A SCHOOL of hard knocks was in session at the weekend when State Development Victoria boxing coach Adam Nahal came to the Mallee to help the sport’s competitors rethink the way they train at the weekend.
With an international twist, Boxing Australia has been working hard to change the way boxing is coached, to instil a ‘methodical and scientific’ approach country wide.
With more than 30 boxers from the Swan Hill Boxing Club, Mildura Boxing Club and Warracknabeal Boxing Club, a two-day camp was held in Swan Hill with coach Nahal.
Local coach Daniel Uebergang said he was proud of his club and the way the region responded to the new training.
“Everyone was pretty exhausted but it was brilliant, we worked on our techniques and the different training drills we can use to keep up to date,” he said.
“With a new head coach at Boxing Australia, he has brought in some new ideas and we didn’t want to get left behind…it can be hard for rural areas so trying to keep up to date was important and its a big challenge, but we will now benefit from it.
“We are going well. We have some really good up-and-coming boxers, it is looking quite promising.”
The camp was designed to focus on the Loddon Mallee region of boxing, with other clubs invited but unable to attend.
Speaking to The Guardian, coach Nahal said it was time for a change and a direct approach to getting the best athletes through quality pathways.
He also identified the international flavour boxing is now having on local boxing.
“I wanted to teach all the boxers fundamental skills and teach boxing from a purist form,” he said.
“Boxing has changed, I think it has changed in terms of culture and … this really moves away from the ‘old school’ to almost a science and doing things methodically.
“Techniques change over time.”
