Expert: Melanie Ley - 2/9/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hi. I'm 34 and was gonna fight the NYC Golden Gloves this winter but sprained my ankle BAD in late October and it didn't heal for two months; then my job required me around the damn clock making it impossible to diet/train. So I was wondering if you knew of any cities that allowed you to fight Golden Gloves at 35+, bcuz in NYC 34 is the oldest you're allowed to fight.

I'm thinkin Philly, or a similar city to NY; but if you could give me a list of American cities that let you fight GG's 35+, that'd be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

ANSWER: The national USA Boxing rule is that you can't compete in an advancing tournament (National PAl, Golden Gloves or U.S. Championships) after you are 34 years old.  I don't know of any Golden Gloves tournament in any state where you could compete.  

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

QUESTION: Can you PLEASE do me a favor and get me the best likely address of who I'd write to so I can request them to up the age limit to 35 so I can fight next year? I'm really heartbroken that I had that injury and don't see how this would request could be a bad thing. Thanks!

Answer
The maximum age for amateur boxers is determined by AIBA, the International Federation who regulates the rules. You can reach them as follows:   

AIBA - International Boxing Association
Maison du Sport International
Avenue de Rhodanie 54
1007 Lausanne
Switzerland

Phone:  +41 21 321 27 77  +41 21 321 27 77
Fax: +41 21 321 27 72

However, I can tell you that they will not change the maximum age limit.