Taking Punches

http://www.businessinsider.com/the-silver-shorts-are-taking-punches-like-the-legendary-fighter-roberto-duran-2010-12

Unfortunately, if you are a boxer, you will be hit. It is an unavoidable downside to boxing. However, there is a way to minimize the impact of those punches. 

Steps to Remember:
1) Expect the punches. Even though your gut reaction is to close your eyes, don't. If you know you are going to be punched before you are actually punched, you can react.
2) Relax your face if you are getting hit there and turn away. This reaction will make cushion the blow, and allow you to conserve energy to quickly retaliate. If you get hit right in the face, it will be harder to recover.
3) Flex your body if you are getting hit there. By flexing, you use your muscles to protect your internal organs.
4) Do exercises to strength your neck. When you get hit in the face, your face and neck gets thrown back. To prevent neck injury and unconsciousness, make your neck resistant to whiplash.
5) Rotate to reduce the impact of the punches. The way in which you rotate requires learning; each punch necessitates a different reaction. Practice.
6) Learn combinations so you know what to expect. You can adjust your body accordingly, and brace yourself for the stronger punches within a combo.

Sources:
-http://www.wikihow.com/Take-a-Punch
-http://www.artofmanliness.com/2013/07/26/on-taking-a-punch/
-http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/10255523/How-to-take-a-punch-and-other-valuable-life-lessons-you-learn-in-the-ring.html
-http://www.boxingtrainingfitness.com/defense/the-7-keys-to-taking-a-punch.html
-http://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-strategy/boxing-defense/how-to-take-punches-better