Expert: Jack Rose - 1/17/2011

Question
Hello,

I took up boxing last April I then weighed 260 lbs and am 5'6. I knew I had to work hard if I ever wanted to have a chance in the ring. I had my first amateur fight in September and weighed 220 lbs my opponent was 280 lbs and 6'1. I beat him and he wanted a rematch so we fought again a week later where I weighed 218 and he was 285 and I beat him again way easier. I fought last weekend weighed in at 197 lbs and fought a guy who was 190 lbs 6'3 and a physical specimen. He beat me in a close fight and the more I look at the film there is no reason that I should not have beaten him. My question is if it would be realistic for me to compete at the Ringside tournament in August as a Welterweight? I know I have a long way to go, but fighting and sparring guys that have almost a foot on me while it is fun isn't as much fun as if I didn't spend most rounds slipping jabs from these giants. Thanks for your help.

Answer
Corey,

Sure you can fight in the tournament. You would be fighting in the novice division so you will know that none of your opponents will have over 15 fights. I would get down to your most comfortable weight before then and try to get a couple of fights at that weight so you'll know what your body does.
I don't recommend turning open to fight in this tournament. You haven't had enough experience to go open and you should really get as many novice fights as you can because novice division is where you really develop the basis of your skills and a great time to get all the kinks out.

I assume your talking about 145 lbs when you say welterweight.

It depends on what type of weight you have on your body now. If your still at or over 20% bodyfat then yes you can get down there. When you get close 10 or 11% bodyfat then your pretty close to your fight weight.

good luck