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Get Involved with Boxing

Boxing

There is much more to the sport of boxing than two men with gloves beating the living snot out of one another. Boxing is a sport that requires a tremendous amount of skill. To get the goods on how you can get involved in this adrenalin-inducing sport, keep reading!

Boxing - Rules of the Sport

Anyone participating in a boxing match must have gloves, protective head gear and a mouth piece. For the eight to 12 year-old divisions, there are three rounds that are one minute long, with minute long breaks in between. For the 12 to 14 year-old divisions, there are three, 90-second rounds, with minute long breaks in between. The rounds are lengthened to two minutes with one minute breaks in between rounds for the 15-plus division. The weight class for this age group is typically separated so that a competitor will never fight someone who weighs more than five pounds more or less than them.

Boxing - How to Participate

Most major cities have boxing centers or training facilities. Have your parents ask around about possible lessons or clinics they have available for kids. For your own safety, don't practice boxing with your pals! After all, this is a dangerous sport! If you want to practice, get a punching bag or speed bag to work on your technique. Just like in the Rocky movies, it takes hard work to be a champion.

Boxing - Getting Competitive

Boys can start participating in boxing at the age of eight, but can only box at a local level. Between the ages of 10 and 16, they can begin to compete nationally. This is also the age group where girls are allowed to start competing. If you are good enough to win your local and regional tournaments, you can compete in the Silver Gloves National Tournament. After age 16, you can move up to the prestigious golden gloves ranks. Some of the famous alumni of this division include Muhammad Ali, Oscar de la Hoya, Roy Jones Jr. and George Foreman.