In a fight my breath is the clock that keeps me alive. I start by doing a series of deep diaphragmatic breaths before I even step into the ring—inhale through the nose for a count of four, hold for two, exhale through the mouth for six. During the action I keep that rhythm on a lower level, about eight breaths a minute. If a guard gets closed or a punch lands, I sync my exhale with the movement, letting the air out as I contract the core. It’s like a metronome; every inhale gives me a split second to reset focus and every exhale clears the pressure. I practice it with shadowboxing, then with a partner who throws light drills so I can keep the breathing steady while I move. If I feel the breath getting shallow, I know the fight’s getting out of control and I need to reset, so I stay disciplined and never let the rush override the rhythm.