Expert: Jack Rose - 3/27/2007

Question
Hey there Jack,
I am 15 and wanted to know how to train to become a amateur boxer if you have any advise that would be great

Answer
Hi Blake,   you first want to find a good gym with good trainers. I highly recommend a golden gloves. Go to www.goldenglovesofamerica.com and click franchises on the left. See if there is a gym in your area.
Boxing is 80% conditioning and 20% skill. So for right now I would suggest getting a head start on your road work. Start with about 6 miles a week. Also you will want to find you a good jump rope. This will be your warm up when you start training in the gym, also, it would substitute for running on bad weather days.
When you start at the gym, your trainer will show you all the punches. There are only 6 total. Jab, cross, lefthook, righthook,left uppercut, right uppercut. There are variances of these punches but there are technically only the 6. You will start with the jab and should perfect each punch before moving on. You will also learn defense at this time. When your trainer feels you are ready, he will start sparing you. This is usually 3 to 4 weeks into training. It should be light sparing, no wars. At some point during training you will fill out a registration form to become an amateur boxer. Depending on your location it usually runs around $40 for the whole year. The only other purchases you will have to make are a mouthpiece and some handwraps. They run around $30 total, and they both should last you at least 3 or 4 years if you take care of them. You may also want to buy boxing shoes at some point, they can run anywhere from $30 to $130, but you can fight in tennis shoes if you want. The gym provides everything else. And if you go to golden gloves, there is no fee to workout....it is free.

Best of Luck....thanks for the question

Jackson