Expert: Alan Kahn - 9/23/2004

Question
Dear Sir,
         First i would to thanks u for all the previous advices u have given it to me .I am going to participate in national competition next month , i am weighing now 72 and my height is 5'11" .
         I want to ask u that which weight should i play (is welter weight good for me )? Now second question is that the time is quite limited ,so  how should i train myself at this moment ? please advice me in clear explanation
             thanks and good luck
                             yours faithfully,
                                     danish

Answer
Hi Danish,

If you are meaning you weigh 72 Kg, ( 158 lbs in USA ) I would say Middle weight.  Here is a Weight Division scale I found for the Amateur divisions.

Weight Limit (kg) Weight Division
<48 Light Fly
48-51 Fly
51-54 Bantam
54-57 Feather
57-60 Light Weight
60-63.5 Light Welter
63.5-67 Welter
67-71 Light Middle

71-75 Middle

75-81 Light Heavy
81-91 Heavy
>91 Super Heavy

You would have to drop some weight to get to welter.

AS for your training, I am not sure what you are doing to tell you if you should change. If you are going to compete you really need a personal coach or knowledgeable training partner to Oversee your workouts! You will also need him or someone you can trust in your corner during the fight.

But I can tell you to emphasize FITNESS. You must be in great shape to fight and road work and conditioning are a top priority. then sparring and working on the basics of footwork, punching techniques and combinations and movement.  Be sure and find your balance in all movements and combinations. Footwork and balance are keys to staying up and away from your opponent. Try and get in lots of sparring rounds at the time distance you will be fighting ( 2 or 3 minute rounds)

Good luck in your training and competition.  I hope you do well and meet your personal goals.

I also hope this helps answer some of your questions.

sincerely,

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible