USA Boxing Athlete Advisory Council Suggestions

[lukerunion]

I'm creating a post to try and get tangible action items to present at the next AAC meeting regarding athlete concerns.

This page is not for problems. If you have a problem, you can vent in the other forums.

This page is for solutions. If you have ideas - something new, or something old that worked in the past that was discontinued for whatever reason, please bring them to the table.

The way the Athlete Advisory Council works is we meet several times a year and voice athlete concerns. From this discussion we have 2 athlete reps, Angel Bovee, and Boyd Melson, who vote at Board of Directors meetings. Through the AAC, we can bring real influence to USA Boxing. I welcome your comments that I will bring to the next meeting.

[lukerunion]

So... unpopular post huh...

I heard we used to have a developmental camp in USAB where the #3 and #4 ranked boxers would train with the #1 and #2 ranked JO's/U19. i assume lack of funding stopped this, but does anyone remember it and how did it go?

Why does this have to happen at the OTC if a more affordable option is available? What are other gyms, or site this could happen?

What if there were affordable summer camps on college campuses like varsity athletic programs host for football/basketball, etc...
Imagine the Oscar De La Hoya Boxing Camp at UCLA, or the Bernard Hopkins Boxing Camp at Temple University. Could we advertise this experience to new prospective young people who want to try boxing in a controlled environment - and accomplish two things... provide worthwhile experiences for current boxers and recruit new athletes from other sports, making EVERYONE HAPPY.

seriously i guess maybe this is just a forum for venting.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

I personally would like to have USA Boxing more involved with our younger boxers - jr and bantams. Only because as I look at some of what I consider major flaws in technique from our elite cadets, I saw in them when they were jr and bantams. You know - old dogs/new tricks is really true. It's really uncanny how similar our 15/16 y.o. top boxers look like scaled up versions of themselves and youngsters.

My pt is that by the time they get some of the international training and attention from USAB (15/16), some of those habits are hard to break as evidenced by Beijing. What does everyone else think? From what I understand the national boxing organizations in other countries get involved with boxers earlier than we do here. This may also help address creating some cohesion between personal coaches and USAB coaches if they start earlier in a boxers career.

[boxmel]

From what I understand the national boxing organizations in other countries get involved with boxers earlier than we do here. This may also help address creating some cohesion between personal coaches and USAB coaches if they start earlier in a boxers career

They do, but under a different system than ours. Cuba, for instance, has a "national boxing academy" where the kids are sent to live and train starting at around age 6 or so. I don't think the OTC residency program, if it still exists, would allow this. 8) I also doubt seriously that parents here would allow their young children to be separated from them at that age. Maybe a summer boxing camp for the younger kids would work. I know Tom Morates in Augusta does this every year (don't remember the included ages, though).

[DCAmateurBoxing]

My other suggestions involves something that I haven't heard anyone else suggest (and maybe it's because I'm in the field) - MARKETING OF AMATEUR BOXING. I've seen this done incorrectly at the local and national level. Local shows details are emailed only to the local coaches, leaving out the surrounding communities that generally support other youth sports. They just don't know about boxing events. It's like a little secret. When football season come, I see youth teams banners, flyers, posters all of my area (DC-MD-VA) and it shows when you visit the fields. Same is true for soccer. However, when I go to a boxing show - I only see boxers and coaches and a few family members. I think that USAB should not only help LBC's promote shows, but also help them understand how to promote shows. I'm not suggesting they earmark money for radio ads and big ticket items, but just offer information and maybe some mention on the USAB website (online banners, emails, etc). In 2008, it doesn't take a lot of money to spread the word about anything if you use the right tools. This is the age of social networking and viral marketing.

On the flip side, USAB doesn't do much to promote the sport. Now this marketing effort will take money - but I think there are plenty of boxing-related companies and organizations that would be interested in USAB financially. That is a sound investment for ALL in the sport - because whether or not they want to admit it, USAB's success or failure will directly affect the bottom line for a lot of other groups. As boxers are converted to MMA over the next decade, boxing will lose more and more popularity. I know it's not an apples-to-apples comparison, but it's really, really hard to cheat in MMA. I've watched it over the past decade and I've really not seen a lot of controversy with decisions. Think about this - 16 years ago or so, I watched UFC 1 and at the time is was more of a novelty toughman competition. Today it has rivaled and surpassed WWE in popularity (in 2006 it broke PPV annual record with $226 million in PPV orders). All of this was done with marketing the sport properly to the masses. I see MMA as boxing's main competition and once it gets into the Olympics (soon IMO), more and more of "our" athletes may take the leap. On the subject of PPV, that is one of the reason's boxing has lost it's luster. Remember when boxing was on network TV? Families would eagerly await for pro bouts in front of the television? Those days are gone because of PPV, but why can't we get more amateur boxing on TV? (Rhetorical because I know there isn't enough sponsorship money for stations to put it on primetime) MMA was televised this year for the first time on primetime TV and the ratings were very encouraging.

