In every fighting movie I have ever seen, there’s a montage of the fighter running at sunrise. Throughout my life, I haven’t been able to recognize this pattern. Now that I do martial arts myself, I understand the importance of running fast. Here’s how fast professional boxers run.
It’s not uncommon to see professional boxers run at elite paces, such as 3:45 per kilometer in a 10-kilometer race. For example, Kelly Pavlik ran 10 km (6.2 miles) in 40 minutes; hence, an elite pace of 4:00 per km. Such results are the outcome of dedicated, consistent, and vigorous work.
It’s not easy to push your physical limits over and over. Nevertheless, it’s what professional boxers do. They’re constantly working themselves to ensure their bodies are fully conditioned to the next fight. Each win is another step to being the best, so they invest their lifetimes in the pursuit of excellence.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. is another example of a pro boxer who runs in an elite pace. Although it’s still not as clear as what his personal best is, he ran a 10-kilometer race (6.2 miles) in an astounding pace of 3:45 per kilometer. In the equivalent of miles, that’s 6:02 per mile.
Eventually, if you want to become a pro boxer, you also need to ensure you run fast. That’s because running conditions the body to be prepared for 12 rounds. If your aerobic and anaerobic shapes are unready to tackle an extended fight, which can last up to 12 rounds for 3 minutes each, you’ll end up fatiguing before you know it.
How fast do boxers run
Boxers have to run fast. Otherwise, they won’t be ready to participate in a fight that’s 12 rounds long. If that’ll be the case, they must ensure their aerobic shape will lead them to fatiguing last out of the two, as that’ll give them the advantage.
While many elite boxers in the middleweight and heavyweight classes don’t run at elite paces, we can see lightweight runners finish a 10k in 37 minutes. However, the number may range anywhere from 33-45 minutes for a 10-kilometer race, depending on how much the fighter emphasizes running in his training.
Some other examples of professional boxers’ running pace are:
- Rey Alvarez, 5 km in 16 minutes.
- Sugar Ray Leonard, 5 miles (8.05 km) in 27.5 minutes
- Kelly Pavlik, 10 km in 40 minutes
More often than not, professional boxers run early in the morning, before the sun rises. That’s because they want to outwork their entire competitions. Usually, we don’t work or learn as well late at night. As such, waking up early to finish with the hardest part of the day—is a blessing in their eyes.
In his prime, Mike Tyson used to run at 4am in the morning because, he really doesn’t want to. Have you ever heard a better reason to do something? Because he doesn’t want to run, he does it. That must show you how much dedication, consistency, and purpose it takes to become a professional boxer.
- help to build strong bones, as it is a weight bearing exercise.
- strengthen muscles.
- improve cardiovascular fitness.
- burn plenty of kilojoules.
- help maintain a healthy weight.
As you can see, running will help you achieve a better physical shape. There’s truly no better way to prepare for a boxing match than running and sprinting. With time and consistency, you won’t recognize the change your body went through, as your aerobic condition—will be so much better.
How fast does Floyd Mayweather Jr. run a mile?
Thus far, we’ve understood the need of boxers to run fast. If they’re incapable of running at elite paces, they won’t be capable to outpace their opponent on the 12th round. Let’s see, how fast does Floyd Mayweather Jr. run a mile? Truly, one of the best boxers in history.
Floyd Mayweather’s usual pace is 5:45 to 6:00 minutes per mile. There’s evidence that he ran a 10-kilometer (6.2 miles) race in an astounding pace of 3:45 per kilometer, the equivalent of 6:02 per mile. Such a pace is the result of hard work and dedication, which we can see the results of in his boxing record.
Eventually, there’s no other way to say it, boxers must run fast. They want to withstand and outpace their opponent on the 12th round. They’ll be unable of accomplishing this goal if their aerobic shapes are not on-point.
Floyd Mayweather is one of the best boxers in the history of boxing. His aerobic condition allows him to outpace his opponent in the later rounds, which are mostly known for their slower pace, as the fighters are much more fatigued.
There’s no easy way to say it, but, boxers have to run fast. And, if you want to become a professional boxer, you better start training until you’re out of sweat.
How much do pro boxers run?
Boxers who want to withstand and outpace their opponent on the 12th round—have to condition their body to an elite shape. As a result, they have to run, and fast. If they don’t, they’ll end up completely tired and incapable of returning any fierce hits in the later rounds of the boxing match.
On average, professional boxers run 32 miles (51.5 km) per week. However, the number ranges anywhere from 25-40 miles per week. Often, their running schedule is divided into short and long runs. Typically, there’s 1 long run per week (8-12 miles), and 3-5 short runs (2-6 miles) per week.
Both long and short runs improve your shape. But, they do so differently. To attain an elite-level shape of professional athletes, you must perform both, regularly. Likewise, you’ll need to push yourself beyond your physical limits time after time.
Such an act is almost impossible without a purpose. So, professional boxers think about their end goal when they want to break their personal record. Eventually, that is what allows them to constantly outpace their past selves.
If you want to run like a professional boxer, stick with 32 miles per week. Combine both short and long runs, so your body will get some rest after a lengthy run you wake up sore from.
Why do professional boxers need to run fast?
Today, people usually start running to lose body fat. However, boxers don’t need to lose body fat, as their physical shape is already solid from the countless boxing sessions they’ve gone through. So, let’s see why do professional boxers need to run fast, or run at all.
Professional boxers need to run fast to ensure they can withstand 12 rounds inside the boxing ring. Likewise, they want to outpace their opponent and thus have the advantage in the later rounds of the fight. The faster you run, the better your aerobic shape is. As a result, pro boxers run all the time.
To improve your aerobic and anaerobic shape, you must constantly participate in intense exercises, such as jump rope, running, and sprints. Most boxers diversify their training regime by combining numerous exercises. However, running always seems to be at the top of the elite in the elite.
Mike Tyson used to wake up at 4am to run. He did that because he wanted to work when his opponent was sleeping. You can see, from his incredibly affluent career, that the hard work he put in—paid off.
Running at elite paces helps boxers withstand a 12 rounds fight. Without it, they would be unable to be in such an influential position in their fighting careers. You should try running, too.
If you want to know which boxing style Mike Tyson did, follow the link to an article of mine where I reveal the answer.
Final words
To end this article, I want to show my gratitude toward running and boxing. Both sports have positively influenced the lives of millions. They’ve changed my life and improved them in such a way that I can’t even remember where I was before I started to run.
Pro boxers constantly push their physical limits. Everyone interlinks with each other. If they want to outpace their opponent, they must first learn to outpace themselves, which is extremely hard. Even with a coach, pushing yourself day after day—is one of the most difficult things you can do to your soul.
Eventually, it’s what makes boxers, well, professional. Their job is to come out on top in anything they do. As a result, they must work hard, all the time. That includes running, too.
If you enjoyed reading this article, you’ll also enjoy reading about the best boxers in the history of boxing. Learning from the best of the best, the elite of the elite, the top of the top, is the most we can do now that most of the people there are done fighting. Do give it a read.