Expert: Jack Rose - 4/15/2009

Question
Hi, how are you doing?
I have a few questions for you man:
1. I have very little boxing experience and I'm very eager to learn how to box. I don't know where to get started besides the training, I have that down packed. where can I get started? I've been training and studying it, but I have no resources.
2. I live in Moreno Valley, CA and to be honest, I can't find a "REAL" boxing gym out here. I'm sick of seeing all these MMA gyms, I want a boxing gym man so I need help with that.
3. (SORRY 4 all the questions) how do I get involved in amateur boxing?
4. I just turned 20 years old on feb.20, am I too old to start to even try to box now?
5. (last question) I'm 5'9 3/4 to 5'10 and my natural weight is Balboa and under. Is this good for that height or just it too skinny to fight at that height and weight?
also I like to fight pee-a-boo style and I like to bob and weave for some reason to slip punches. Is this wrong for me and this height and this weight because, most of the guys in that weight class are shorter than 5'9 and 5'10?

Thank you very much for the opportunity to ask you these important questions and hope to hear from you soon.

Answer
Jonathan,

I would recommend finding a golden gloves in your area if you have one although not every town does. Try these sites and ask them for locations:
http://usaboxing.org/contact_us/ngb
http://www.goldengloves.com/welcome/

You are not too old to box, you can fight until your 34.

I've never heard the term Balboa, but your weight is relative to your bodyfat percentage. If you are lean you can fight at whatever weight your carrying a lot of bodyfat you need to lose down to in the neighborhood of 12% or below unless you heavyweight in which case you can carry more fat.

I would have to see you workout to determine what style is best for you but there is nothing wrong with peek-a-boo style. It is very effective if you execute correctly. I would stick with it if you are comfortable unless your new trainer wants you to change.

When you go in the gym, you should be assigned a trainer and then you will register as a boxer. You will buy a mouthpiece and a pair of handwraps. He will train you until he feels your ready to spar. Then once he feels you have enough experience he will get you a fight.

good luck