Why is the pullback counter so effective when it's done right? Because you shorten the distance. You're defending the straight shot by moving back with both feet, but the key is using those same feet like springs to explode straight back in. The goal is to close the distance before your opponent can even bring their hand back to their face. It's especially effective against opponents who lean forward when they punch. As they overcommit, they practically deliver themselves into range for the counter. The clip below was from a guy who showed up at the gym claiming to be a street fighter and wanting to spar the coach. No problem at all—I was happy to work with him and keep things safe. At first, everything was controlled. But as he got tired, his shots started getting harder. I warned him three separate times to keep it light so we could actually work and learn. He didn't listen. So there were a few moments where I caught him clean—not to hurt him, but to remind him that we're not here to beat the brakes off each other. We're here to learn. The bigger lesson is this: When you walk into a boxing gym, wrestling room, or any kind of martial arts academy, leave your ego at the door. I spend time wrestling and training with the MMA lads, and I never let my ego get involved. I know full well that some of those boys could make my life very difficult with a few well-placed kicks or on the ground. That's exactly why I'm able to learn from them. The moment you think you know everything is the moment you stop improving. The best fighters I've met are usually the most coachable. They show up, listen, learn, and get better.

A common question for beginners in boxing is whether they need to spend a lot of money on gear before stepping into the gym. The simple answer is: no. You don’t need expensive equipment to get started. As a beginner, keeping things simple and affordable is usually the best approach. Must-Have Items: Hand wraps (4-meter length): Essential from day one. They help you learn how to properly protect and support your hands and wrists — one of the most important habits to build early. Boxing boots / gym shoes: Focus on good ankle support and a flat sole for smooth movement and stability. Go for a decent mid-range pair — not the cheapest (which often lack proper support), but nothing overly expensive either. Boxing gloves: Bag gloves — for hitting pads and the heavy bag. Sparring gloves — I highly recommend 16-ounce gloves to better protect both you and your training partner. Important Sparring Protection (Worth Investing In): Once you start sparring, safety becomes a priority: Mouthguard (gum shield): Invest a bit more here. A good, well-fitting mouthguard is really important for protecting your teeth and jaw from the very first sparring sessions. Headguard: Spend a little extra on a quality one that offers good visibility and solid protection against bruises and cuts. Clear sightlines and proper fit make a big difference in both safety and confidence. Final Advice: Don’t overthink or rush into buying top-tier gear right away. Focus first on learning proper technique, building consistency, and getting comfortable in the gym. Once you’ve trained for a few months and begin sparring, add the mouthguard and headguard. Start smart, train hard, and stay safe! 🥊

Working on body shots with Flynn today. Bag work is all about learning to control the bag, not letting the bag control you. Throwing body shots in combination is one of the most underrated skills in boxing and something we're putting a lot of focus on. Flynn has been with me for the last few months and has shown great consistency, a strong work ethic, and a real willingness to learn. After his first interclub, where he faced a much more experienced opponent, he's come back even more determined to develop his skills. Learning at a young age and correcting mistakes early is something I preach all the time. The fundamentals are what will carry you through your entire boxing journey, regardless of your skill level. Master the basics, and everything else becomes easier to build upon.

All that repetition paid off—he’s been drilling the same technique over and over, refining his timing, power, and form. In the fight, it came together perfectly. He landed the shot clean, and it ended up breaking his opponent’s jaw, forcing the stoppage.