Luckily, I've been through all that already and this is going to be my fourth fight. My current record is 2 wins and 1 loss. Hopefully it'll be 3-1 soon.
The first thing you might notice about the poster is that it says I'm from Australia, i'm not. Also I was originally scheduled to fight on July 17th until they moved it back. The fight photo was also the 3rd one they took and probably the least attractive one of me. But none of that matters, and the worst thing you can do it let it get to you.
*Update: this step is especially important on fight night. For me everything that could have went wrong did, but staying calm and clear headed helped me get through it. First there was a mixup and they forgot my fight shorts, luckily I brought a spare in my own bag just in case. (they found the shorts 2 minutes before the fight) - My camera guy got high and almost didn't make it in time, the fight turned out to be at a different stadium that I expected, i found out my opponent has 113 fights and liked to fight dirty. They put us in the same locker room. Yada yada, I could have worried about each thing and stressed out, but luckily I remained calm and everything worked itself out. It always does.
I have no idea who I'm fighting, whether he is bigger or smaller than me, or if he's had zero fights or fifty. Of course all these things would be nice to knows, but here in Thailand, especially in Phuket, you just need to show up in shape and not worry about the rest. So what if they spell your name wrong, or put the wrong country - which is on purpose by the way. Even though the majority of fighters are from places like the UK, the majority of spectators that buy tickets are Australian and they love seeing people from their country fight. It's all for marketing.
Fight Prep Step 2 - Training
Assuming you've been training hard the past few weeks or months, the main thing you have to worry about is your cardio. Going five three minute rounds is extremely tiring for anyone. Make sure you've been running and sprinting. Also hit the pads hard for three minute rounds and see how you feel. Sparring is also an important way to gauge how you'd do in a fight. Use a round timer and do it like it would be for real. Just make sure you stop sparring a week before your fight, as you don't want any accidental bruises or injuries going into it.
Fight Prep Step 3 - Rest and Food
This is very important. Do not do anything on your fight day, or the day before that. For me I train muay thai in the morning two days before my fight and start my resting then, but even then it might have been beneficial to do nothing instead. My fight is on Wednesday, so my last training session is Monday morning. On tuesday i'll get a massage to relax. On Wednesday I will lay around and watch fights on my laptop all day until I need to get ready for my fight.
What to eat before your fight. Do not eat anything spicy for two days before your fight. Starting the day before you want to eat brown rice, eggs, chicken and vegetables. Load up on brown rice so you have some stores of energy for your fight. Don't eat or drink anything with sugars as it burns too quick. For me I like to drink half a small bottle of red bull an hour before my fight to get ready.
Fight Prep Step 4 - What to bring to your fight
Bring your Muay Thai shorts - wear underwear underneath. Also bring your mouth guard. Make sure you cut your finger and toe nails before your fight, and bring some water. Everything else will be provided including your cup/groin protector, handwraps, and muay thai oil. I also bring a change of clothes, a towel and a bar of soap. Also bring your camera.
Make sure someone video tapes your fight. Your gym might do it anyways, but if not, make sure you bring a non-idiot friend to film for you. Have them stand in the corner and not in the audience. You'll want a good copy of your fight, trust me.
Wish me luck!
Warm Regards,
Johnny - My Fight Camp
Hilarious that they market fighters based on the audience. Good luck with your fight.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck johnny! Chok dee! All your hard training will pay off
ReplyDeleteBtw do you know how many of the onsite rooms at phuket top team are occupied, or rather free? Thanks
Thanks for the wishes Steve and Ken.
ReplyDeleteA bunch of people just finished their 2 month camps here at Phuket Top Team and currently there are 6 onsite rooms free.
The rooms are 5,500 a month including electric and wifi. I personally think they are the best budget rooms in Phuket, especially since they are brand new, come with a fridge, tv, dvd player, and a ceiling fan.
All the best bro! Been following your blog since last week & I really like it! Makes me wanna fly down to train in Thailand!
ReplyDeleteAnyway wish it is 3-1 indeed!
That's hilarious! You're an honorary Australian. :-D.. Good to see you are still enjoying it.
ReplyDelete