u/P4PSparringChampion

First off, thank you for taking the time to read and comment

I have been boxing a few months now and only started light sparring in the last few weeks.

Usually there are a couple of coaches around, and since I’m new they remind whoever I’m partnered with to keep it light and match skill level.

Today there was only one coach and we did 4 rounds, 2 minutes each with a new partner every round.

First round was with someone I’ve sparred before. Totally fine. They were clearly better, landed more, but kept it light and controlled.

Second round was with someone I’d never sparred before. Straight away it felt like he was going a bit hard and he caught me with a solid left hook that honestly stunned me for a second. He immediately said sorry and toned it down a bit, but was still landing jabs and straights pretty clean.

Not gonna lie, it kind of pissed me off. I’m new and just trying to learn and it threw me off mentally. In the moment I didn’t know what to do, like do I give it back, say something, or just survive? He acknowledged it and apologized, but it still messed with my head for the rest of the round. I don’t know if he just saw someone new and went for it or if he didn’t realise my level.

Do I just avoid sparring him again or give it another go and see if he dials it back?

Third partner I’ve sparred before. He went a bit harder than usual, but I guess he’s trying to push the pace so I improve. He’s controlled though, not reckless like the previous guy. Still struggled, especially with taller fighters and longer reach.

Fourth round was actually solid. Similar height and they are more experienced fighter, but it felt like proper technical sparring and I actually felt like I had a chance to defend and throw without worrying about my head being taken off.

Overall though I’m struggling to apply what I practice on the bag and pads into sparring. I don’t really know when to move, what direction to move in, or how to read shots yet. When I’m getting hit with harder shots while I’m still trying to figure things out it just gets frustrating.

I get that it’s boxing and I’m going to get hit, but I’m not trying to take unnecessary damage while I’m still learning.

Guess I’m just wondering

How do you deal with someone going too hard when you’re new? Was he going too hard?

Should I say something mid round or just tough it out?

Do you avoid partners like that or give them another chance?

Any advice on closing distance and dealing with taller fighters as a beginner?

Appreciate any advice.