"The harder you work, the luckier you get"

“A top class trainer needs to be a psychiatrist, psychologist, marriage guidance counsellor and a social worker”
Colin Hart, boxing writer, reviewing 'Sparring with Life'

In my first blog post of 2015 (and 50th to date), I was very honoured to speak to Jimmy Tibbs and learn from one of the noble art’s best teachers… 

A chief executive has to make tough business calls. In your case, someone’s life could be on the line. How do you keep cool under such intense scrutiny? 

JT: Experience plays a major part in any decision making. I was a fighter and have now been a trainer for over three decades, so I’ve seen things from both sides of the fence. I know how a fighter can get into trouble in the ring and how as a trainer I can get them out of it. 

How do you adapt to their personalities?

JT: Treat each individual differently. Some have quicker breaking points and others need to be reined in before they burn themselves out. Being aware of how far to push the individual is very important. You also need to gauge the fighter’s frame of mind. 

Boxing is a serious business and you need to be 110% committed. How do you get the best out of your fighters? 

JT: It’s a two way street. Both parties need to trust each other implicitly. The fighter needs to have total confidence in the trainer – not just in training, but also listening when to rest, which is equally important. 

What do you tell your fighters in between rounds?

JT: We’ve only got about half a minute to get our message across, so I’m looking at the fighter during the rounds and am prepared with what I need to say the second they get back to the corner. 

What motivational tactics do you use?

JT: They’re already pumped before getting in that ring. By the time the bells goes, it's time to do their job. Rarely will my fighters be tired as they’re physically and mentally ready to give their all. 

If you were to pick one life lesson, what would that be?

JT: You can’t put a young head on old shoulders. You’ve always got to be guided by someone with experience, whatever game you’re in. Whether you’re a businessman or a sportsman, you’ve got to be guided. 

What’s the best piece of career or general life advice anyone has ever given you?

JT: Put the hours in and work as hard as you can. As the late Mickey Duff [former boxing promoter and manager] said, “The harder you work, the luckier you get.” 

Special thanks to my good friend Paul Zanon, who co-wrote Jimmy’s autobiography, ‘Sparring with Life’ – a hard-hitting account of the legendary East London boxing trainer’s life both inside and outside of the ring. 

Paul’s second book, ‘The Yorkshire Hunter’ (the life story of Paul Ingle, the former world featherweight champion) is available for pre-order.