Berto’s Ability to Press: Will to Win, Super Conditioning or Fatigue Management?
By Aaron Thigpen, Owner,Gamespeed Sports Performance Aug 2018
Photo by Trappfotos
Boxing- On August 4th 34 year old Andre Berto won a decision over Devon Alexander (31) in a tightly contested match. After suffering a knockdown in the third round Berto battled back with unrelentting pressure. As a result Alexander could not keep the pace and succmbed to the constant pressure.
Was Berto’s performance a result of a strong will to win, superior athletic conditioning or his ability to handle fatigue? Actually a combination of all three. As his trainer for the past six years we are constantly striving to develop these factors.
A couple years back I used the phrase “comfortable being uncomfortable” in describing my approach to preparing fighters and then World Champion Andre Ward in his rematch with Sergei Kovalev that was aired on a segment of HBO. Nice to hear it repeated nowadays but most dont truly understand what I meant.
Your training must take a “three” pronged approach if you are to be successful in any sport. Any program must prepare you for high levels of Mental Pressure, Fitness and resistance to the ill effects of Fatigue.
The ability to finish under varying form of duress at a high level of performance is what separates athletes in close competitions. Demonstrated beautifully by Berto in this latest match.
Something to keep in mind when your training.
