Amateur Boxing Explained

Amateur boxing, a boxing variation, is practiced at many platforms from the college level, Pan American Games to the Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, and many other associations.  

An amateur boxing bout is short in period, which comprises 3 rounds of 4 rounds of 2 minutes among women and 3 minutes among men, and each comes with an interval of 1 minute between rounds. Senior bouts for men changed mechanics from four 2-minute rounds to three 3-minute games.

This kind of competition awards point-scoring punches based on how many clean blows landed instead of physical power. The short format of amateur boxing enables tournaments to showcase many bouts over many days, not like professional boxing in which fighters rest many months between fights.

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amateur boxing fight

What’s the Difference Between Amateur and Pro Boxing?

Not like other sports, becoming a pro in boxing isn’t very complex. The only downside to getting a professional license is failing the physical examination. What is more, an amateur boxer is permitted to turn professional without complications.

Aspiring boxers can opt to box as a professional and don’t have to box as an amateur to become professional. Meanwhile, an amateur boxer may find it simpler to become a pro as he is experienced in the sport and is able to handle to provide a few beginner boxers a run for his money.

Amateur boxing also enablers a standing 8-count to allow the boxer to recover from a powerful blow. Professional boxing doesn’t have any such regulation. Boxers can strike each other anywhere above the belt, provided that it’s not the back of the enemy. In the amateur game, it is prohibited to hit an enemy below the belt, kidney area as well as on the back of his head.

What Is the Age Limit for Amateur Boxing?

Amateur boxing can be practiced from 13 o 29 years of age. On the other hand, to keep on until 39 years old, you should be acquired your first license prior to reaching the age of 34. It will be harder and challenging, with some exceptions, to get a first amateur boxing license at the age of 38.

So, in this event, the practitioner wears a boxing helmet, and the fight format is done in three rounds in 3 minutes each. Educational or recreational boxing is intended for a much broader audience, and it can be practiced from seven to 77 years old.

What Are Amateur Boxing Weight Classes?

In January 2015, the International Boxing Federation, World Boxing Association, and World Boxing Council reached a union to standardize the names of boxing then 17 weight divisions.

It states that the presently known weights for pro male boxers are listed in allowable weight for every division as defined by major sanctioning bodies.

Amateur Weight Divisions

  • Light Flyweight: up to 106 pounds
  • Flyweight: 112
  • Bantamweight: 119
  • Featherweight: 125
  • Lightweight: 132
  • Light Welterweight: 141
  • Welterweight: 152
  • Middleweight: 165
  • Light Heavyweight: 178
  • Heavyweight: 201
  • Super Heavyweight: over 201

How Risky Is Amateur Boxing?

New research suggests that, from a medical viewpoint, the recent hit film Fight Club may precisely have been named Concussion Club instead.

That is because researchers have discovered proof of traumatic brain injury n a number of amateur boxers, in spite of using protective headgear.

The research that is published in the newest issue of The Physician and Sportsmedicine opposed the mental function of 38 amateur boxers, prior to and after a fight, with which 28 amateur boxers did nothing but strike a punching bag.

  • New research shows that an amateur boxer experiences a traumatic brain injury in spite of the use of protective headgear.
  • Approximately 35 percent of boxers experienced over ten blows to the head during about, according to the research.
  • One expert’s advice is that boxers pay close attention to security and safety, even when it interferes with a winning about.

Why Do Amateur Boxers Wear Headgear?

Headgear is a cushioned helmet used on the head by contestants in Olympic and Amateur boxing. It efficiently protects boxers against scrapes, cuts as well as swelling. However, it doesn’t protect well against concussions.

Headgear will not protect your brain from the jarring which happens once the head is hit. Most boxers aim for the chin on enemies, as usually this is not secured by headgear.

There are many kinds of boxing headgear available. There is some open-faced headgear. This is the type usually utilized in amateur boxing competitions. Not like open-faced headgear, training headgear covers the cheek.

A “Face-saver” headgear comes with a pad across the face to avoid direct contact with the face. As the level of padding is increased in the headgear, visibility is reduced.

Do Amateur Boxing Fighters Get Paid?

No. Because they are not professionals, therefore effectively, they can’t prize fight, fight for money. But, there are some ways around things; for instance, they are able to get expenses or things paid upfront like travel, hotels, or accommodations or could get things from sponsors such as clothing and equipment.

How Many Amateur Fights Do You Need to Turn Pro Boxing?

You will require competing at the amateur level prior to becoming a professional. Many boxers begin training at a very young age at the local boxing gyms, joining in local and national fights from eight years old and above.

Doing well at competitions like the Golden Gloves of America Tournament- a very high-profile competition that showcases the most excellent amateur boxers can result in international selection- this might be an opportunity to be signed by pro boxing promoters.

It all depends on your objectives as well as your professional management, amongst other things. A lot of top-level professional boxers have at least somewhere in the range of 100 amateur fights.

That is perhaps the least type of background you would need if you were grooming a boxer from scratch to become a champion.

Amateur Boxing License

Licensing is done in a boxing gym which is licensed and authorized by the USA Boxing Commission. In case you are a member of a boxing club that is authorized and licensed, it must have applications available for you to fill out and then send in.

Call your physician’s office for an appointment for a physical examination. The latest physical test is needed in order to get an amateur boxing license.

How Do You Get Into Amateur Boxing?

Here are the steps to get into amateur boxing:

  • Look for a boxing gym: The disparity between a typical gym and a boxing gym is that a boxing gym will give the coaches, staff, and sparring partners as well as the training resources needed to become a competent boxer. A regular gym might offer boxing-like lessons.
  • Look for a coach: He will teach you the right hitting methods, hold the mitts while sparring, strike the punching bag, and provide advice on how to boost your form.
  • Get an amateur boxing license: You will first have to pass a physical examination. Talk with the boxing coach to figure out if he knows any doctors who specifically perform boxing physicals. If you pass the test, get a signed copy of the result.
  • Register for the first event: If you are well-trained and ready for boxing, your coach will state you are ready to attend or fight at the amateur level.