My little guy was born the other day. I was convinced I wanted him to box, but after seing him, no way. How could any parent willingly subject their child to the "brutality" of boxing? So I cans ee where your dad is coming from. However, I do want him to train and hit the mits and the bag and even do some sparring when he hit about 12yo. My main reason beign so he'll never be picked on. And then I told myself, if he wants to compete at 18 it's his choice, hoping he doesn't.

If you want to compete that badly maybe you and your dad could go to see some amateur fights of kids your age. I watched some on TV one day in a local event in southestern Michigan, kids about your age, some even fighting out of the legendary kronk in Detroit. It really seemd like the damage they do at that age is negligable, and you're equally as likely to get a neck injury in american football, hockey, etc. At your age you guys just don't hit hard enough to concern me. But still, if you were my boy, I'd say not yet too. In a couple years, maybe we'll talk. In the meantime, work on form on the bag and mits and light sparring.