Expert: Melanie Ley - 6/15/2007

Question
Is there a Web site to help match amatuer boxers, both men and women, in order to find other fighters to spar and do local shows with? We're in somewhat rural Ulster , NY, and starting a women's program at a boxing gym, and want to find fighters from other gyms to collaborate with, especially women. Thanks for any advice.
P.S. I saw your answers to a couple of people who asked if they were too old to start boxing. There are fighters, including Downtown Leona Brown, who didn't get into the ring until their late 30s and who continue to box well into the next decade. Thanks again.

Answer
No, there isn't any web site where matches can be made.  However, please email me at mel@amateurboxing.com and I'll give you a contact for your area.  

Leona Brown, and many other women in their 30's, were the pioneers of the women's program.  They did very well against opponents pretty much their own age.  Now we have females who start boxing when they are 8 or 9 and by the time they get to the JOs or the open division, they are much more experienced than a woman just starting out in her late 20s or early 30s.  I think it would be very difficult starting out at a later age now than it was when Leona boxed.