Training in the US vs the UK?

[as646]

I have a quick question for you all. I'm relatively new to boxing, been doing it for about 6 months now, so I'm still pretty green under the collar. That said, I'm naturally athletic, have been sparring as much as physically possible, and at the moment I live boxing. When I'm not working, I'm boxing.

What I'm getting at, is that I have a lot of ambition, and (I think/hope) enough potential and willingness to put in the work to back it up. Elabourating on the ambition part; my aim is the Olympics. It may be an unrealistic goal for someone who has been boxing for such a short time, but you've gotta dream, right?

Anyway, I was speaking to a guy in my gym, and he said that if I'm really serious about it, the best way to go about this would be to move over to the US, as the general standard of fighters over there is much higher than in the UK. I have dual citizenship, so moving over there wouldn't be a problem.

Is there any truth to this?

[Ray Corso]

Go to Philly and see what your made of! Ray Corso

[sammiza567]

usa boxing vastly superior to uk.

[TheAuthority]

I have a quick question for you all. I'm relatively new to boxing, been doing it for about 6 months now, so I'm still pretty green under the collar. That said, I'm naturally athletic, have been sparring as much as physically possible, and at the moment I live boxing. When I'm not working, I'm boxing.

What I'm getting at, is that I have a lot of ambition, and (I think/hope) enough potential and willingness to put in the work to back it up. Elabourating on the ambition part; my aim is the Olympics. It may be an unrealistic goal for someone who has been boxing for such a short time, but you've gotta dream, right?

Anyway, I was speaking to a guy in my gym, and he said that if I'm really serious about it, the best way to go about this would be to move over to the US, as the general standard of fighters over there is much higher than in the UK. I have dual citizenship, so moving over there wouldn't be a problem.

Is there any truth to this?

I would have a few bouts before making any decisions - You may find boxing isn't for you. Hopefully not, but you never know till you have experienced your first bout.

The USA generally don't do as well as they should at the olympics - The style of boxing used by most US boxers isn't ideal for olympic boxing: you need a style suited to computer scoring (although the scoring system is due to change after this olympics). However, many US amateurs use a style that can easily be adapted to the professional game - generally top US amateurs are more complete fighters than the top UK amateurs and use a more planted style of footwork - but this doesn't garauntee success at the olympics.

So, I would agree the standard of boxing is higher in the US regardless of how they do in the olympics. However, this means to get selected for the team, you will have be at a higher standard.

If you decide to stay in the UK, there are plenty of top quality clubs that teach a style suited to olympic style boxing - which is important because you have to catch the selectors eyes. Even if you win the ABA's multiple times, it doesn't mean you will get selected - you need a style of boxing that the selectors think they can develop to ultimately bring back a medal.

I have done a lot of generalizing above - so take my opinions with a pinch of salt.

I like your ambition and the lengths you are considering going to to achieve your dream !!! Good luck.

What club do your currently train at?

[as646]

I would have a few bouts before making any decisions - You may find boxing isn't for you. Hopefully not, but you never know till you have experienced your first bout.

The USA generally don't do as well as they should at the olympics - The style of boxing used by most US boxers isn't ideal for olympic boxing: you need a style suited to computer scoring (although the scoring system is due to change after this olympics). However, many US amateurs use a style that can easily be adapted to the professional game - generally top US amateurs are more complete fighters than the top UK amateurs and use a more planted style of footwork - but this doesn't garauntee success at the olympics.

So, I would agree the standard of boxing is higher in the US regardless of how they do in the olympics. However, this means to get selected for the team, you will have be at a higher standard.

If you decide to stay in the UK, there are plenty of top quality clubs that teach a style suited to olympic style boxing - which is important because you have to catch the selectors eyes. Even if you win the ABA's multiple times, it doesn't mean you will get selected - you need a style of boxing that the selectors think they can develop to ultimately bring back a medal.

I have done a lot of generalizing above - so take my opinions with a pinch of salt.

I like your ambition and the lengths you are considering going to to achieve your dream !!! Good luck.

What club do your currently train at?

Is it really necessary to catch the selectors eyes? I know Anthony Joshua wasn't even pegged for team GB until he came in second in the world championship. Does qualifying not necessarily equal getting on the team, then?

I currently train at Miguel's in South London, and I've got my first fight in May, just a white collar bout to test the water, I suppose.

If I was to move to the US, where would you recommend in terms of boxing quality?

[Rockin']

I currently train at Miguel's in South London, and I've got my first fight in May, just a white collar bout to test the water, I suppose.

where else can you get your ass knocked out while "just testing the water"? No matter the skill level a fights a fight. Saying just a boxing match is like a sky diver saying that he thinks his chute might open, you can get hurt. Just as the sky diver properly prepares his chute you must prepare your body and equally important your mind. If it's a competitive event, whether you throw with 16oz gloves or 10 ouncers, once that bell rings it's a fight. You can be assured that your opponent will be coming to inlict pain and damage, you MUST inflict it first and you MUST inflict it every chance that you get. Other than that, have fun...........Rockin'

[TheAuthority]

Is it really necessary to catch the selectors eyes? I know Anthony Joshua wasn't even pegged for team GB until he came in second in the world championship. Does qualifying not necessarily equal getting on the team, then?

In Great Britain yes, you certainly do have to catch the selectors eyes. Like I said you can win the ABA's several times and still not get selected to join the GB development squad / podium squad. If you don't get selected for team GB, then you can't compete in the olympics. Even then you still have to qualify for the olympics by being successful in a major international tournement.

With Joshua, he was already on either the GB Development squad or podium squad. No qualifying doesn't equal getting on the team - because you already need to be on the team to qualify. Also, it is possible that two boxers on the team at the same weight both qualify for the olympics i.e Yafai and Selby - then you would normally have to box off, and the winner would then go on to the olympics (only 1 boxer per weight class)

I currently train at Miguel's in South London, and I've got my first fight in May, just a white collar bout to test the water, I suppose.

Good luck mate.

If I was to move to the US, where would you recommend in terms of boxing quality?

I don't know too much about US boxing but I think the 1st place I would look into would be Philadelphia. I'm sure the Yanks on here will be able to advise ...

[sammiza567]

philly is good. florida i probably the hottest amateur scene in the country right now boxing has blown up in the last few years.

[Rockin']

Want to work with me, I'll be working under Jackie Kallen in a relatively short time. I'm looking for a kid with some heart and more so straight out dedication to the craft. You sound like that kid. Now don't go getting a big head but if you want to work it will be there...............Rockin'

[as646]

where else can you get your ass knocked out while "just testing the water"? No matter the skill level a fights a fight. Saying just a boxing match is like a sky diver saying that he thinks his chute might open, you can get hurt. Just as the sky diver properly prepares his chute you must prepare your body and equally important your mind. If it's a competitive event, whether you throw with 16oz gloves or 10 ouncers, once that bell rings it's a fight. You can be assured that your opponent will be coming to inlict pain and damage, you MUST inflict it first and you MUST inflict it every chance that you get. Other than that, have fun...........Rockin'

I didn't mean that I was taking it lightly, I'm definitely in it to win it.

You're based in Detroit, right?