I hope the advisory council can ask USAB to take a look at it's marketing plan or lack thereof because they are really missing the boat. It's not too late, but it's going be harder to turnaround the longer they wait to fix it.

[boxmel]

I see MMA as boxing's main competition and once it gets into the Olympics (soon IMO),

Ugh. Definitely NOT a fan. 8) However - do you know if MMA has met the criteria for inclusion in the Olympics?

[DCAmateurBoxing]

I see MMA as boxing's main competition and once it gets into the Olympics (soon IMO),

Ugh. Definitely NOT a fan. 8) However - do you know if MMA has met the criteria for inclusion in the Olympics?

It's a very hardcore sport, so it's not everyone's cup of tea - my opinion was based on where I see Dana White taking it. From what I've read, it's not as close as I think it is. Olympic Charter (with criteria info) is here: http://multimedia.olympic.org/pdf/en_report_122.pdf. I think having the state commissions involved in MMA was the first step to gaining credibility, but I think they are still a ways off. I still think MMA will compete for the same pool of athletes as amateur boxing. We have a national champion martial artist that trains at our gym and I think he may be leaning towards boxing a little right now. Hopefully, we can figure out how to fix boxing before they get Olympic inclusion. Hopefully.

[lukerunion]

If you research Jim Millman you will see that his expertise is Marketing. There IS a marketing plan and its local support from the national office is a key priority. I'll be working with the Gloves not Guns program in PVA when it begins.

[lukerunion]

I'll also be sure to bring up the topic of bantam camps for 8 years+ boxers. I think its a great idea and will discuss it.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

If you research Jim Millman you will see that his expertise is Marketing. There IS a marketing plan and its local support from the national office is a key priority. I'll be working with the Gloves not Guns program in PVA when it begins.

I know he has marketing background (25 years at Phillip Morris), but to be fair his conentration was on tobacco, motorcross and corporate marketing. Still, I'm sure he has the knowhow, but it's not being implemented IMO. Gloves not Guns was rolled out almost one year ago (Nov. 2007), but other than original press release, I haven't heard or seen a mention in any other areas - especially the ones where gun violence is most prevalent. I think I'm just frustrated because I've seen other sports get more publicity/popularity even though boxing has a longer history. I just wish the marketing plan would become more apparent and implemented sooner than later.

[lukerunion]

I'm not so sure about Phillip Morris but I'll double check. Have you heard of MillSport? The company he founded and was CEO of? www.millsport.com

A lot of boxing is hard to market due to the wide variety of people and backgrounds we have involved in our sport. Additionally, not every boxing gym or venue where an event is held is the type of place we are going to get money in through the door. It is indeed a challenge, but I want him working on it and thinking about the issues and how to apply them to a sound strategy - not just coming up with one that gets implemented ASAP. The foundation work takes the most time to lay down but is the most important for building anything.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

I'm not so sure about Phillip Morris but I'll double check. Have you heard of MillSport? The company he founded and was CEO of? http://www.millsport.com

A lot of boxing is hard to market due to the wide variety of people and backgrounds we have involved in our sport. Additionally, not every boxing gym or venue where an event is held is the type of place we are going to get money in through the door. It is indeed a challenge, but I want him working on it and thinking about the issues and how to apply them to a sound strategy - not just coming up with one that gets implemented ASAP. The foundation work takes the most time to lay down but is the most important for building anything.

Yes, Millsport merged with another group, but they concentrated on motorcross mktg, branding and corporate mktg. But again, I'm sure he has the knowhow to help boxing, but understanding the sport is first. Unfortunately, I'm sure he has learned alot over the past year in dealing with our Olympic Team. I completely agree with you that the boxing audience is very unique, but that's why mktg firms get paid the big bucks I just would like awareness of the sport, that's all. A lot of people don't know it exists, don't know it exists for youngsters as early as 8 and don't know the benefits that boxing offers to kids of all ages and backgrounds. I have seen it really help young boxers grow as people too. There's already a bias towards the sport and I think USAB can help the LBCs overcome that and have more people give it a chance. I can't wait to hear and see what is developed. It's really going to take a concerted effort by everyone who has an interest in boxing. Forums like this are a great sounding board too. Thx, Luke.

