Boxing has a way of revealing your true character. If you don’t know what you’re made of, stepping into the ring will make it clear. I remember the first time I got hit with a big shot. It rattled me, stumbling me back. That was one of those sparring sessions where someone clearly got the best of me. But even then, quitting never crossed my mind. My heart wouldn’t let me.

After that sparring session, I sat down, second-guessing myself, wondering if I was really cut out for this sport. The doubts lingered all day, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe I wasn’t good enough to be in the ring. But when I woke up the next day, I made a decision: I was going to leave that experience in the past. Instead of letting it drag me down, I chose to focus on how I could get better.

Not everyone reacts that way, though. Some people never return to the gym after a tough session, or they lose confidence and never fight the same again. That’s because boxing is more mental than physical. Anyone can throw a punch, but the real question is, how will you react when you get hit? How do you respond when punches are flying at you from all directions?

I quickly learned that boxing isn’t just a sport—it’s a test of mental fortitude. If you’re going to step into that ring, you have to prioritize your fundamentals and, most importantly, you have to be mentally strong.

I remember another sparring session where I got hit with an uppercut while my mouth was open. I didn’t stop fighting, even though there were still two minutes left in the round. I felt a stinging sensation and thought maybe I had a cut, but I didn’t pay it much mind. When the round ended, I walked over to the mirror and took out my mouthpiece. That’s when I saw it—a lot of blood and a piece of my tongue hanging. I couldn’t believe I’d fought an entire round like that.

Moments like these are reminders of how much mental strength it takes to be in this sport. I never underestimate anyone who steps into the ring, because I know it takes heart just to get inside that square. Yes, there are levels in boxing, but you need guts to even begin the journey. So, give credit to anyone who has the courage to do so.

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