Expert: Jack Rose - 4/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have been boxing with my brother for 2 years, he went to prison and now im on my own. I got a everything for boxing at my friends house and we train there. I'm going to start going to a boxing club within another week, but i dont want to wait( they want to see how you progress before they bring you to fights) and i dont want to wait. I am cocky, i dont think i will lose, im 19 and im about 5'5 and weigh 125. I box like roy jones jr!! i want to be a professional boxer and i will give anything to be one, and i know you prolly hear this all the time. But just like tyson said he wanted to be one when he was 13 and got to that boot camp thing. I will succeed. Well now that you know a little about me my question is, is there anyway that i can go to a tournament and sign myself up since im not under a club. and how does it work, like how do i have to dress like and what about my corner people, how does that work? Well i dont want to take up too much time
         Thanks for the help
         Anthony Califano

ANSWER: Hi Anthony,

It is possible for you to fight as "unattached", meaning that you do not have to be a member of a club. But you still need some corner workers.  They have to be certified as coaches in order to be in the corner. You also have to be registered as a amateur boxer which you will have to do at the gym. Once you get in the gym you should be able to get a trainer there and you can start working out and sparring. I don't recommend fighting in an actual show until you've had some sparring. It is a lot different than you might think once you get into the ring and fight for 3 or 4 rounds. You have plenty of time at only 19. It sounds like you are scrappy and that is a good thing as long as you are under control. You have to be able to turn it on and turn it off when you need to. Listen to your coach at the new gym and you'll do well.

good luck,
Jackson

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: how many corner men are required?
i guess there is a little tournament comming up and my friend is gonna get me signed up in it. im gonna video tape it and post it up, if ur intersted ill send u it or tell u when its up :)


Answer
Anthony,   You will need 2 cornermen. One for putting the stool in and holding the spit bucket and the other is to take out your mouthpiece, give you water, instructions and clean any blood off your face if need be.
Just let me know where you post the video and I'll check it out.

Later,

Jackson