[squarering]

In the words of poultry magnet the late Frank Perdue, " you don't have to know everything about everything, but you do have to surround yourself with people that do"
When Mr Millman first started with USAB, I suggested to him that we look at IMG for potential support. Mr Millman said that it was already on his list to do, but was waiting for the right time. Luke, Do you remember when I spoke to one of their top people in CO, and he showed a real interest in getting involved?, you should, you were there. Old proverb "the time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself"

[DCAmateurBoxing]

In the words of poultry magnet the late Frank Perdue, " you don't have to know everything about everything, but you do have to surround yourself with people that do"
When Mr Millman first started with USAB, I suggested to him that we look at IMG for potential support. Mr Millman said that it was already on his list to do, but was waiting for the right time. Luke, Do you remember when I spoke to one of their top people in CO, and he showed a real interest in getting involved?, you should, you were there. Old proverb "the time to strike is when the opportunity presents itself"

Wow, IMG would be like having Nike behind your AAU Basketball team marketing. I think if USAB is willing to accept some assistance, there are plenty of help out there.

[Dennis]

I hope the advisory board tries to get input from many boxers across the board, not just the elite level athletes.

[lukerunion]

thats what i'm hoping to do here. i realize the elite level is probably like less than 5% of the athlete population. what are the real concerns. i try to put myself in other people shoes. but a lot of the issues that come up are the more visible issues that affect elites. any help is much appreciated

[DCAmateurBoxing]

I hope the advisory board tries to get input from many boxers across the board, not just the elite level athletes.

Yes, I think all changes need to be beneficial for all amateur boxers.

[lukerunion]

squarering,

i've been thinking about the img experience a while and plan to bring it up. i don't know all the details there but one thing i've considered is that possibly he was being friendly. i don't know if an investment in usa boxing by such a large group would be swayed by a poor olympic performance - if you are saying the iron is cold now because of it? I think a group like them would be interested in long term investment but i don't know how the market of our sport fits with some of their currently sponsored sports. i will bring it up at the next meeting.

were you contacted by the coach's committee?

luke

[DCAmateurBoxing]

squarering,

i've been thinking about the img experience a while and plan to bring it up. i don't know all the details there but one thing i've considered is that possibly he was being friendly. i don't know if an investment in usa boxing by such a large group would be swayed by a poor olympic performance - if you are saying the iron is cold now because of it? I think a group like them would be interested in long term investment but i don't know how the market of our sport fits with some of their currently sponsored sports. i will bring it up at the next meeting.

were you contacted by the coach's committee?

luke

If nothing else, IMG has a huge challenge, but a challenge may give them more of a reason to get involved. Given their track record, I would welcome their involvement. It would be a pretty impressive feather in an already full cap if they could help bring amateur boxing back, increasing the number of registered amateur boxers in the US, and improving the perception of the sport for those that are familiar with it and those that aren't. I think right now, the sport isn't perceived positively across the board. That's no big news flash.

[Dennis]

squarering,

i've been thinking about the img experience a while and plan to bring it up. i don't know all the details there but one thing i've considered is that possibly he was being friendly. i don't know if an investment in usa boxing by such a large group would be swayed by a poor olympic performance - if you are saying the iron is cold now because of it? I think a group like them would be interested in long term investment but i don't know how the market of our sport fits with some of their currently sponsored sports. i will bring it up at the next meeting.

were you contacted by the coach's committee?

luke

Is the coaches' committee really going to consider an old hack from Maryland?
Hal, don't have your wife sue me for defamation. It was a JOKE. Are you interested in the position? Moving to CS, CO?

I had a good time while I was in CS, but it was the only place I've been to that has crazier weather than West Michigan. I do like the mountians though.

[Kolya]

Colorado's nice, but man....I dunno if I'd leave MD to live there for a year. Though I did live MD to live in Montana, so not too much of a difference.

[lukerunion]

I wanted Hal to be invited on the coach's committee, not the national director of coaching. I was wondering if he had been contacted at least, I think Hal can contribute a lot. Hal has a good thing going in MD and I don't think he or anybody wants to see him leave, he is making a great impact on his community and changing the lives of young people for the better.

[lukerunion]

DCambox, i also would welcome IMG with open arms.

[squarering]

Guys, I do have too much going on here to move, but Luke knows that everyday I get up and think about living there since that is where my only child, my daughter has been for 13 years and is about to give us our first grandchild. Problem is I would be leaving all my adopted kids and they need me, so the answer about a move to Co ? ....no.

I have not been contacted by the coaches committee, probably because of the reasons Dennis mentioned. Or I could be too much of a smart ass as I still subscribe to the single coach, offense/ defense strategy. You know what they say, "you can lead a horse to water, but a pencil must be lead"

[Dennis]

Are you a sharp pencil or a dull one?