Advice to improve sparring

Hello

I recently started boxing and would like to improve my sparring.

As it stands my sparring sessions go a bit like this.

I throw a punch, I get hit before mine lands.

My opponent throws a punch or combination and they land the lot and don't predict any of them coming.

I throw a punch they slip or bob and weave I get hit again.

I suppose this is natural when you've not been boxing long but I genuinely want to improve. I'm training at the boxing gym 3 times a week and I'm practicing what I've learned by shadow boxing every day at home.

I know this is probably like asking how can I become a billionaire but does anyone have any tips for me?

Do I need to have a combination in mind and try to throw that combination regardless rather than just throwing the odd shot and seeing what happens (normally I get chinned!;)?

How do I begin to see openings or predict what my opponent may do? At the moment it just seems like an unpredictable barrage is coming my way and it's time to duck and cover.

My opponents are able to slip and roll away from punches as they see my punches early. The first time I see a punch is when it's in my face.

I've been told that I should relax and let my punches go more. How can I help myself to do this?

Sorry for all the questions and many thanks in advance. I'm a very committed trainer, so any advice will be well received and practiced!