The Best Boxing Video Games Ever!

By Jalil Dawson

Do the names Glass Joe, Kid Quick and Mr. Sandman mean anything to you? If they do, you are probably a GenXer, a boxing fan, and a former or present video game addict. I am proud to say that I fit all of the criteria. If you can not relate, you will read my words, gain some further insight into the mind of a "child of the 80s," and may even want to buy or rent a video game. If you can relate, you will read this and hopefully join the debate.

Dust off your old PlayStation, plug in your new PS3, read my rankings, and you decide if you agree with them or not.

The Top Five Boxing Video Games of All-Time:

5. Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! -
In 1987, the star power of Mike Tyson and the brand name of Nintendo Entertainment's Punch Out joined to form one of the more popular video games in recent memory. It was a match made in heaven, but any fight that involved Mr. Sandman was not too shabby either.

4. Fight Night (2004) -
This game is the natural evolution of Knockout Kings, making it the natural leader in the boxing video game space. Its graphics and fighter directory are unmatched (for now).

3. Boxing (Atari 2600) -
Cheesy? Yes. Primitive. Sure. Classic. Most definitely. Although not the first of its kind, this early entrant into the boxing gaming world was the first credible boxing game. For me, this is where it all started.

2. Knockout Kings -
At the time of the first release of this series, it was perhaps the most comprehensive, visually-appealing boxing video game ever created. Not only were the graphics great, but it was the first game to include a "who's who" of the sport's greatest fighters in the game. Who would win in a mythical matchup between Sugar Ray Robinson and Marvelous Marvin Hagler? Here, you could find out.

1. Punch-Out!! -
This game got its start in the arcade before it made its way into the friendly confines of gamers' homes. It spawned as many sequels as Star Wars, and was the first boxing video game that had true cross-over appeal. The phrase "body blow, body blow" still resonates to this day.

Looking for boxing opinions, predictions and tickets? Visit http://www.FightInsight.com

A Boxing Workout Program Could Get You In The Shape Of Your Life!

By Douglas La Londe

To be successful at boxing you first must prepare your mind. The oftentimes talked about "Heart" of a great fighter first begins with his belief in himself, and this belief helps him to have the "Heart" to succeed.

With the true "Heart" of a champ, you will discipline yourself to be a winner. You will not give up when the going gets tough. Instead YOU will become tougher, and keep on going. Remember, "every champion has become the champ against all odds". So MIND PREPERATION must be part of Your Boxing Workout Program from the very beginning.

Day one, and every single day after, you must tell yourself that You are going to be, and in fact are becoming the greatest middleweight, or heavyweight, or lightweight, (whatever) that's ever been! Begin now to train your mind to become a great fighter. And remember DISCIPLINE in all aspects of your life is your KEY. Without it, you can't hope to be a GREAT fighter. Making the above statement SINCERELY to yourself everyday is a MUST DO part of Your Boxing Workout Program.

You will need a gym. It should be a boxing gym. If you can't find a real boxing gym, or someplace very similar, you will need to "create" for yourself a training camp. This is very important to your program. The "place" that you do your boxer's workout must make you FEEL like a boxer. If you cannot find a real boxing gym, or you cannot "make it" to a real boxing gym then bring the gym to you. There are things you will need. These things will cost a little money, (not an awful lot), and, if you purchase quality boxing gear it will last a long time. A Boxing Workout Program is NOT and SHOULD NOT be expensive.

A garage, or even a place in your basement will be your first choice for your training "camp". Whichever place you choose you will need to be able to hang a heavy bag. This punching bag is necessary to develop powerful punches, stamina, and strength. It is also required to practice accurate and smooth combination punching. This can NOT be overlooked. You MUST have a heavy bag to train. However, until you are able to buy, beg, or steal, a suitable heavy bag, there are still many things you can do to begin Your Boxing Workout Program.

You will also need a Speed Bag and Speed Bag Platform. A quality set of these can be had for less than about a hundred dollars, and they will last Indefinitely. Your reflexes, coordination, and hand to eye timing will increase dramatically, as well as gaining strength in your shoulders.

A Jump rope will be your next investment, and they too are inexpensive and will last a real long time if you take care of it. One size does NOT fit ALL. Be careful that you purchase one that is the right size for you. You will become discouraged fast if you are trying to jump rope with a rope that is too big or too small. Learning to jump rope, and using this exercise in your boxing workout program will help to train your heart, (cardiovascular system), and legs, and teach timing, so you will be light on your feet, and always feel "centered", and balanced.

You will also need running shoes. Quality running shoes will provide your feet and ankles support. You will need this support as you do your roadwork every other day in your training.
Roadwork will train your heart and body and mind to "go the distance". Road work will train your cardio system and give you the stamina you need to stay strong during your workouts and sparring rounds.

A good book, written by a knowledgeable trainer, or writer who has researched the subject, should also be on your list. This book should explain how you use the "gear" I've mentioned above. It should explain the "basics" of boxing - How and when to throw the various punches you will be practicing - How to hold your hands and move on your feet - And how to work through the various drills in Your Boxing Workout Program.

With commitment, and practice, and of course a sensible diet you will begin to look and feel like a boxer. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the mirror you will need to watch yourself as you practice the jab, and cross, and uppercut, and hook, and various other moves typical of a boxer. This is very important, and must not be overlooked!

You can be fit, lose weight, and get in the best shape of your life following the tried and true, (tested for over a hundred years!), Boxing Workout Program!

Doug LaLonde writes about boxing and boxing legends. Doug is happy to be breathing in and out at; http://boxingworkoutprogram.com/