Expert: Jack Rose - 11/10/2008

Question
I am 18 years old, living in North Carolina. After watching the Olympics this
past summer I've decided that I wanted to train for boxing and eventually
qualify for the 2012 Olympic boxing team. I began training in August, it was
rocky at first since I was alone and unmotivated throughout most of the initial
steps. We are entering November and I believe I am ready to register to
become an Official amateur boxer. Now, I don't know where to do this seeing
as I am not with any kind of boxing gym, I usually train at my home with my
own equipment. I do have a trainer, however it's more like him wanting to go
to the army bases in the cities down here and have exhibition bouts. He's a
great trainer however I don't know if he knows how to get me into actual
events.

My fighting style is an Out-fighter/Boxer mixed with Volume
puncher/swarmer. I am at about 210 lbs, 230 lbs at the beginning of my
training. 6'4 ft. If you have any tips on what I can do to prepare for my first
bout and what do to get to Olympic level I'd greatly appreciate it more then
you could ever assume possible.

Answer
Mark,

It is best if you can find a golden gloves facility.
For more information contact the Charlotte Boxing Academy: 704 372-0140

This is where you can register and compete in sanctioned events. During the olympic year you will have to qualify for the national golden gloves. You will do this by winning your division of your regional golden gloves tournament that year. Your trainer will have to get certified by USA boxing before he can work your corner if that is your plan. He can attend a class that is usually held at a central location in the region which you can find out through the NC gym.

You have to be an open fighter to qualify for olympics. Open means that you are past the novice level. Normally you'll have at least 15 fights before you become open. Once your open you can qualify for any major tournament. So try to get as many fights as you can over the next 3 years.

good luck,

Jackson