With less than two weeks to go before his comeback fight, Paul Reyes is battling a nasty cold and a case of nerves. For the last three months, Reyes, an out-of-shape, former amateur boxer, has been training for his upcoming fight. It’s been more than two years since he last entered the ring and much longer since he emerged victorious. Determined to win, Reyes has been training hard, eating well and working on his self-confidence. Recently, austin FiT magazine sat down with Reyes to talk about his upcoming fight and his amateur boxing career.

aFm: What things have you incorporated into your training that are going to make the biggest difference in the fight?
Reyes: I have concentrated much more on cardiovascular training then before. Also, I sparred more this time around, which has definitely helped improve my comfort level.

aFm: What’s the best advice your coach has given during your preparation for this fight?
Reyes: The best piece of advice he’s given me has been to keep enough distance from my opponent.

aFm: Who helped you stay motivated and inspired you to believe in yourself through this process?
Reyes: My friends and the people I have trained with have all helped me stay motivated. It also helps that my coach, Bruce, doesn’t coddle me. Being around Johnny and Ab, both professional fighters, has also been really helpful. The part about believing in myself, that is still a work in progress and has to come from within. I don’t think anyone besides myself can help with that.

aFm: What’s your strategy for winning?
Reyes: Utilizing my jab. Everything will be set up by my jab, the ability to keep distance from my opponent and be set as I throw my punches.

aFm: Tell us about an amateur fight. How long does it last? Do you wear protective gear?
Reyes: Amateur fights are three rounds and the duration of each depends on the skill level of the fighters. Each round lasts between one and three minutes. We wear a protective cup and head gear, which if you have ever seen my face after a fight, evidently does not protect enough. I also think our gloves are a little heavier than the ones the professionals use.

aFm: Do you know who your opponent is?
Reyes: At this point, I have no idea. Typically in the amateurs one does not know who their opponent is until the day of the fight, after the weigh-ins.

aFm: What weight class are you hoping to fight in? Do you weigh-in right before the fight or earlier in the day?
Reyes: I am hoping to fight in the 178 pound class. Weigh-ins and physicals are before the fight, sometime in the morning.

aFm: This is supposed to be your big comeback fight. How will you feel if you lose?
Reyes: If I lose, I will just scrape myself up off the mat and get ready for the next one. I don’t plan on just participating in one fight. I would like to continue fighting in the amateurs until I have to stop. Boxing is unlike anything else I do or have done. Each time I step in the ring I learn more about the sport, the technique and about myself.

Photo:
Reyes sparring in the ring.