Fairly specific question: I'm a short boxer

[Peter Som]

When you hear "short boxers", you may think: 5'6'' featherweight or lower or even perhaps a couple of weight classes up. However, I'm a 25 year old, 5'3'' and 175 athletic pounds.

Straight to the point. I'm looking to making boxing a serious hobby but would also like to compete in amateur leagues in the future. I have a track background in high school (3 years, 100m dash and triple jump). I was also in ROTC and participated in their after school "special forces" program my freshman year. I've been running to stay in shape sporadically and have just recently begun to learn boxing.

My body is fairly muscular already, it would seem that losing weight for me at this point will be a challenge or near impossible. However, I wouldn't mind fight in this weight class either as I believe I'm capable. So I have a few questions!

1) I've never heard of someone as short as I am ever box at this weight, do I stand a chance?
2) Boxers in my weight class are more than likely going to be taller, how do I train for that?
3) If I were able to lose weight, which weight class should I fight in?

Thank you all for your time and consideration, all the best.

- Pete.

[Youngblood]

When you hear "short boxers", you may think: 5'6'' featherweight or lower or even perhaps a couple of weight classes up. However, I'm a 25 year old, 5'3'' and 175 athletic pounds.

Straight to the point. I'm looking to making boxing a serious hobby but would also like to compete in amateur leagues in the future. I have a track background in high school (3 years, 100m dash and triple jump). I was also in ROTC and participated in their after school "special forces" program my freshman year. I've been running to stay in shape sporadically and have just recently begun to learn boxing.

My body is fairly muscular already, it would seem that losing weight for me at this point will be a challenge or near impossible. However, I wouldn't mind fight in this weight class either as I believe I'm capable. So I have a few questions!

1) I've never heard of someone as short as I am ever box at this weight, do I stand a chance?
2) Boxers in my weight class are more than likely going to be taller, how do I train for that?
3) If I were able to lose weight, which weight class should I fight in?

Thank you all for your time and consideration, all the best.

- Pete.

The quick answer is, to just get your ass through the boxing gym doors day after day, and through the training and sparring you will figure out (with guidance, in time) how best to fight against the taller fighters. But basically, you will learn to get within and fight inside of other's reaches.

Honestly. I wouldn't worry about the weight at this early stage. Again, it will sort itself with time. You will get to where you are supposed to be, and when. It isn't like you can add any inches any more then I can lose inches. We take what we have and advantage of our strengths. You've been athletic, mobile, that will be your asset. Probably lots of power? Again, your asset. You will have the benefit of always sparring taller fighters, when they most likely will not have that. So familiarity in the difference will be an asset.

You may get a more technical answer from one of the trainers in here, and that will be good, but at this early stage you really shouldn't sweat any of that much. If you want to do this bad enough you will look at what you think are your disadvantages, and how to make them work for you. And then you just rock the hell out of that.

Good luck to you. Welcome to Saddo's and to boxing.

[Peter Som]

When you hear "short boxers", you may think: 5'6'' featherweight or lower or even perhaps a couple of weight classes up. However, I'm a 25 year old, 5'3'' and 175 athletic pounds.

Straight to the point. I'm looking to making boxing a serious hobby but would also like to compete in amateur leagues in the future. I have a track background in high school (3 years, 100m dash and triple jump). I was also in ROTC and participated in their after school "special forces" program my freshman year. I've been running to stay in shape sporadically and have just recently begun to learn boxing.

My body is fairly muscular already, it would seem that losing weight for me at this point will be a challenge or near impossible. However, I wouldn't mind fight in this weight class either as I believe I'm capable. So I have a few questions!

1) I've never heard of someone as short as I am ever box at this weight, do I stand a chance?
2) Boxers in my weight class are more than likely going to be taller, how do I train for that?
3) If I were able to lose weight, which weight class should I fight in?

Thank you all for your time and consideration, all the best.

- Pete.

The quick answer is, to just get your ass through the boxing gym doors day after day, and through the training and sparring you will figure out (with guidance, in time) how best to fight against the taller fighters. But basically, you will learn to get within and fight inside of other's reaches.

Honestly. I wouldn't worry about the weight at this early stage. Again, it will sort itself with time. You will get to where you are supposed to be, and when. It isn't like you can add any inches any more then I can lose inches. We take what we have and advantage of our strengths. You've been athletic, mobile, that will be your asset. Probably lots of power? Again, your asset. You will have the benefit of always sparring taller fighters, when they most likely will not have that. So familiarity in the difference will be an asset.

You may get a more technical answer from one of the trainers in here, and that will be good, but at this early stage you really shouldn't sweat any of that much. If you want to do this bad enough you will look at what you think are your disadvantages, and how to make them work for you. And then you just rock the hell out of that.

Good luck to you. Welcome to Saddo's and to boxing.

Thank you YoungBlood for taking the time in replying to my post. Your words are both informative and motivational.

Currently I don't have the funds to go into a gym so I'm just working out and learning how to box on my own and some friends who are into Muay Thai. I've made a poor man's punching bag by filling an old leather couch seat with sand. I'm running Monday through Friday. I'm shadowboxing. I'm taking things one at a time. I'll probably start a boxing video documentary of my progress. Just gotta plan how to do it!

I'm glad to be apart of the Saddo community. From the posts I've read, you all seem to be a knowledgeable and eclectic bunch.

[Youngblood]

yw, and sure bro, post up whatever you wish.