For many aficionados, boxing is a real way of life and they are ready to make huge sacrifices in order to one day become a professional boxer. Whether you have already started or you are simply deciding to pursue a boxing career, in this article you will find all the steps required to become both an amateur boxer and a professional boxer.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Enroll in a Boxing Gym
Step 1. Select a boxing gym
Choose one that is affiliated with either the FPI (Italian Boxing Federation) to become an amateur boxer or with the ITABoxing (Italian Authority of Boxing) to become a professional boxer and maybe even has a good reputation. If you're really serious about it, don't join just any fitness center, but a gym that specializes in boxing (and potentially other martial arts) classes.
You'll probably have to ask around a bit, until you find the best reputed gym in your area. Eventually you will know which one to subscribe to
Step 2. Talk to the coach
He will explain the opening hours, costs and training methods to you. You may also want to do some research to learn more about his experience as a coach and whether he himself was once a professional boxer. Meet the staff to get an idea. If you're feeling excited about starting, this is probably the gym for you.
Ask questions. Find out what they recommend and what kind of training you should start with. What is their schedule? What kind of work would you do? How can you meet everyone? Before signing up, make sure you know what you're going to encounter
Step 3. Take a look at the subscribers
It is best to be a member of a gym that has athletes of different levels as members. As you begin to improve your skills, you will want to start training with other athletes. A gym that has members of different levels of experience will allow you to train with someone more experienced than you, giving you the opportunity to grow as a boxer.
- Think of it as if you were walking into a restaurant: if there was no one there, you would not eat there. And if there were only people with blue hats and you weren't wearing a blue hat, you couldn't eat there. If there were only miserable-looking people, you probably wouldn't eat there. So take a look - do customers look like A) fit and prepared and B) happy with their training?
- If you can, find someone who doesn't work in that gym. Sometimes an impartial person is needed to get an honest opinion.
Step 4. Familiarize yourself with the basics
Before you start working with a coach, it's probably a good idea to at least know the basics of boxing and a little bit of terminology. You don't have to be an expert, but you should know at least a little of what your gym 'colleagues' are talking about. Here are some previews:
- Jab or lunge. This is the most used punch in boxing. It is a simple punch thrown to the opponent's chin with the 'dominant' hand (the hand of the foot you place forward).
- Cross. This strike is delivered with the dominant hand. It's a power punch. It is a slight rotation of the torso, which simulates a horizontal moment that crosses its own plane.
- Uppercut or riser. This punch ends up in the opponent's chin or solar plexus. It is used at close range and can be quite similar to the cincher (a squeeze).
- Hook or hook. This is a quick side punch given with the elbow out and to the side, so that the arm forms a hook.
- Left-handed. He is a left-handed boxer (who is by nature or has become one). Compared to a "normal" fighter, they do everything in reverse. Due to their differences in position, they practically fight on top of each other.
- External and internal fighter. An outside fighter likes to keep his distance by taking a step for the lunge. An inside fighter stays close and prefers moves like the uppercut.
Part 2 of 4: Starting the Workout
Step 1. Start working with your coach
Your instructor will show you basic boxing moves like strikes, uppercuts, and hooks, and instead of just knowing the terminology, you'll get good at executing them. You will also learn how to foot work, positioning and defense moves.
A good trainer will also insist on your secondary skills, such as stamina and agility. When he sends you running around the block, it's for a good reason. And don't expect to be ready for a training match already - it will let you know when you are
Step 2. Start a full training regimen
The ways a boxer can build his fitness are truly innumerable. A good training program should still include bag and fast bag training, various circuits and, of course, skipping rope. You should also train outside the ring several times a week.
You should be doing cardio and weight training, as well as brushing up on secondary skills thanks to dance, yoga, core exercises, and interval training. That said, set aside a day or a week to take it easy - you certainly don't want to wear out your body without even a meeting
Step 3. Start with pretty intense sessions
The gym workout session should last at least 90 minutes, three to four times a week. A good basic boxing workout would be 20 minutes of sit-ups (abs) and push-ups (push-ups), 20 minutes of stationary bikes, and 30 minutes of jogging. This session could end with an additional 10 minutes of jumping rope 10 minutes of sparring with the bag or, if possible, with a partner.
A 3-mile run shouldn't really be a problem for you. Combine it with rope jumps, jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups and bag exercises. Check how long you can continue before you get tired and before your technique starts to fail
Step 4. Don't forget about stretching
You should do 20-30 minutes of stretching before and after each training session to prevent injury and reduce muscle stiffness.
