EPTAnd then came the third round. I was up against a more experienced guy. After the initial glove touch my round plan was not to get too beat up, cover myself, land a few shots if I can. Boy, was I wrong. He did whatever he wanted with me. Fooled me to defend from the left side, attacked the right, he defended everything I tried. At some time he told me "Cover up, you're gonna get hit!". I said I would. But I didn't. He warned me again. I again said I would. And failed yet one more time. As a price I received a nasty right hook that got me down. Some time later I got another of those hooks in the left side of mouth mouth.
It was a weird feeling. I've never been punched in the head. As a kid, yes, I've been in some fights but nothing drastic. It's not that painful but I just couldn't stand on my feet. The pain is completely bearable, I mean, I can't clench my jaw painlessly but it will pass in a day or two, you just lose your balance and become too vulnerable if the other guy decides to continue.
My beater apologized, I said there's nothing to apologize about and we continued. He didn't touch me for the rest of the round. I even did all the ten rounds. The last two were on a heavy bag but still, it's some effort.
After the training, in the changing room, the same guy that beat me came to me. Told me not to get scared over a few hits and just do my thing, keep training. Smiling, I said I would. I wasn't mad at him. If anything, I am grateful. I thought I am advancing with muay thai, now I realize it's just a journey with no real end. I just have to train hard and good because I enjoy it, not to be competitive and fight with people just because I can.
Next time I will have a better defense for sure though. The pain of sparring punches is not great but nor it is pleasant and I would like to avoid it.
gl hf!
