Expert: Lian Shoemake - 11/13/2007

Question
I mentor a young man who has been training for the past 3 years. He is trying to
get into some amateur tournaments in southern California. What is the best
thing I can do to help him out. He has had 4 smokers in three different weight
classes and has won all four. What can I do?

Answer
Hi Joel,
Thanks for the question.
First, don't have the young man compete in any additional smokers. Chances are there's no insurance for such events, and the emphasis on safety that exists in sanctioned USA Boxing events is probably lacking.
Next, he'll need to register with USA Boxing through your Local Boxing Committee (LBC). To do so, go to www.usaboxing.org and click on the "Membership" link. You can find your specific geographic area, and contact information for the registration chairperson for your LBC. That person can get the boxer registered, provide information about registered amateur boxing gyms in your area, and let you know when sanctioned amateur boxing events are scheduled.
I hope this helps, Joel.
Thanks again for writing!

Regards,
Lian