Expert: Melanie Ley - 9/14/2007

Question
Hi, I've started boxing only when I was 20 and it was just a normal training with lots of emphasis on techniques in punching and some sparring but not training for competition.  Recently, I joined a gym that provides an opportunity to fight and started training there. I'm the only lady in the class and was pretty unsure about my ability in the beginnig. However, there were a few trainers who actually complimented me on my skills and techniques which gave me more confidence in training there and preparing myself to fight. But I wonder if it's too late for me to start a proper training at the age of 23 now to prepare for competition. Besides that, as I'm short-sighted, I wonder if it's legal to wear contact lenses in a fight? Thank you!

Answer
Yes, you have plenty of time to start training for competition.  I sincerely hope that your gym is registered with USA Boxing and that the trainers are familiar with Olympic-style boxing techniques and rules.  Any boxer with uncorrected vision between 20/20 and 20/400 is permitted to wear soft contact lenses.  If the lens comes out and the boxer cannot continue, the boxer losing the lens will lose the bout.