Expert: Melanie Ley - 3/5/2009

Question
QUESTION: I plan to start fighting in amateur bouts and competitions soon but I have some concerns. I had surgery by my elbow after a skateboarding accident about 9 years ago. I broke off that little part of bone that sticks out in your inner elbow that they call the "funny bone". I had to have a bolt put into it. Its perfectly ok now, it doesn't give me any problems in training or in sparring. I was wondering if this would keep me from being able to fight in regular amateur bouts or competitions like golden gloves because of the physical test. I also smoke weed once in a while. (not at all to the point where it affects my performance and lungs). Do they do drug tests for ALL amateur bouts or just competitions? Does it matter when the last time I smoked was or does it have to be completely negative?

ANSWER: Annual physicals for amateur boxers are not required but will be starting 2010.  You should probably get your doctor's opinion regarding your skateboard injury.  You are only drug tested in major national competitions.  However, I would highly suggest that you don't smoke pot at all - it will hinder your ability to perform well, just as smoking cigarettes does.

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

QUESTION: thanks for the speedy response! i want to know to stop ahead of time in case i get tested, so marijuana is not allowed at all or is it just hard drugs and performance enhancing drugs that arent allowed? I live in california and have a doctors note that allows me to legally smoke/pocess marijuana for medicinal/therapeutic purposes (i have a mild anxiety disorder but i don't like the effects of anti anxiety drugs) I dont HAVE to use it but it really helps sometimes. also does it matter when i last used it? i think the golden gloves competition is in about 2 months and i heard it takes 3 months to get it out of your system so i dont know what to do. also how many fights do i gotta win to get golden gloves? (im ok but pretty much a novice)

Answer
Since marijuana is on the banned substance list, it isn't allowed for any reason. If you have 10 or less bouts experience, you will compete in the non-advancing novice division in your local Golden Gloves.  In order to advance to the national championships, you must be an open boxer and will have to win your district and franchise tournaments; to win the national GG championships, depending on your weight class, you would have to box at least 4 times.