Expert: Joe Hofer - 4/29/2008

Question
QUESTION: I have been training in Church Street Boxing Gym in New York, NY for
about 2 months, my stats now is 5'8'' 203 lbs, I'm in pretty good shape.
I want to compete in the 2009 Golden gloves tournament here. Which
weight class would be best for me at my height? I have received different
answers to this but I need an experts opinion on this.


ANSWER: Go for your lightest class that you can make weight, as long as your bodyfat is around 5%.  If you already are at that bodyfat content or lower then stay at the weight that you are.

Thanks,

Joe

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

QUESTION: Hi Joe thanks for answering my e-mail. Another question, if get down to between 185-190lbs, would I be a good heavyweight given my height?

Answer
Your height is not ideal for a heavyweight.  Given that there has been some successful heavyweights that were not very tall, however it is extremely difficult and especially in the amateurs because of the fact that the power of the punch does not play as much as a role as just sticking an opponent with a nice long jab.  You can overcome height disadvantages but it is difficult.

Thanks,

Joe