It might make you laugh, but doing some yoga isn't a bad idea. It helps you with muscle tone, flexibility and range, and relieves tension from the whole body, making it ready for anything. Not to mention the inner peace and focus that can come with it
Step 5. Eat adequate nutrition
All professional boxers follow some sort of diet or nutritional program. Training consistently doesn't bring great results if you don't eat well. What's more, if you eat badly, your performance won't be at the top. The body is what makes you money in this situation.
What is a boxer's diet? It is high in healthy protein - namely chicken, fish (such as salmon and tuna), eggs, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables. It also includes sources of healthful fats, such as olive oil, avocado, and nuts. Your body needs a certain balance of nutrients to be able to do all the work you put it through, including fat
Step 6. Work on the resistance
You may think it means cardiovascular endurance and it does, but it also means two other types of endurance:
- Leg resistance. For a great boxer, the legs are constantly in motion. Sometimes in small and barely noticeable moments, which can be even more difficult to do. After many rounds of combat, your legs will be like concrete. You can extend the resistance of the leg by doing activities such as jumping rope.
- Shoulder resistance. When your shoulders are tired, you will have to say goodbye to your punches and your defense. You will not be able to hold your hands in front of your face when your shoulders are lowered for the count down. Then, work on the punching bag to increase the resistance of the arms.
Step 7. Train your mind too
Boxing doesn't just mean boxing. Sure, it's essential, but you need other skills for a well-rounded preparation that allows you to face the future. Before you smile, consider some of these ideas:
- Take a dance class or two. Many athletes, not just boxers, take dance lessons. Because? Dance is all about balance, agility and flexibility - three very important skills in sport.
- Take an acting class. You want to do promotions, commercials, and get sponsorships without looking like an idiot, right? Then brush up on your skills in the spotlight to emphasize your charm.
- Study business or sports management. It's good for two reasons: A) you don't want to lose money on false opportunities, as has happened to other champions of the past, and B) you want a future. The body won't be able to box forever, so having solid but practical preparation can help you move into the coaching or promotion industry.
Part 3 of 4: Becoming an Amateur Boxer
Step 1. Find an amateur club near you
You can find one on the website of the amateur federation of your country. When you are ready, your coach will probably let you know. You will notice it yourself too.
It is essentially paperwork. Visit USAboxing.org (if you're in the US, of course) to get a list of information by state. Once this is done, you will be able to find events to attend
Step 2. Sign up as an amateur boxer
You will need to fill out an enrollment form and undergo a physical examination by your doctor.
You will need to contact the people who need to get a membership to compete in the events. There is a small fee that varies by state. On top of that, there are tons of forms to fill out and a physical assessment
Step 3. Take part in the boxing events proposed by the amateur federation of your country
These events allow most fighters to gain initial experience. Fights don't count towards your high score, but they are the safest and most practical way to gain experience. You will be able to find them through the local federation website, which should publish the results of all amateur boxers
You will initially be classified by age, weight and record. You can be an amateur boxer in the United States at just 8 years old
Step 4. Begin your amateur boxing career
One of the differences between amateur and professional boxing is wearing protective headgear. This will be essential in the early stages of your combat career to prevent life-threatening injuries as you learn to protect yourself.
You will be placed in a certain category, based on your age and weight and will start as a "novice" if you are over seventeen years old. You will start fighting in local or regional tournaments, with the long-term goal of competing in the National Boxing Championships, and possibly winning a place in your country's National Boxing Championship
Step 5. Don't just fill a vacancy in a weight class
Some coaches are not very reliable. They encourage you to take a position in a weight class so that they can gain on you as you progress through your racing career. Don't do this - sometimes it's unhealthy and you'll also be more likely to get hurt. Only compete when you feel good, not where the coach says you should go.
Think about what weight you normally stay around (as long as it's consistent and you're fit, of course). You can compete with around 2 pounds more or less, but too much difference would strain your body and negatively affect your health
Step 6. Improve your fitness
You are about to face truly talented individuals. Now you think you're fit, but you'd be surprised what improvements your body can make, especially when it comes to endurance. At this level, here's what you should be capable of:
- Run 5 - 8 km without getting too tired
- Jump rope for 30 consecutive minutes
- Hit the punching bag for 15 minutes without stopping
- Being able to train with any amateur from any gym (excluding top level amateurs with over 100 fights)
- Double the required rounds for training (amateur boxing is 3 rounds)
Part 4 of 4: Becoming a Professional Boxer
Step 1. Improve defense, speed, power and sense of autonomy
Let's try to explain these four things separately:
- Defence. You have to expect 60 to 150 punches 'per round'. It doesn't matter how powerful your punches are - you need to have shoulder stamina and keep your defenses 100% high at all times.
