USA Boxing Participation in 2010 World Youth Olympic Games

[DCAmateurBoxing]

I know, I know . . .The 2008 Olympics aren't even underway and here I go, but I couldn't help it.

Does anyone have any information on how USA Boxing plans on selecting athletes for the YOG in Singapore in 2010? Boxing is listed as being from August 21st - 25th, 2010. I found some information on the IOC website, but I don't recall hearing anything from USA Boxing on our participation here in the US.

http://www.olympic.org/uk/news/olympic_ ... sp?id=2491

[boxmel]

USA Boxing probably won't even address participation until 2009. It will be an interesting exercise since, currently in the U.S., 14 year olds box three 1-1/2 minute rounds and 15-16 year olds box three 2 minute rounds and they don't meet in tournaments (except for Silver Gloves). I guess the 17 and 18 year olds will be boxing the new 3-3 minute rounds by that time. I haven't seen any definitive answers for what age is going to box who at the YOG.

[Dennis]

USA Boxing probably won't even address participation until 2009. It will be an interesting exercise since, currently in the U.S., 14 year olds box three 1-1/2 minute rounds and 15-16 year olds box three 2 minute rounds and they don't meet in tournaments (except for Silver Gloves). I guess the 17 and 18 year olds will be boxing the new 3-3 minute rounds by that time. I haven't seen any definitive answers for what age is going to box who at the YOG.

If that soon.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

In reading up it is for 14-18 year olds, but the selection process will take place "at least" 18 months in advance before the games. That was the part that jumped out at me.

According to preliminary documents, there will only be 8 boxing medals, so most likely it will be for 17 or 18 year olds. If they do select "at least" 18 months in advance, that would me they will most likely be selecting 15 year olds. . . maybe the Silver Gloves Champions or Junior Olympic Champions.

[boxmel]

Dennis, I agree with you.

According to preliminary documents, there will only be 8 boxing medals, so most likely it will be for 17 or 18 year olds.

If this is the case, then why advertise it is for 14 and 15 year olds?

If they do select "at least" 18 months in advance, that would me they will most likely be selecting 15 year olds. . . maybe the Silver Gloves Champions or Junior Olympic Champions.

14 year old Silver Gloves Champions and 15 year old JO champions (providing there are any)? If so, how do they then select the 17 & 18 year olds.

As you probably know, most countries have different age and experience divisions than those in the U.S. "Schoolboy," "A, B & C" levels, etc. Maybe USAB will have to reorganize the age divisions to coincide with AIBAs new programs. Ugh.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

According to preliminary documents, there will only be 8 boxing medals, so most likely it will be for 17 or 18 year olds.

If this is the case, then why advertise it is for 14 and 15 year olds?

Good point. Maybe the overall games are 14-18, but each sport may have some flexibility because of the pool of atheletes available.

If they do select "at least" 18 months in advance, that would me they will most likely be selecting 15 year olds. . . maybe the Silver Gloves Champions or Junior Olympic Champions.

14 year old Silver Gloves Champions and 15 year old JO champions (providing there are any)? If so, how do they then select the 17 & 18 year olds.

If there are only 8 medals, it seems like they will only have one age division. If they go with 2010 JO champions (15 or 16 years old), they would have to face 18 year olds from other countries potentially. Since we don't allow that now under USAB, I think you're right about reorganizing the divisions. That will be easy (sarcasm)

[Kolya]

Actually, begining next year, doesn't 17-18 year olds become the Youth division under the new AIBA rules?

[boxmel]

Actually, begining next year, doesn't 17-18 year olds become the Youth division under the new AIBA rules?

Something like that - now, does this mean our boxers won't be "open" and eligible for Pan Ams, Olympics, Worlds, etc., unless they are over 18?

[Kolya]

Actually, begining next year, doesn't 17-18 year olds become the Youth division under the new AIBA rules?

Something like that - now, does this mean our boxers won't be "open" and eligible for Pan Ams, Olympics, Worlds, etc., unless they are over 18?

That's what I'm wondering about too.

[locoxelbox]

The new youth divison (17-18) replaces the old Juniors, just a different name. The Elite division (19-34) replaces the old Seniors division. But as before at 17 you can compete at the Elite division.

I'd guess the 2010 Youth Games will be for boxers born 1992-1993, they will be 17 and 18 years old. Highest weight division I think I read somewhere will be 75 kg? That would make the eight weight divisions. Terrible decision. It'd be better to rearrange some weights for the Games.

[boxmel]

The Elite division (19-34) replaces the old Seniors division. But as before at 17 you can compete at the Elite division

Then why even have an "Elite" division for 19-34 IF a 17 year old (now a Junior/Youth) can also participate? Maybe Wu's Chinese doesn't translate well.....

[locoxelbox]

It's exactly the same as it has been until now. The seniors (elite) are 19-34 but the best juniors/youth (17-18) are allowed to box seniors.

[therealPunchDrunk]

The Elite division (19-34) replaces the old Seniors division. But as before at 17 you can compete at the Elite division

Then why even have an "Elite" division for 19-34 IF a 17 year old (now a Junior/Youth) can also participate? Maybe Wu's Chinese doesn't translate well.....

At 17-18, there's a big difference in individual development, physically as well as mentally, which means that some 17 year olds will be ready to fight adults at the highest level (like Amir Khan), while some, or most, will be better off fighting people their own age. Do you propose that there should be no championships for 17-18 year olds?

[boxmel]

Do you propose that there should be no championships for 17-18 year olds?

I didn't say that at all - there is already a Junior Worlds for the 16-18 year olds. I'm just trying to figure out how the U.S. boxers will fit into AIBA's new divisions/ages.

[therealPunchDrunk]

As far as I can tell, it'll be exactly as before, except it's called youth, and they go by year of birth, not actual birthday...

[locoxelbox]

I'm just trying to figure out how the U.S. boxers will fit into AIBA's new divisions/ages.

It will be the same as when they select a team for the World Under 19 championships I'd guess. Eg. the winners of the US Under 19 Nationals.