Hi I'm a high school sophmore (15 yrs old) I live in northern VA and I want to start training to become a boxer. And I got a lot of questions for you guys.

Height: 5 foot 7 inches
weight: somewhere between 120-130

not exactly sure of the weight but I'm pretty skinny which is a good thing right? I don't think it'll take long to get into shape because I'm not fat at all really. But my concern is my strength, since I pretty skinny my arms aint that strong I was weight lifting a bit this year so I'm not a complete weakling when I get in the ring. I went from benching 95 pounds to 115 in bout 6 weeks 20 pounds improvement. But uhh does that really matter right now? Or should I wait on putting on muscle until I'm sure what weightclass I settle in and I get in shape or w/e.

Also any tips for fighters that are just starting out?

Another thing is equiptment my friend told me I need 16 oz gloves if I want to spar at the gym. Should I just get everlast pro gloves for bout $70 at Dick's? Or is there another kind I should get?

also do you recommend gel handwraps?

what about a cup? should I get one of those light weight ones for now or a real pro cup?

What head gear do you recommend? I saw one at dick's that guards your cheeks should I get that?

If I were to buy a heavy bag for home training should I get a 100 LB one or a lighter one say 60, 70 or 80 lbs because I'm a lightweight guy.

Any other things for home training like a speed bag should i get that?

Sorry for all the questions hope you understand I'm just starting out here. :boxing:

go ahead kill yourself :)

Dont buy anything yet. Look for a gym in your area and try to hook up with a trainer. Then he can help you out. You can train on your own, but then you will pick up bad habits.

sign up at the gym first, they should have equipment for you to use, especially since your only starting out. I remember when I first started at a gym they gave me a pair of handwraps and they had a wall full of rundown old gloves. The upside of that is that you get to use different kinds of gloves and see which ones you like, the bad side is that they're used and dirty. The main reason to not get anything for you is in case you decide not to do it after awhile you dont waster your money.


I recommend you go to a gym and go a couple days and if you like it go to ringside or titleboxing and look at their stuff and see what you would like to buy. The first things you would need are shoes, wraps and gloves. As you advance then you can get sparring equipment. 16 oz is pretty much the standard everywhere for sparring, and only use training or sparring gloves to spar. Bag gloves are not intended for sparring and are harder.

thanks for the replies. you saved me a lot of money heh.

Question: What does it take to get a boxing licence?

there is no liscense for amateur boxing, all u need is a physical from your doctor