What is Amateur Boxing?

To grow into healthy and grounded secure adults youth need structure, youth need mentoring, youth need healthy physical activity and youth need a positive and safe supportive place to be developed.  Doubly so for troubled youth, or “youth at risk”. 

Amateur boxing is a very positive sport as well as a terrific way to combat juvenile delinquency. It is completely different from professional boxing in its goals, objectives, scoring and equipment.

 Amateur boxing can be a source of excellent conditioning for the high school athlete during the off-season. It also provides an option for the youngster who is not involved in school sports programs or does not desire to participate in team sports.

Amateur boxing can also provide a young person with the opportunity to satisfy the basic human need for recognition in a positive manner. All too often this need is met through delinquent behavior.

In amateur boxing, points are scored by landing clean blows, regardless of their power. A power  punch that knocks an opponent down scores the same as a left jab. Consequently, a boxer’s goal should be to out box his opponent by landing numerous clean, effective blows rather than going for the knockout that may not happen.

When properly coached and supervised, amateur boxing can be an extremely fulfilling and beneficial experience for young people. It can be used as a vehicle to instruct in sportsmanship, values of conditioning, positive release of frustrations and energies, in addition to building self-confidence and character.