Any Becoming Pro or Thinking of Becoming Pro... I need some advice...

[Christopher]

I just want to let everyone know that i started training when i was about 8yrs old and stop training when i turned 18... I have been out of training for about 4yrs and i am thinking of going back into training... I know i might be alittle rusty, but i have been thinking about trying to become a pro... Can someone give me some advice on what i should do or can do to achieve what i want to do, but like i said before i dont know if i should go back into training... I love boxing with passion and i want to get back into it... i just think that it wont put me where i want to be... so can someone help me think about it... I need some advice... Thank You...

[Chris Nagel]

Hey Chris, If you're thinking about going professional then you gotta treat your training like a profession. I mean you gotta be serious in what you're doing and take thing for more than face value. In light of training, you're going to have to do a lot of things on your own and if you're going to compete you really gotta break down what you're doing in training.

Now there's a lot of good ideas when it comes to training. If I were you I'd start getting back into fighting shape with roadwork a 3-4 times a week, and calisthenics to get your body strong enough. When it comes to skill developement you're really going have to consider all the ins-and-outs. For example when you'r shadowboxing you're not just practicing your punches, you're teaching yourself how to set things up and you do things accordingly as if you really were in a fight.

Now a tough way to go is training yourself, I'm afraid the boxing instructionals that are being sold by Title and other supplyers are more harm than good, but there's a few books and videos that are worth looking into. I'll give you some names of those if you're interested.

Now if you can find a teacher that knows boxing, is experienced, and knows how to teach then you'll save yourself a lot of trial and error. You need to back in shape, you need to sharpen up, sparring and understanding what you're doing will help you big time.

[Christopher]

At this moment i am in a situtation on what to do for a career... I am currently working as a Truck driver for a company called JB Hunt... I dont have no regrets with the career but i want to do something that i am experienced in and love to do... If i started to trained again like i use to how long do u thing it will take me to become pro...

[Christopher]

I am in a situation where i dont know what to do, as in getting into a career... I am currently working as a Truck Driver for a company called JB HUNT.... I have no regrets with this career but i want to do something that i really love doing and have most experience in and thats boxing... How long do u thing it will take me to become pro if i started to train the way i use to train... thank you...

[Chris Nagel]

My brother's a truck driver and knowing a thing about that, I know it doesn't give you a lot of time for other stuff. I don't know how you can manage the training if you're in no one place long enough. But let's say that you've settled down and are getting ready to go pro. The question maybe how long until you're in fighting shape, and what would it take to get your skills on par? I wish you the best, but you're going to have to find a way to make this doable.

[Christopher]

I am planning on getting a job that gives me time to train... but i dont know bro... what if it dont work out, that is what i am afraid of, if it dont work out, and the other thing is that i need to have a steady career that can support me and my kids and my wife and give them a good future and know that they are be taken care of and not to worry about anything... I love the sport and know it can give me and my family a better life if a became pro, but how long will it take to get there tho... Please help me out bro i need all the support that i can get... Thank You...

[TyBuff]

... what if it dont work out, that is what i am afraid of, if it dont work out...

You wont know if it will or wont work out till you do it. You obviously have lots of training year behind you so it wont be like you are starting from scratch. It will be a matter of getting all of the rust off and then improving what you have for the professional side of boxing. Find a gym and a trainer that is willing and able to train you as a pro. Make sure you and your wife are on the same page about the boxing, and make sure she knows how much time it will take everyday for you to get your training in. That is most important, because if you dont get on the same page then it will either ruin you marriage or you boxing. Then go do it!!!! Like I said you wont know if it will work out until you do it!!! So go do it!!!

[Christopher]

I have a another question... what the process of becoming pro... I know u have to train and train and train, but is the process... Can someone tell me... Thank You...

[Chris Nagel]

Well normally once you're fit and ready you can get some experience under your belt. There's two ways you can go, you can gain some experience through some amateur fights which you don't get money out of except some hands-on knowledge when it comes to fighting, or if you can already hold your own against a professional fighter you can go straight into the pros. You have to get a boxing licence for eather undertaking. And before that, you should see if you can find a good gym and a reputable trainer to get you where you need to be.

I'll be honest with you Chris, boxing's not an easy go. Even if you have all the enthusiasm in the world you can still lose you a'ss, and since you have to support a family you shouldn't go all gungho until you have a strong means to keep things steady.

Besides boxing advice if you're serious about doing this you need to find something that'll support you guys on the meantime. Maybe you can put some money aside from your driving so you go into a trades program that'll give you enough time for boxing once you're working. I've heard of guys with a full time job that are able to make time for their family and for boxing. Then if things go all right you can make the full transition into a pro career without worrying about your financial situation.

You still gotta plan smart before you decide go for it, and I wish you best.

[Christopher]

I want to know for example, if i was becoming pro how much can i make on my first fight average... i just want to know cuz my wife wants to know...

[Chris Nagel]

That would depend on what a manager can set up for you. If you had some good amateur reputation say a golden gloves title or some kind of reputation then you may be able to get a better arrangement.

If you went straight into the pro's you may make a grand, maybe more maybe less, it depends on a lot things really. It would be easy to go full at it when you're single, but you got a family to care of. You should really think this through. Why don't you plan ahead, get yourself back in good form and see if you can handle it.

[Christopher]

where can i find out when golden glove is comming up again, who do i talk to about getting into golden gloves...

[Chris Nagel]

In Michigan they took place last March I think.

Well you can start with a coach that trains golden gloves fighters. Have you started calling around? Here's a couple good websites/resources to start you off: http://www.boxinggyms.com/addressbook.htm
http://www.boxinghelp.com/gyms.html
http://hubcit.sasktelwebsite.net/Ame...xingclubs.html

Check out the directories. You can give them a call and find out everything you need to know. They'll probably give you a different take than mine, it's best you find out and see.

[TyBuff]

I have a another question... what the process of becoming pro... I know u have to train and train and train, but is the process... Can someone tell me... Thank You...

You have to apply through your state commision for a boxing license, depending on the state you live in can involve several different medical tests (MRI, blood work, scans, etc...)