sparring at my gym, in the past year I have witnessed:

2 concussions
2 "out on his feet" KO's
1 cracked rib
1 broken toe
1 broken hand
probably 50 bloody noses and split lips

But no broken noses. Not one. The biggest, most powerful heavyweights at my gym have dealt each other massive nosebleeds, but no breaks. I got my nose very mildly broken in my first bout (he landed a punch when my headgear was knocked sideways and already pushing my nose over ) but I've never had -- or dealt -- more than a nosebleed or a shiner in sparring. Sparring is not combat. Well, usually not.

[Combo]

how often do nose bumps happen from being punched? you know, them dents half way up the nose

[mgkirkpatrick]

a crooked nose gives character. haha nah i guess i never thought about gettin hit from the persepctive of what it would do my 'looks'. i spose its a real issue for some people. a busted nose can happen to the most experienced boxer or the least.. if you make the decision to start sparring you have to know that it is a possible consequence no matter who you are. im not being a smart ass but do you want to box more or keep your face straight thats a serious question and i wouldnt judge n e one who picked there face.

[Combo]

to be honest, my nose is already pretty screwed, so who knows, boxin might even make it better

[potatoes]

i want to start sparing but am afraid that my nose will get busted permanently, can anyone help me make a decision?

You will find at some boxing clubs nearly all the guys have broken noses and/or scar tissue build up on their faces. That is because they don't learn proper defense. Although broken noses are an occupational hazzard for boxers, you can reduce the probability of it happening by learning good defensive skills.

[me2007]

Manfredo's nose is a good example of what could happen if you block punches with your face

[skyler]

Manfredo's nose is a good example of what could happen if you block punches with your face

Yeah nobody wants a manfredo nose.

[DoctorKillJoy]

Get a headgear with a face guard. Problem solved. Don't buy a cheap one though. I got one I ordered online for 50 and the first time i took a solid shot (not hard but just one that landed) the plastic faceguard cut me right over my eye. I've seen good ones though, usually they're at least 100.

[shawn_]

Im a firm believer that your first sparing session should always be with your trainer.