Training with Stan the Man

Training with Stan the Man

Interview By John J. Raspanti (Oct 15, 2010) Doghouse Boxing / -

Recently as I chatted with rising star Stan “The Man” Martyniouk about his training methods, I pondered the long and rich history of fighters and the techniques they use to train. Things have changed quite a bit since John L “I can lick any man in the house” Sullivan was a champion. The Great John L liked to take long walks and finish his workout with a nice cold beer chaser. The Manassa Mauler Jack Dempsey believed in 9 mile hikes, even when he wasn’t training. In a nod to the much later addition of strength training, Dempsey used barbells while working out to improve his punching power. He also chopped wood and dug ditches. The Brown Bomber Joe Louis was dedicated to rowing and running and improving his reflexes by snatching flies out of the air. The Rock himself, Rocky Marciano was always training, he liked to run uphill at full speed and then go downhill at the same speed. He was building up those short but tree like legs of his, prepping them for battle. He also used a 300 pound heavy bag to build strength. The styles of training have changed quite a bit since those legends of the leather laced 'em up. Strength training has become just as important as sparring, just ask superstar Manny Pacquiao and Super Middleweight Champion Andre Ward.

Strength training is about resistance and adding power.

Explosive power.

For the first time in his career the recently mentioned Stan Martyniouk is also using this method and he flat out loves it. He can already feel the benefits.

“I think strength training is something I have always been missing. Since I started strength training I feel physically stronger, faster and more agile. Our sessions are usually two to two and a half hours long. Mondays we work on the upper body then do sprints and footwork. Wednesdays it’s the lower body and Friday we do plyometrics and work both the upper and lower body. We use free weights, machines, medicine balls (there’s a throwback) and a crazy ab machine that is tough. It’s hard work but I love it. It will only make me a better fighter.”

Virgil Hunter had this to say about strength training and how he uses it to get Andre Ward ready to fight. “The whole idea is to train until you’re in an uncomfortable, painful situation. I use these situations in Andre’s training, so he knows he’s mentally prepared to handle anything that he might encounter in the heat of combat.”

Hunter makes quite a bit of sense with that quote. It’s not just about building up the body, the mentality of the fighter has to be hard too. Doubt has no place in the boxer’s psyche. He must believe that he can handle any situation thrown his way, mentally and physically.

Stan “The Man” Martyniouk understands this and is working harder now than he ever has. Only 25 years old and undefeated in his 10 professional fights, respected trainers Hunter and Teddy Atlas consider Stan to be an extremely talented young fighter. Blessed with quick feet and hands, Martyniouk is a very athletic boxer who uses the ring to his full advantage. Recently signed by the Goossen-Tudor Promotions Company, and being exclusively trained by the respected Joe Goossen, Stan has never been happier.

“I’ve never been training like this before and I can’t wait to get back in the ring.”

His return is set for November 27th but let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Stan’s daily training routine is quite bit more involved then a walk and some beer, or going for a hike. He hits the hay at 10:30 and is awake and out of bed by 9:30am. His breakfast consists of oatmeal, egg whites, toast, and some fruit. He washes everything down with a big glass of water (20oz) Monday, Wednesday and Friday are his toughest days.

“I do my strength training on those days which consists of sprints and explosive workouts. I go on a three mile run and as it gets closer to the fight I run four.”

Stan is already in shape weighing only a few pounds above the lightweight limit of 135 pounds. Training starts at 11:30 in a gym that is used by many other fighters and is hopping on most days. The excitement has to be contagious.

“Right now we have both veteran fighters and great prospects training in the gym…John Molina Jr…Jesus Soto Karass…Malik Scott…Oscar Mesa…Kevin Hoskins…and Matt Villanueva.”

Sparring has always been a very important element of a fighter’s training regimen. Stan fights six round fights right now so his sparring sessions are usually 8 hard rounds.

“Once I start fighting eight and ten rounder’s my sparring will increase. In the gym sparring eight rounds feels like twelve, not only is the sparring tough but we have a heater in the gym on top of the ring which makes it even more difficult, sometimes It feels like we are training in a sauna.” Stan chuckles as I imagine how it feels being baked, literally and figuratively. Later I learn from Stan that the heater on top of the ring is not a coincidence. Trainer Goossen had it placed there to recreate how it feels to fight under the hot lights or as Stan says, “To get us mentally strong.”

I’ve always been curious about what fighters are working on when they’re sparring. Is it defense? (James J. Corbett believed defense was the most important part of training, as did the great Jack Johnson) With Rocky Marciano it was always about stamina. Muhammad Ali would allow himself to be pounded on during his training sessions. Ali felt this was only way to get his body ready to fight.

I asked Stan what he works on and he went all Mission Impossible on me. “Well I can’t give away too much information but I do work on many things such as breaking my opponent down, sitting down on my shots to develop more power, and out thinking my opponent. Tough sparring also keeps me sharp and in shape.”

Stan’s next bout is November 27th, he wishes the fight was next week not next month.

“Yes my next fight is November 27th on the Andre Ward undercard and I can’t wait. I’ve never had a training camp like this before. I have such a great team, and world class boxers to work with. Not only am I fighting on the undercard of one of my favorite fighters but also, I want to show everyone that I am a future world champion.”

Questions/comments j ohnboxing1@hotmail.com

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