How to Get Into Competitive Boxing

It's a big leap from boxing your little brother in the basement to actually stepping into the ring and going three rounds with someone who wants to knock your head off. While boxing may have its champions and stars, there are also plenty of journeyman boxers out there plugging away at the club level trying to earn a few bucks. Joining a gym, finding a trainer, getting licensed and joining a boxing club are steps that can get you on your way to fighting competitively.

Instructions

    • 1

      Have a physical exam conducted by your physician to ensure that you are physically fit enough to box competitively.

    • 2

      Join a gym -- one that specializes in boxing and only boxing. Sign up to work with a trainer who matches your style, whether you just need to be trained on the mechanics of boxing or you need someone to push you to train hard. Spar with other boxing hopefuls at your gym to get a gauge on how well-developed your boxing skills are.

    • 3

      Get a boxing license from your state's boxing commission; as of 2011, Alaska, Maine and Wyoming did not have state boxing commissions so no boxing matches can be held there unless another state or the Association of Boxing Commissions oversees them.

    • 4

      Join a boxing club or, if you are fighting as an amateur, an official Golden Gloves franchise. As of 2011, there are 30 franchises located around the country.

    • 5

      Box other members of your club or members of competing clubs; if boxing in the Golden Gloves program, you can fight in officially-sanctioned Golden Gloves tournaments leading up to the annual National Golden Gloves Tournament.

    • 6

      Consider hiring an agent and a promoter-- if you are successful enough -- who can get you sanctioned fights with the various boxing governing bodies, such as the World Boxing Association.