Boxer Advice

Amateur boxing is a dynamic form of exercise that has many social, physical and mental well-being benefits.
 

Many people have expressed that participating in boxing has helped with self confidence and self esteem. Others enjoy boxing because it is different and liberating and it has helped them to overcome situations such as being attacked or bullied as well as anger management, and stress.
 

Ideally you will start in a beginner’s session to try out the club. Some sessions are more  fitness-based than actual boxing, which may be a good option while you are building your confidence. If you enjoy the sport, the programme in the club should enable you to progress gradually and at your own pace. If you are keen to progress you will need to increase your training and also exercise outside of the boxing club. Good cross training includes swimming and running to improve stamina levels. Your club coach can advise you.

Once you have been at your boxing club for a while you may want to start boxing competitively.
The length of time before you start to compete depends on your progress in terms of technical ability, physical fitness and mental attitude.

To start the process you will need to get ‘carded’, which involves a medical to state you are fit to box and become a registered competitive member. This process is the same for male and female boxers and your coach can help you through the process.

Once you have your medical card you can then start sparring. This involves partner work, practice and developing your technical and tactical awareness. When you are ready to compete, your club coach will match you (based on age, weight and experience) for a club show or a skills bout. Getting your first bout under your belt is often the hardest part but often the turning point for a boxer as they find it exhilarating.

You can start boxing as a form of movement and skill at an early age and start competing at the age of 11. The maximum age to compete in amateur boxing is 34 years of age, but training opportunities do exist beyond this age bracket. The maximum age has been put in place internationally to protect boxers.

There is no right or wrong age to start in the sport, in fact many boxers start in their late teens and twenties, so do not let age be a barrier ​