Your first boxing tournament
Your first boxing tournament
by Justin M. Salvato
This is the time of year when the Golden Gloves take center stage and all other club shows disappear. This is also the time many boxers have their very first boxing match. With this comes alot of questions.
1) How do I compete in the Golden Gloves?
I'm assuming you are already training at a boxing gym and have a trainer.
- Tell your coach that you want to go in the tournament.
- Be sure to register with USA Boxing as an athlete.
- Train hard!
2) What do I do when I arrive at the tournament?
- Arrive a little before weigh-in time. DO NOT be late.
- Find your coach and let him/her know you made it.
- Locate the officials, tell them your weight class, give them your passport, and any other information.
- You will have to get on the scale to be sure you are not too heavy for your weight class.
- The officials will direct you to the doctor, you will be examined to make sure you are fit to fight.
Waiting for your fight can be nerve-recking. Do yourself a favor and do not watch the fights before yours. Stay calm, stay loose, do not waste energy hitting pads. Usually, about 2 fights before yours, you should get the boxing gloves from the officials. If you know your fight is in 20 minutes, warm up, shadowbox, and relax.
