Expert: Lian Shoemake - 5/12/2008

Question
I am a thirty-eight year old female who is taking boxing lessons (real boxing) and was wondering if there is an age limit to participate in amateur boxing events.  I reside in NY.

Answer
Hi Jennifer,

Thanks for the question.
The answer is "yes and no." The regular USA Boxing amateur program only allows competition up through the age of 34.
After that, competition is restricted to the Masters Division, which has very specific criteria. USA Boxing requires a thorough, substantial physical examination, and the pool of opponents is limited to other Masters division boxers within 10 years of each others' age, and of course within the same weight division.
If you need more specifics on that, write back and let me know specifically where you are in NY, and I might be able to provide you with some contact info for the USA Boxing Local Boxing Committee (LBC) in your area.

I hope this helps, Jennifer.
Thanks again for writing!

Regards,
Lian