Expert: Jack Rose - 9/7/2007

Question
I've had this desire to box ever since I was a child.  It's a like a beast inside of me that I need to just get out. I admire the sport itself, I study it, watch fighter's techniques, their speed, their power, how they counter, EVERYTHING.  I just don't know where to start, I have just a small heavy bag in the basement that I can use.  I want to box, and get in shape. I am 5'9 210lbs and want to drop my weight to about 180-185.  I've fought friends/some family members with gloves/headgear and no one wanted to fight me because I would NOT go down no matter what they did to me. I need to improve on my speed but my power is pretty solid, I'm told I have the heart to box but I don't know where to start. How do I get a trainer? How much does it cost? Will the trainer help me get in shape or do I have to do all of that on my own. And will the trainer provide necessary information on dieting/protein, exercises/workouts for me to become a boxer? Again, I lack speed but have good power and the drive and heart to not quit, to never fall!  The goldengloves website appears to be down?  I'm from Nebraska and just need a good idea on where/how to start.

Answer
Hi Daniel,   It sounds like you have all the tools to be a good fighter. I would continue to train at home on the heavybag, running and excercising the mid section. You can worry about your speed later. The important thing is that you have power and power will take you places in boxing.
Check the golden gloves site again and see if it's up and running. Go to franchises and find a gym near you. The trainers are usually former boxers and know their stuff.

Hang in there and don't give up. The sport needs guys like you that are on the way up.

Good luck