By Ava Featon, Sports Deputy Editor
Have you ever wondered what it takes to box in a University Fight Night? After speaking to Amina James (pictured left), the Epigram discovered that it takes grit, determination, and commitment to just get in the ring, let alone win.
Monday
Starting off her week with a bang, Amina heads straight into the gym for a shadow boxing session. Working on her jabbing technique, whilst also training her muscle memory to retain the same movements and sequences, her weekly shadow session is integral to her journey to fight night. Amina ensures she fuels herself generously throughout the day because her training does not stop there. Along with committing to the extensive eight week fighter programme, Amina also plays netball for the Univeristy BUCS 2s. So, after an intense day of lectures (studying medicine of all subjects) Amina heads to the sports hall for a grueling hour and a half court session.
Tuesday
On Tuesday's, Amina gives herself slightly more grace completing only one training session. Heading to the gym in the evening with all the other fighters, it's time to spar. The session consists of completing skill based drills and fitness based drills. For some that would be enough, but for the Bristol Fighters (especially Amina) it was only the beginning. The second half of the session is sparring, actually putting fist to face. Sparring allows the boxers to pressure test everything they have learnt so far and to see how they will perform in live conditions, an integral aspect for Amina's upcoming fight.
Wednesday
Mirroring her Monday sessions, Amina's Wednesdays consist of shadow boxing in the morning and netball in the evening. Although, she just cant help herself but take it up a notch. Instead of a training session, Amina plays a sixty minute match with her netball team. Coming out with a massive win of 80-38 against Cardiff Met, she just doesnt stop. After another long day of training, she finishes off her day with a nutritious meal of mince, sweet potato, avocado, and cottage cheese.
Thursday
After fueling her morning with scrambled eggs and avocado on toast, mango, and a coffee, Amina set her self up beautifully for a day of uni work and training ahead. After completing a tiring 9-5 in university, studying 3rd year medicine, Amina heads to the gym once again for a boxing session. Training her fitness, hand eye coordination, and combinations she completes another two hour session.
Friday
As if her week hasn't been physically demanding enough, Amina starts off her Friday's with a 7am hour and a half court session with her netball team. Consisting of roughly an hour of drills and half an hour of match play, its no small feet for a Friday morning. Ensuring she refuels herself adequately, Amina's lunch consists of sausage and avocado tacos. To round her day off she heads to the yoga studio for some stretching and mindfulness.
Saturday
The weekend might signal relax and recuperation for some but, for a Bristol Fighter, there is no such thing. Heading to the gym in the morning to lift some weights, Amina ensures she completes her all important strength training ahead of the fight. The gym session is closely followed by her final session of the week, shadow boxing. Finishing her week off strong by engraining some more technique and combos into her mind.
Sunday
Finally a day of rest! As much as Amina's rigid and impressive training regimen is integral to her boxing journey, without rest she wouldn't have the energy to get through her week.
Pre fight comment
"I felt really excited to show off all my hard work and training but also super nervous to fight in front of so many people!!"
The Fight
There was no stopping Amina 'SlamJam' James when she stepped into that ring on Friday night. After a few exchanges of blows in the first round, there was a clear winner heading into round two. Landing punch after punch, jab after jab, Amina was on fire. It was all too much for the blue corner's Niamh 'knock 'Em out' Hopcroft, after a multitude of impressive head shots from James the fight ended in round two with a TKO from the Red Corner.
Post fight comment
"After the fight I felt physically exhausted but so unbelievably proud of myself! It was an incredible atmosphere and it was amazing to look around to see all my friends and teammates supporting me. I have really enjoyed the past 8 weeks of challenging myself whilst also making loads of new friends! I would definitely recommend the fighter to anyone considering it!!"
Featured image: @thefighterbristol/Instagram
Ava Featon
