Boxing/Which path should I choose?
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Question
Hi. My name is Kurt and I'm currently 17 years old. Now recently I've gotten into the whole fighting subject and its something that interests me very much. Now I don't have any kind of boxing or fighting background or experience but I want to learn and eventually go pro. Now for the past 6 months I've been bodybuilding and I've paced on an incredible amount of lean muscle mass for 6 months of lifting and I currently weigh 207 lbs and its going keep on rising so, its safe to say I'll be a heavyweight.
Now I've been doing a lot of research on boxing and mixed martial arts and I really want to get into it. My problem is that I don't know where to start and where to go to start off. A lot of guys have been fighting since they were very young and I'm just starting. So I know I have a long hard road a head of me if I want to go pro. But when I'm dedicated to something I get consumed by it and I work my ass off on whatever it is.
So with all that said, do you have any suggestions for me? I was also trying to decide if I should join the UFC or do boxing. Which one would you prefer?
Kurt,
If you really want to challenge yourself you should stick with boxing. Boxing requires a lot more skill and conditioning. UFC is more like a street fight and you are likely have a short career since safety is not stressed as it is in boxing.
I would try and find a "golden gloves" facility in your town. Although not every town has one. Otherwise look for a gym that is a member of "USA Boxing". This means they will likely have skilled trainers and all the necessary forms to get you registered so you can be entered into events.
Go to boxinggyms.com and find your state and city. Look for a gym near you on the list and start making some calls. Ask then if they are registered with USA Boxing or if they have a golden gloves franchise. Ask if they can register you and eventually enter you into bouts.
Avoid health clubs and MMA/boxing combination gyms. Many of them just teach boxing for fitness or are moneymaking mills who aren't really interested in advancing your skills. You need boxing dedicated gym with guys who care about helping you.
good luck
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Jack Rose
Expertise
I can answer any questions related to boxing and training. I can help anyone prepare for professional or amateur bouts. My trainer/boss of 24 years is in the Golden Gloves Hall of Fame and trained the heavyweight champion of the world. Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Taylor, Billy Bridges, Frankie Randall just to name a few of the boxers who have passed thru the Southerns and/or trained at our gym.
Experience
I have been in the sport of boxing since 1984. I started as a boxer and advanced quickly. I was lucky enough to have some of the best sparring in the country with 3 top ten pros in my very gym. I am fortunate enough to live near one of the better boxing programs in the country. We have cultivated our facility into the largest Amateur Boxing Gym in the country. In the mid 90's I became a trainer for Golden Gloves. I train amateur and pro fighters. I have worked in many corners at USA and Golden Glove tournaments. I have worked corners in pro bouts on HBO and ESPN cards. My friend, boss and coach is the former President of Golden Gloves and I trained under his tutelage.
Organizations
I am a certified Golden Gloves/USA Boxing Coach. I am also a licensed to work pro bouts in several states.
Education/Credentials
College, Pro Licenses, USA Boxing Certified, Certified Judge/Referee, Certified Fitness Trainer
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