30 yrs old, new to boxing, need some advice

**bullballs88** · 07-06-2005 11:17 AM

Hey guys I just turned 30 yrs old, never boxed before. Im 6'0" 190 pounds. I was an all state running back in high school football and an all state point guard in high school. Played a little of both in college for a couple yrs for a division III college. Im no stranger to athletics, can do a standing back flip, walk on my hands, e.t.c.... I grew up in kinda a rough area so ive been in many street fights growing up and wouldnt really say ive lost any. Just giving some background on me. Anyways ive always wanted to get into boxing, I just never did it for some reason or another. Anyways in the next week im going to start at a gym. There is a couple of trainers there that are both former golden gloves state champs in Arizona. The gym is for people that either want to get in shape with boxing and they also train for the more serious guy that wants to spar and maybe get in some local competitions and what not.
Im just wondering how good of a level a guy could get to by starting in the sport so late. I know its hard to tell without seeing me. Im not delusional to think I could be a world champ or something, starting boxing at such a late age. Just looking for some examples of guys you know that started late and with their athletic ability and heart were able to advance in the sport fairly quickly than others. Also just looking for some advice on what you think I should work on the most when I first start training and just any overall tips any of you could give me. I know my trainers will supply me with a lot of knowledge, just looking for some other input. Thanks for any comments

**greynotsoold** · 07-06-2005 11:42 AM

Which gym are you going to attend- I live in Phoenix and spend way too much time lirking about in gyms, worked at a couple. It has been my experience that, in these types of set-ups, the focus will be on the aerobic, "conditioning" aspect of the workout. I don't know how exactly the routine would differ for a more serious boxer; the place I worked at tried to discourage such things and, damn it I know I look like I'm trying to kill a snake when I jump rope.!

Seriously, I would suggest stdying and practicing punching technique on your own; this is woefully neglected at all levels of boxing. Also, footwork; don't get in the habit of getting your wieght shifting when you jab as it makes every subsequent punch a three step process. Plus, you can't move. (try it; from a boxing stance get your weight up front and try to move.) Work on defense as you will be taught a variety of silly things like slipping without moving your feet; works great unless you'd like to punch back. Finally, starting late is what it is but at 30 you aren't old. Too old, probably, to be thinking top ten pro, but not too late to acquire some degree of skill. Master the basics and add new things selectively and learn them well. Oh ...after you get started remind me and I may be able to help you with my counter punching made easy theory. Best of luck

**bullballs88** · 07-06-2005 12:06 PM

The one im thinking about going to and probably will is Club Sar in Scottsdale. Its not too far from me and is very reasonably priced. Do you know of any others in the Tempe/Scottsdale/Mesa area? The good thing about Club Sar is it comes down to about only 10 dollars a month. The others Ive looked into are all quite a little more than that. Also the gym had a nice feel to it and the trainers seemed what I was looking for.

**greynotsoold** · 07-06-2005 01:51 PM

I've been there once; I live way off in west Phoenix. That's a good price; the gym where Tyson was training was wanting $180 a month ayear ago. Ridiculous. I've seen that gym on the Fox morning show, now that I think about it. Good luck- keep me posted on your progress.