Expert: Alan Kahn - 2/17/2007

Question
I am 21 years old,  I currently am working out at home every day, my workout consist of weights, punching bag, and jump rope, and running.  I am interested in Boxing, am I too old to start doing this sport and what should I do to start my path into a boxing career?  I don't know any gym around here in Homestead, Fl.  What do you think I should do?

Answer
Hi Kenny

First, you are NEVER too old to start boxing. It's a great workout, and when sparring is done properly, very safe. (Of course, that depends on your health, for head contact is not recommended for people with head and neck problems)

But at 21, you should probably be alright with a general physical check up for contact. To start a serious path to a boxing career, you will need to get serious coaching in a legitimate boxing gym. The path to gaining experience and a legitimate, recognized boxing resume is to go through the legimate amatuer rankings, fighting in matches that are sanctioned proper state and local officials an by USA Boxing, the national governing body of amateur boxing   http://www.usaboxing.org/  and find a gym that sponsor teams to these events. Here is a listing of amatuer sanctioning Gyms or programs in the state of Florida. (can't say if it's current)
http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/sbc/publications/amateur_organizations/index.s...
I would definitely call several of these for advice in your area.
Forget about making it through local "fight clubs" or tough man contests. Most have been outlawed or banned anyway.
From Homestead FL, it looks like your best bet is to seek a gym in the Miami area, but here is a listing from the state of Florida. http://www.boxinghelp.com/florida.html

Call some of those listed and see if what their programs are about and then go visit. In the gym, see if you like the "aura" of the place and feel the spirit inside. If you don't, keep looking. Watch some of the sparring going on.  If there appears to be a "kill the guy" attitude, leave. You want to train and learn, not be a punching bag for the more advanced. See if they have teams for all ages. Most boxing programs that are serious about training beginners for competition have youth and adults of all ages.

and read as much as you can about the sport.

check out some of these links

Ringside tournament info
http://www.ringside.com/TournamentInfo.aspx

amateur links on right side.
http://www.joeant.com/DIR/info/get/5818/14608

Florida boxing information
http://www.myflorida.com/dbpr/pro/sbc/publications/promoter_info/index.shtml

Good luck in your training and don't give up!  Lots of men and woman start their ring training later in life.

thanks for your question.

sincerely

Alan Kahn
author, The Speed Bag Bible