Expert: Joe Hofer - 10/5/2008

Question
Hi Joe,
At this point in my life I’ve found a burning desire to become a boxer and am willing to give everything to pursue my dream.
I’ve searched online for questions on how to become a boxer and have found general answers on it so I am not too worried about that.
My question is based more on the logistics of time and money.
What are the estimated costs of pursuing boxing, including gym membership, trainer, etc? Or are trainer and gym membership a package? If I must pay separately, are there instances where a trainer won’t charge a boxer and still work with him because he sees potential? Because I do not have much money and my ideal relationship with a trainer would be one like Mike Tyson had with Cus D’Amato, where a trainer takes a boxer in like a son and teaches him everything, while the boxer in return gives all of his effort and discipline to the trainer. Or is that not realistic and I will have to find a trainer where it’s just a basic transaction of time for money on an hourly basis?
Also, what are the estimated amounts of time I will be expected to train if I am serious about pursuing boxing?
I am 19 and I recently dropped out from school, and will move back in with my mom in a month. I'm seeking the answer to my question so that when I move back in, I will be ready to know what to do, as in how many hours I will have to work at a job to pay expenses, and how much time will go into training, etc. to see if I can go back to school while doing this, or if it’s more realistic that I just work a job and train full time to pursue my boxing dreams. Your knowledge would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.

Answer
Usually gym memberships do not cost allot but depending on the gym could be $40 to a couple hundred a month.  The trainer or trainers will show you some things but do not expect a whole lot because they are going to work primarialy with their bread winners.  Individual boxing sessions one on one ranges from $30 per hour to $100 per hour.  Mostly in a gym enviroment you pick up things from others.  The more potential that you show the more attention you get.

Thanks,

Joe