Expert: Lian Shoemake - 11/24/2005

Question
Hey how are you, I am just writing to you because with all honesty I dont know where to ask and what to do in my future goal of becoming a amateur boxer? maybe, right now I just got out of high school, I went to college for almost a semester dropped out, I ll be attending a college close to home and so I will have more time on my hands to do what I love the best, be an athlete, I threw in track & field, I used to lift so I thought well hell maybe I would not mind wanting to box. Ummmm basically. what is my first step? I can go to a gym and get a personal trainer, but I mean Im not loaded with cash thatI  can put out 100 bucks a season. Thanks for your time.

have a happy thanksgiving.

Answer
Hi Angine,

Thanks for the question, and I hope your Thanksgiving was a happy one!

To get involved in amateur boxing, you'll need to register as an athlete with USA Boxing. Wherever you live, there is what is known as a Local Boxing Committee (LBC) that regulates amateur boxing in your area. To get in touch with the registration chairperson and other officicals from your LBC, go to www.usaboxing.org, click on the 'Membership" link, and follow the directions to locate the LBC officials in your area.
At that point, you can learn where the registered amateur boxing coaches and gyms are. Annual registration for amateur boxers is around $40, but a gym will probably charge its own dues, and that amount can vary.

I hope this helps, Angine.

Thanks again for writing!

Regards,
Lian