The Boxing Match From A Boxer's Perspective

I don't know if this is just something that happens in boxing, or maybe just me with so few chances to compete, but I tend to get anxiety attacks within about a week of a bout.  

 

There is a bit of excitement at first, with the thought of competition. It builds until the day of the bout.

 

On that day, even while standing in line to weigh-in, the thought of stepping into the ring to represent your club is very exciting.

However, while you are warming up, and then the coach comes over to you and says, "You're up". At that point, excitement begins to become anxiety, as you realize that in just a few minutes, you will become the centre of attention.

The coach leads you to the ring, with all eyes on you. Some chant your name, some chant the other boxer's name. Either way, you can't shake the feeling of constantly being watched, because you are!

 

You enter the ring, and the ropes close behind you. Now, you are in your comfort zone, you think. The ropes closing you off from the chanting and cheering audience. 

Now, they can't hurt me. They are out there, and I am in here.

I'm safe...

You look across the ring, and realize...

The audience is no longer a threat. The man standing across from you is now the threat.

Now, the anxiety shifts from outside the ring to inside.

Reality clicks in.

Now I need to stop worrying about what the audience thinks, and start worrying about not getting knocked onto my ass.