- Speed . You will fight against very fast opponents. It doesn't matter how powerful you are - if you can't punch because you're too slow, you won't be able to go anywhere.
- Power. It comes from a good technique. Sure, throwing crazy punches will eventually win the competition, but you'll be exhausted. You have to be able to focus the power and control it. If you waste it unnecessarily, you will lose the match.
- Autonomy. Now you have to enter the autopilot. You don't have time to think, "Okay … now I have to throw a left uppercut … keep your hands up, boy … oh, it's time to dodge" or something like that. Every move must be an instinctive reaction.
Step 2. Find a manager
Your manager will have the connections with the organizers that will make you play fights. You will earn money, although a percentage of your earnings will go to both your manager and organizer. That said, it's worth it - they're the ones who work hard to bolster your reputation.
By now you will probably be quite integrated into the boxing community. You will know which managers are present in your area and which ones are entitled to pursue the profession. If you are talented, someone will probably want to take you under their own management. Make sure you get along and can be trusted
Step 3. Don't quit your main job yet
Only the greatest of the greatest boxers out there drives fabulous cars, makes millions, and perhaps fights only a few times a year. Then there is an intermediate level that maybe appears on TV and can make a few thousand dollars. In the end, all the others are there. You won't be bathing in gold coins for a while, so keep your day job for now.
It's like Hollywood - you don't realize how many people are struggling to make it big. This is normal to start with. And keep in mind that up to 50% of your salary will go to the people under you, like your promoter or manager. Keep your income constant by having at least one part-time job behind you
Step 4. Get a license
You will have to join an authority of your country (for Italy, the Italian Authority of Boxing Italian_Authority_of_Boxing_ (ITAB) _-_ 2018_ [2] (ITABoxing) registered in the list of world professional boxing commissions (APBC, IBF, WBC, WBO, WBA) to get licensed by the boxing commission you will be fighting in. There is a specific term for that: "alphabet soup." It was coined because these associations seem to be popping up like wildfire. If you don't like one., there are many others to consider.
In the United States, again, this is done at the state level. Each state has different needs, ranging from experience as an amateur to having a manager. Always have the necessary documents on hand - it will take a lot of paperwork
Step 5. Climb the ranks
Your ultimate goal should be to win the world champion belt. If you manage to win the belts of at least three of the existing international associations, you will be classified as a "Super Champion". If you manage to hold all four belts, you will be named "Undisputed Champion".
This takes time, diligence, and the ability to withstand injury and defeat. The skin will need to be thick in several respects. Boxing has a way to weed out the weak in body and the weak in mind
Step 6. Watch the pros for inspiration
The media tend to lead to the success of specific types of people. The most famous boxers are those who have been charismatic and showy, like Jack Dempsey. But, if you dig a little deeper, there's no real boxer stereotype to fit in, apart from a very few, who aren't exactly ordinary.
- Remember that talent and accomplishment don't necessarily mean glory. Gene Tunney won Jack Dempsey twice, but his reserved attitude prevented him from living in the spotlight, unlike his opponent, who was outgoing and outgoing. Not all boxers are looking for fame. Take a cue from these examples to understand that boxers come from all walks of life.
- Do you need inspiration to do it all? Ask Calvin Brock, the "boxing banker". He was an educated man with a respectable career in the bank when he turned pro. If you are already in college, don't despair. It is feasible.
- On the other hand, you are never too young. Juan "Baby Bull" Diaz turned pro at sixteen. Sure, it didn't last long, but it was. He now has a law degree and is still doing well. Whichever route you take, it will probably be fine.
Advice
- Always respect your fellow combatants! This helps them become a better fighter and a respectable person.
- Bigger guys should focus on speed, because they should have a lot of power already. Smaller guys should focus on their stomachs and train especially on power.
- If you decide that professional boxing is not for you, there are numerous other jobs in the sporting field that may interest you.
Warnings
- Once you become a professional boxer, be very careful not to get involved in fights outside the ring. If you punch someone and get arrested, it could put the fact that you are a professional boxer to your disadvantage.
- A boxing career can lead to serious injuries, sometimes with permanent and even fatal damage.
- You may be tempted to approach this sport by the thought of becoming rich and famous. In reality, very few boxers make it to the top, while for most professionals the gains made in the ring are just an extra.
