Initiate Phase One

So it has been a few days since my “announcement” that I would have a boxing match on the eve of my 50th birthday. People have been reaching out to send their support and I have had a couple that have expressed worry about me doing this.

Thank you to all the people that have reached out to support me in this quest of setting big goals. Like anything worth doing it is best to have people in your corner that love and support these dreams. The support one is given by friends and family help make the dream become a reality.

To the ones who have expressed your worry about my intention, I would like to say “Please don’t worry and everything will be fine.” These individuals have known me for a very long time and are close to my family. You telling me that you are worried means everything. Knowing that you care means more than you know.

Let me be clear…I will not be fighting a professional boxer and possibly not even an amateur. This will not lead to an Apollo Creed moment where my body is left shaking on the mat. Headgear will be worn and I will put in the work to develop the skills I need to put up a fight. In fact, if headgear is not worn I will not fight.

Mike Tyson said it best, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” My plan is to put in the work. Be trained by real trainers. Take in all of the knowledge that I can from now until May 19th, 2024. I will watch film of fighters and take notes. Learn as a fighter would normally.

With that being said, let me share my strategy going forward to put me in the best possible situation fight and win my fight.

The strategy will be separated into four phases, each lasting about 3 months.

First phase: Lose as much weight (specifically fat) as I can in three months. This will be accomplished by utilizing the 75 Hard framework.

Here is the 75 Hard criteria:

• Two workouts per day

• No alcohol or cheat meals

• Progress Photo each day

• Drink one gallon of water

• 10 pages of reading

• Follow a diet

75 Hard is not a diet program. It is develop discipline of the mind and overcome the shit that holds us back. However, the weight loss is one benefit of going through the program. The goal is to lose about 50 pounds in the first section.

Second phase: This will be dedicated to spending time with a boxing trainer to begin the skill set portion. However, weight training and working on speed will be a focus as well.

Third phase: Will continue the previous strategy but will add road work, a.k.a. running. Adding this to my workouts to help develop the stamina that I will need to compete.

Final phase: This will be a full blown fight camp. Working with boxing trainers to continue the skill building to compete.

There you have it. That is the strategy that I have begun to implement. As I start this process I will share the data that I have. My transparency with the community will play a huge role in how far I will go with this.

Thank you for reading and please share your thoughts.

JP