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Question
for the most part i have been pretty athletic most of my life. i used to want to get into professional wrestling. but that fell through due to really bad trainers. im healed and i have to do something physical. i was thinking about taking up boxing since i love the sport. but am i too old? i mean i have the conditioning but i lack of course the speed and technique. also if i train like a demon ( 3 days a week for about 5-6 hours each day) how long will it be until i can fight amateur? professional?. Mind you Mr. Rose i pick-up on sports related techniqe very quickly.
thank you very much for your time

Answer
John Paul,

It is not too late to box. Especially since you are athletic and most likely will learn quick. Boxing is not like tennis or golf where you have to start when your mom brings you home from the hospital. Boxing/fighting is more instinct than other sports. Swinging a golf club is something you would never do in your life unless you purposely sought out to learn how. On the other hand, you have natural instinct to protect yourself or fight your way out of a bad situation. This is coupled with your ability to learn the sport. You will not need to train 5 or 6 hours, that's too much. Two hours, 3 days a week is fine. If you are diligent and stay focused, you can fight amateur in about 6 to 8 weeks. You will be matched against an equally experinced opponent. As far as the pros, you should get as many amateur bouts as possible before considering the pros. Just remember, there is less protection in the pros and it is dog eat dog when money gets involved. There is no money in the amateurs so guys are fighting for trophies, medals, pride and bragging rights. But, with that being said, it can be done. I am a trainer for a heavyweight prospect right now who is shooting for his dream so I am cheering for anybody who wants to for for it all.

great question.....
John Paul... I have a site I am dedicating to boxers just like you who need advice in this great sport...Feel free to stop by and ask questions and I'll help you along the way.....     www.fightersdomain.com

Later,
Jack

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Jack Rose

Expertise

I can answer any questions related to boxing and training. I can help anyone prepare for professional or amateur bouts. My trainer/boss of 24 years is in the Golden Gloves Hall of Fame and trained the heavyweight champion of the world. Holyfield, Roy Jones Jr., Bernard Taylor, Billy Bridges, Frankie Randall just to name a few of the boxers who have passed thru the Southerns and/or trained at our gym.

Experience

I have been in the sport of boxing since 1984. I started as a boxer and advanced quickly. I was lucky enough to have some of the best sparring in the country with 3 top ten pros in my very gym. I am fortunate enough to live near one of the better boxing programs in the country. We have cultivated our facility into the largest Amateur Boxing Gym in the country. In the mid 90's I became a trainer for Golden Gloves. I train amateur and pro fighters. I have worked in many corners at USA and Golden Glove tournaments. I have worked corners in pro bouts on HBO and ESPN cards. My friend, boss and coach is the former President of Golden Gloves and I trained under his tutelage.

Organizations
I am a certified Golden Gloves/USA Boxing Coach. I am also a licensed to work pro bouts in several states.

Education/Credentials
College, Pro Licenses, USA Boxing Certified, Certified Judge/Referee, Certified Fitness Trainer

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