Expert: Jack Rose - 12/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hey, i'm currently in the navy right now and was wanting to become a boxer.  i'm deployed with marines so i spar with two of them.  one is a MMA fighter and the other use to box.  i never box before but i love to fight.  i hold up real well with them and they dont believe me when i say i never boxed.  i am 23 and was wondering is that to late to start?  and if that is not to late, what do you think i should do to start setting myself up for success so when i get out i would have a good jump start?  i currently weight 210 and i am 6 feet, i want to get my weight down.  what is a good weight class?  what exercises should i do to hold me over until i get back so i can get into a gym?  and what is a good website to get some quick equipment, and what do you recommend me to get until i get back?  thank you so much


ANSWER: Eric,

It's not too late to start. You can fight amateur until your 34.

The best thing you can do until you get back is to get in shape. Get used to running on a regular basis, a couple miles every 2 days, jumping rope and conditioning your body as well.
It is hard to say what you should weigh without seeing you. But for starters, I know you will need to get below 200 because at your present weight you are too lite to fight superheavy. Once you get under 200 if you still have quite a bit of bodyfat then you need to keep going to around 184 because you will fight at 178.
My general rule is, once you get to around 10% bodyfat or less you are very close to your fight weight.

You don't really need to buy anything right now. Just condition your body. If you come back in shape and close to your fight weight, you will have a huge headstart.

best of luck to you

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

QUESTION: i do a lot of running now, see we have NON SKID on the flight deck and it is non forgiving on your knees, ankles, and feet.  so what i'm asking is the treadmill a good back up, or do i need to just keep running outside?  and what is a good diet i need to follow until i get back?  i also would like to know a good website on books that could teach me the proper punches techneque so i wouldnt be doing them wrong.

Answer
Yes, the treadmill is fine.

You don't need a diet. The natural effect of running and conditioning is enough in boxing. When you get to a big open level tournament is when you'll tweek your eating habits a bit.

Everything you need to buy for boxing can be found at ringside.com

I don't know anything about the vids but there is one listed called John Brown's "punching logistics" will show you the punches. It is sold at the site. (I am not connected to the site but this is just where everybody buys their stuff).

later