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Question
Hi, i am 16 and 5ft 11, 160lb and i want to be a heavyweight, i can gain weight but i am afraid my bone structure is not for heavyweight, is there such a thing? wasnt tyson a heavyweight from the beginning, hes 5ft 11 too but maybe his bones are wider or something? but floyd wasnt,i just want to know if anyone boxer who gains muscle weight and has enough skills can be become a heavyweight. i want to know if bones have something to do with endurance. i know a heavyweight can take a punch better than a lightweight but becouse of bones? or something else?
thanks.
Hi Sultan, you are right about bone structure in regards to holding weight. It is possible to gain weight on a small frame but it puts a lot of extra stress on your joints. Tyson was always a heavyweight, he has a large bone structure and is also short for a heavyweight so his body was ideal for power. Actually, your ability to take a punch is not really related to your weight. There are several different factors that play into a good chin. One is the thickness of your neck. Your brain bounces around in fluid so the harder your head gets snapped on impact the more you throw your brain around causing a stronger effect. That is why getting hit on the chin is the worst place because it causes your head to rotate violently. Short necks and thick necks usually have good chins because they are strong enough to keep your head more stable on impact.
But yes, it is possible to have a smaller frame and still be a heavyweight, although, you are at a disadvantage. You are fighting bigger stronger guys who are delivering more weight on their punches. Not to mention leaning on you making you support their weight which makes you more tired. In order to compete you need a speed advantage, better than average power for your size and the ability to fight on your toes (be a boxer). You also need to be very lean. Evander Holyfield did it beautifully. Mahammid Ali did it also.
Thanks for the question and best of luck,
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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