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properly takes at least eight weeks, and that is assuming that the fighter is always in "gym shape." Training involves two things: a fighter has to "peak" on the day of the fight, physically; and they have to be convinced that they are so well prepared, that it is impossible for them to lose.
Now, if you are preparing to fight a guy like Mayweather, that's difficult. The best fighters are smart -- in fact, these days, more and more are even well-educated in the formal sense. (They have to be, to make sure that they are being paid while active in their careers, to make investments to carry them after they retire, and frequently, for a career after boxing.) But "boxing smarts" also involves understanding the dynamics of boxing.
Marquez knows Floyd is undefeated for a reason. More, Floyd is younger, bigger, faster, and stronger. This is why it is so important to have him train in relative isolation. Away from the crowds, including family and friends. Alone on that mountain, running up it and throwing large rocks. That's good for getting in physical shape, and it's great for building his mental focus. He needs to honestly believe that when the fight is over, his hand will be raised in victory, no matter how improbable that may seem in the context of the group.
No one can train themselves as well as other trusted people can. There needs to be that bond of trust. This is why a great fighter such as Oscar de la Hoya, who changed trainers so frequently, never won a "super fight." And why Ray Leonard, after betraying the bond with Angelo Dundee, never won another important bout. They both had that lack of needed focus and confidence. And, I can say without question, when you get into the ring before the introductions, there is no place so lonely as that ring. Any doubt you have, and day that you took it easy training, is there with you; they become your only ally in the ring. The guy across the ring, who trained hard, and has a bond of trust with his trainer, can sense any doubt, like a dog smells fear.
Now, every boxer feels nervous. Actually, it's fear. The unprepared, unfocused fighter is destroyed by that fear. The properly trained fighter uses that energy as his fuel. And his trainer guides that. That is the single most important thing the trainer does, in my opinion.
You know, I can talk and talk and talk about this for ever. I love the psychology of boxing; it has helped me motivate other young athletes in high school sports. I think it can be applied to many aspects of life.
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