Besides Golden Gloves, any sanctioned amateur boxing opptys in Chicago?

[bellemastiff]

I have recently begun training w/ a trainer (who is a great teacher and does have amateur boxing experience) several times a week. We are working towards getting my skills & stamina up, and my weight down (I'm 211 now, want to get to 201, since I'm only 5'10") to do the Chicago Golden Gloves next spring.

I have got my boxing license from the WI region (since IL is suspended from USA Boxing at the moment). I would really like to get one or two matches in *before* the Golden Gloves just so there isn't quite as much pressure and I have a bit more experience. But I really can't find any info on Chicago amateur boxing oppty's. My trainer is a great teacher but we're not affiliated with a gym either. Anyways I'm just wondering where I should be "looking" to find oppty's to get a sanctioned fight (when I'm ready) besides Golden Gloves.

[Ray Corso]

Look into P.A.L police athletic leagues! You don't need a gym afiliation either you can register as an independant to the USA amatuer federation.
years ago when I was a team coach from Region One the federation was the USA/ABF its been renamed in the past 10 years or so. Check it out it certainly pays to have their insurance coverage!
Another major national event for J.O boxing and Open Class (not sure about Novice catagory) is the Ohio State Fair. All the major J.O and Open fighters sign up to fight in that tourney its the same prestige as the Colorado Training Center Finals! Ray.

[bellemastiff]

Thanks for the helpful info, Ray. For me the Ohio State tourney might be too soon, and also, their handout says a coach has to invite you (unless I read it wrong).

I will continue looking into the P.A.L. too (although, Chicago area PAL boxing info is hard to find online). Anyway, I appreciate the reply.

[Ray Corso]

Look into the National Program first then hopefully they can direct you to your closest local affiliate! When I participated in PAL the President was a friend who was in Bridgeport Conn. so I had great info on all their options.
Insurances and lack of support by outside contributors have crippled alot of these types of programs! Years ago the PAL champs were often the AAU/ later year the USA/ABF and Golden Glove Champs! Thats how big those events were! There were alot of finals in Flint Mich. back then, fun place hahaha!!! Ray.