Abstract
Introduction. Little is known of the physiological trainability of boxers and their reactions to current training strategy. Material and methods. Anthropometric, back/hand strength, upper-body plyometric power and 3x3 min running parameters were measured four times throughout the year and maximal oxygen uptake () at peak season. In twelve male open-class boxers (mean ± standard deviation) age: 22.7±2.7 yrs, height: 177.2±9.4 cm and body mass: 72.1±10.7 kg. Results. Surprisingly body mass, body fat, percentage body fat and total run distance showed no improvement throughout the season until peak season (all p<.002), 72.1 kg, 8.4 kg, 11.5 %, and 2548 m respectively. However this appeared to be at the expense of fat free mass which decreased by ~2 kg at peak season (p=.014). Furthermore, improvement beyond the starting levels at the start of the season for all parameters was never achieved. The results suggest that despite coach and boxer best efforts, training per-se does not necessarily result in the desired improvements. Conclusion. It is advised that boxers maintain a level of diet-control/training during holiday periods, this will allow the run-up to peak season to be about a controlled decrease of BF and maintenance or increase of fat free mass, strength and power. A simple set of tests should be used to track progress and identify areas that need improving. Strength, plyometric and individualisation of training should be implemented to improve the boxers’ speed and power-endurance.
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