Boxing is often associated with violence but in essence it
is a sport that is not just entertaining but eccentric.
The perception of people towards the sport is that it is
enjoyed and practiced by those who are trouble makers in society.
However, this notion has been defeated as the sport is
practiced by men and women who are highly disciplined.
"Discipline is the cornerstone not only in boxing but
in other sports too," observes Bright Chomba, who is the Secretary General
of the Zambia Amateur Boxing Federation (ZBF).
Chomba says without discipline it is difficult for one to
succeed in the sport adding that it is important for boxers to build their
boxing credentials.
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| Catherine Phiri Photo by Daily Mail. |
Kennedy Mubita, president of the Zambia Amateur Boxing
Federation notes that many sports men and women who are talented have failed to
succeed in the sport owing to a poor discipline record.
"We have seen boxers who started very well but due to
lack of discipline they lost focus in their way," he said.
Most boxers tend to lose focus when they become champions
and this affects their careers, Chomba added.
What is discipline?
The English Oxford Dictionary defines discipline as a set of
rules that controls the behaviour of human beings.
The Secretary General of ZBF defines discipline as the moral
conduct that a person exhibits towards what they do.
This means that discipline in the sport of boxing should not
only be seen to be done in the ring but it should be further extended to activities
outside the ring as well.
How to maintain discipline both inside and outside the ring?
A fighter who trains hard is on the road to having the
discipline needed to be successful in the ring.
However, training hard is not enough. A boxer should extend
good conduct outside the ring as this is essential in succeeding.
This means that one has to watch what they eat, drink, who
they mingle with and carefully get enough sleep.
"Being disciplined means that a boxer should carefully
watch who is surrounding them, the food they eat and be able to maintain good
health," says Mubita.
Discipline further means staying out of trouble when you are
not in the ring or training.
Marvin Hagler was one of the greatest fighters of the 1970s
and 80's, and despite his muscular build and powerful punching, he was not a
world-class athlete like some of the opponents he faced.
He made up for that by training hard and having the
discipline to get the most out of his ability
(You can access further reading www.sweetscience.com).
Benefits of discipline in boxing?
Boxing is a two man sports game meaning only two people can
participate in the game at a goal.
In as much as it is a two man sports game, it requires
several people in the background to help a boxer win a single fight.
Among these people are the coaches, sponsors and most
importantly the fans that play a key role not only in contributing revenue
through gate fees but through their cheering which boosts the moral and
confidence.
However, in order to maintain a good relationship with the
aforementioned stakeholders, a good discipline record is essential.
“People from the corporate world only fund boxers with a
good character blended with discipline,” said Chomba.
"A good character can make boxers brand ambassadors for
the corporate world and this can earn them a lot of money," he added.
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| Muhammad Ali Photo by Getty Images |
Sources
Kennedy Mubita is the President of the Zambia Amateur Boxing Federation (ZBF).
Brighton Chomba is the Secretary General of the Zambia Amateur Boxing Federation (ZBF).
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CREDITS
Story written by: Esnart Chikobeli
Edited by: Barnabas Zulu, Sherry Chabala, Valerie Banda and Ireen Watema
Photos sourced by: Susan Ngoma
PostedDarlingtone Kabambe
Boxing is a very interesting sport and it is very encouraging to see women take keen interest in the sport.
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