Never, ever assume you know more about boxing than your readers. Boxing fans are fanatical about knowing their stuff.

Humility is very important. Writing is a creative endeavor and involves ego, but room must be allowed for other points of view.

Writing is a work in progress and one can always improve. Heck, I learn something new every day and I know I have a long way to go on the learning curve. Some may back and rest on their laurels (or perceived fame)....a bad mistake, for it can make them lethargic and out-of-touch with new techniques, methodologies and concepts.

If the heat gets too hot in the kitchen, get out. A writer must have very thick skin. Criticism comes from all directions, sometimes from unexpected ones.

You better know boxing. I don't mean "whose who;" I mean you better know a "technique fighter" from a "power-boxer type." You better know how leverage is used to get the most pop on a hook. You better know the different lines of defense. You better know why throwing an uppercut from the outside is dangerous. In short, you better know the ABC 's of boxing. It helps, of course, to have been a boxer or trainer, but if not, you better watch as many fights as possible and go to live matches from time to time. Become a historian and read, read...and then read some more.

Writing about boxing requires passion. Readers will quickly recognize whether you have it or not. Passion is infectious. It is paramount. Without it, seek another endeavor.

Respect the practioners. I truly believe there are some well known commentators out there who subconsciously hate boxers and trainers (and God only knows why). Yes, "hate" is a strong word but I'll stand by it.

Have the courage of your convictions. If your piece is controversial and if you engage your readers (as I sometimes do), defend it based on the strength of your logic and research. Don't be tentative.....it's not all that different from a boxing match except the only injury you might suffer is to your ego.

Provoke your readers. Anyone can give them what they want to have. Give them something contentious...something to think and argue about.

Read each and every post (if you write on sites). Much knowledge can be gained that way. And the more sites you read, the more knowledge you can gain.

Learn as much as you can about computer technology. Being able to respond to feedback or a post about your work instantaneously is cutting edge stuff. Take full advantage of it. In a word, it's the future.

Never, ever sacrifice quality for volume. Always strive to make each and every piece you write one of high quality and one of which you can be proud.

Finally, like an active fighter, it's good to take a breather once in a while and go back to the drawing board. Get rejuvenated and come up with some fresh slants and ideas. A problem I sometimes have is that I get too deep into the forest to see the trees....I often need to step back to view the larger landscape.

Hope this gives you a bit of an insider's look at where at where this writer is coming from. Others may have different checklists that are even better...but this one works for me.