How to Become a Boxer

The image of a boxer is someone who is strong, proud and successful. Boxers did not start out that way--they started out just like everyone else and worked their way up to the top. You too can become a boxer if you put forth the energy and dedication necessary to do so. Follow these steps to learn how.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

1. Become a member of an affiliated boxing club. Check out the phone book, health clubs and universities for local boxing clubs in your area. Also check online for sites full of news and information for amateur boxers.

2. Train for approximately 6 to 12 months as a boxer, learning the boxing fundamentals such as stance, defense, offense, ringcraft, combinations, rules and shadowboxing to become familiar and skilled with the sport.

3. Register as a competitor when you and your coach both feel you're ready to spar as a boxer. Once this is done, then the coach can arrange some sparring sessions for you. These matches aren't scored because the purpose is to hone your skills and knowledge before having an actual boxing match.

4. Arrange with your coach to go to boxing club shows and be matched up with an opponent of similar age, weight, gender and skill level. From here you can advance to novice developmental boxing tournaments.

5. Compete in 11 bouts, then you're eligible to compete in provincial boxing championships. If you win a provincial championship then you can become a boxer as part of the team that competes at National Championships.

6. Participate in international boxing shows and tournaments. Ultimately you may be able to make it to the Olympics and become a real boxing champ.