Expert: Lian Shoemake - 7/10/2007

Question
Dear Lian Shoemake,

Hello my name is Marc Trowbridge. I am 19 years old and I have been wanting
to start boxing. My question is I have to wear contacts for my vision but I am
not sure if that I would be allowed to wear them if I started boxing. What are
the amateur/professional rules when it comes to contact lenses? Are you
allowed to wear a certain kind, or not at all?  Also are you allowed to box if you
have had corrective surgery? Any information would be great! Thank you for
your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Marc Trowbridge

Answer
Hi Marc,
Thanks for the question.
USA Boxing rules allow amateurs to compete wearing soft contact lenses. However, if a boxer were to lose a lens during a bout, he or she would have to complete the bout without it. I'm not aware of any restrictions on wearing soft contacts in the professional ranks; there are some variations in certain rules from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, though, so you might want to check with your state's athletic commission for clarification.
Corrective surgery to improve vision would not be a disqualifier; the standard is that a boxer must pass the physical exam required by the state in which he or she is applying for a license to compete.
I hope this helps, Marc.
Thanks again for writing!
Regards,
Lian