Expert: Jack Rose - 3/30/2007

Question
I am a 27 yr old amateur boxer I was inquiring that at 6ft. 168lbs with an arm reach of 68 to 69 can I compete at the super-middleweight level or do I need to lose weight to compete as an amateur in a different class to make it pro?

Answer
Hi Devon,  this all depends on what kind of weight you are carrying. If you are lean and have power, then I would fight at 165 as pro. If you have some extra fat then you should drop weight until your reach somewhere around 10% bodyfat or better. For instance if you have 13% bodyfat right now at 168 then your fight weight should be 156. At 156 your ideal bodyfat should be around 8%. I say this because fat is "un-usable" weight. It's just extra baggage that is worthless in our sport. I'm not saying to have to be a ripped speciman, but you need to be as lean as possible. As an amateur you could get away with extra fat at 168 as long as you have punching power, but once you reach major tournaments like the national GG or the ringside national you are going to run into those specimans I mentioned earlier who are fighting at exactly the right weight for their size.
Actually 156 to 168 is a great weight for a 6'0 frame. So your already pretty close to where you need to be. Just get as lean as possible...you'll be faster and stronger...and you'll be ready to turn pro if you desire...

thanks for the question...best of luck