Expert: Melanie Ley - 2/25/2010

Question
I am interested in competing as an amateur boxer, and I have a few inquiries.

How do I become officially registered as an amateur? (I am 21 years old, and live in Riverside, CA.)

Are the attire rules the same as the olympics? (Blue/Red trunks, headgear shirt, white stripe on glove)

I weigh about 140 pounds, which I believe would put me at Jr. Welterweight...What size gloves would I be required to wear at that weight?

I have read that in order to compete, I am required to have a usaboxing certified coach in my corner. What does it take to become registered as a coach? Credentials?

Thank you for your time.

Answer
You can register at any local show in the SoCal area.  There is a current calendar of events at: http://www.brownbearsw.com/freecal/EventsCalendar?Op=ShowIt;DayViewStart=9;DayVi...

You will need a copy of your birth certificate, two passport-pictures and the annual (January through December) membership fee of $50.00 (check/MO made payable to "USA Boxing."  It isn't necessary to have red or blue trunks, any color will do as long as the trunks have a contrasting waistband from the jersey.  In other words, you can't have all one color.  It also doesn't matter what color your headguard is.  Gloves are always supplied by whoever is holding a show so you don't need to buy any competition gloves.  When you compete, you will wear 10 oz. gloves.

For a non-athlete to be certified as a coach, he or she must join USA Boxing (yearly fee of $75, January thro9ugh December), clear a background check, be at least 18 years old and attend a 6-8 hour coaches certification clinic.  The next clinic is this coming Saturday, February 27 - time and location is on the calendar.