Expert: Melanie Ley - 2/23/2010

Question
I have a fighter wanting to train and compete for the Olympics in 2012 i wanted to know more details. i know he needs passbook and gym n coach need to be registered but wanted to know bout regional tourneys he needs to win G.G. etc. to get to Olympic qualifiers. Is it to late? i saw on USA boxing site that there is something in Arkansas in may. can we still register? or is something closer im in Columbus, Ohio. he is 20 so not the under 19 in cincy.
                      Thank You very much for you time.

Answer
Enthusiam is a wonderful trait, as is wanting to get to the top.  However, most boxers who make our Olympic team have been competing for at least 9 years and have national and international experience.  Your boxer will have to be registered with USA Boxing, be a U.S. citizen.  In order to enter any advancing tournaments such as Golden Gloves, the National PAL or the U.S. Championships, he will need a minimum of 5 scored bouts in his passbook. He will have to win local/district tournaments in the Columbus area (remember, with a minimum of 5 scored bouts in his passbook before he can enter) in order to advance to state or regional where he must win his weight class to advance to a national tournament.  I would say it's too late for 2012 and he should work toward 2016.