Expert: Melanie Ley - 8/9/2007

Question
Hi I am 16 I've never boxed before but am in good shape and I am taking up boxing this month would i be ready a for the 2008 golden glove tournament or Olympics? (I don't really expect to go in and kill but i would like to still compete and see how far i could get.)

Answer
Hi Matt - If you have a good coach, you shouldn't even be ready for your first competition until you've had at least 8 months of training.  In order to compete at the National Golden Gloves, you'll need to have at least 5 scored bouts in your passbook before you can enter your local tournament.  If the 2008 tournament is in May, that's cutting it close for you to enter in the open division.  If I were you, I'd try for the 2012 Olympics since the qualifying for the 2008 Olympics will be finished on August 26th.  The more national and international experience you get, the better chance you'll have to make it to the elite level once you turn 17.  You can enter your local shows and novice tournaments to start getting experience. A lot of this also depends on when you'll turn 17.