Overview

Starting boxing is exciting, but rushing the process is one of the biggest mistakes beginners make. This guide breaks down what not to do in boxing so you can build strong foundations, avoid burnout and enjoy long-term progress.

Common beginner boxing mistakes that slow progress or lead to frustration
Expert insights from Turner Boxing Head Coach Mike Turner
Practical advice on mindset, fundamentals and consistent training

Common Beginner Boxing Mistakes

About to join a boxing class or chucking on the gloves for the first time? Boxing is one of the most powerful tools to build not just a better body, but one that lasts. At Turner Boxing, Head Coach Mike Turner has seen thousands of beginners walk through the gym doors. Many stay. Some burn out. So what separates the two?

We sat down with Mike to unpack the most common mistakes new boxers make, and how to start your journey the right way.

Q1. What’s the number one mistake you see beginners make when they first step into a boxing gym?

Mike: Too many people try to skip the basics, chasing advanced skills before they’ve mastered the fundamentals. But the fundamentals are the foundation of all good boxing. Take someone like Floyd Mayweather - people see the slick, flashy style he developed as an adult, but forget he started boxing at age 7, drilling the most basic techniques for years. His mastery was built over decades, not overnight.

Social media has fueled an “I want it now” mentality. We see highlight clips, but not the thousands of hours of unseen work behind closed doors. The truth is, it takes hundreds, if not thousands, of focused hours to truly develop solid fundamentals.

Q2. How important is technique compared to fitness when someone’s just starting out?

Mike: I think both are important for people starting out, that’s why structuring your weekly training is key. A balanced routine should include fundamentals, pad work, bag drills, and technique development. It’s just as important working on your mindset, boxing is as mental as it is physical.

Q3. Do beginners often underestimate the mental side of boxing?

Mike: People do underestimate how mentally tough this sport is. You can be fit and skilled, but if your mind isn’t right, nerves, doubt, and negativity it will show up fast, especially in sparring or on fight day. In my opinion, the order of priority is: mental strength first, then skill, followed by fitness. If your head and skills are in the right place, the fitness will come.

Q4. What role does consistency play in improving as a boxer and how quickly should people expect to see progress?

Mike: Consistency is everything. I’m a big believer in the 10,000-hour rule: that’s 10,000 hours of focused practice to master a skill. The more consistently you work on your fundamentals and skillset, the better athlete you become. Not that it will take every person 10,000 hours to learn boxing but the ideas of hours spent equals mastering your skillset.

For beginners wanting to take boxing seriously, I recommend training at least every second day, three times a week for an hour each session. For fighters, it’s usually 4–5 days a week at two hours per session. Some do more - and those who do are generally more mentally resilient, technically sound and physically fit.

Every person improves at a different rate of time, as I said in a earlier question don't rush the process and have fun while learning new skills

Q5. Is there a common misconception about boxing training that you’d like to clear up?

Mike: One of the biggest misconceptions I see is the stereotype that boxing gyms are full of tough, scary people beating on each other. Movies like Rocky didn’t help. The reality? We’re a family-friendly gym focused on helping people achieve their goals through boxing. Not everyone who walks through our door wants to be a fighter. My motto is simple: Boxing is for everyone. Everyone deserves the chance to learn and benefit from this sport.

Boxing has grown massively and become much safer over the years. It’s up to coaches like myself and gyms like mine to keep educating and showing the true face of the sport.

Conclusion

Boxing rewards the patient. It humbles the eager. And it transforms anyone willing to show up and learn. Thanks to Turner Boxing you can now avoid the early mistakes, focus on your foundations and keep your head in the game.

Want to learn more? Explore the Xpeed blogs.

Author

Simon Mitchell

Written by Xpeed Brand Manager, Simon Mitchell. Simon has a Bachelor of Human Movement, is a certified FMS trainer and has worked in the fitness industry since 2003. Simon started his fitness journey as a trainer with iNform Health and Fitness before moving into commercial radio and then back into fitness with Bodyism in the United Kingdom and Australia. A career highlight was being one of Daisy Ridley's personal trainers on Star Wars IX - The Rise Of Skywalker.