Why Ringside And Not National Level

[Jamel]

Why is that I see so many people can attend the Ringside Tournament but wont go to any national level tournaments where those are what really counts? Now dont get me wrong Ringside is fun to go to but I'm mainly speaking about these open boxers. I fight at 141 and at Ringside it was so big at that weight class that there were 3 seperate brackets a Red, Green, and Blue which made 3 141 Males Open champions in the end but when I went to the PALs that was right around the corner from Ringside I didnt see half of those guys around. Yea some were from other countries that cant compete in our tournaments but it was 3 brackets out there and I know majority of them guys were in the U.S. and that doesnt just go for that weight class and few other classes were like that as well. Do you think that some guys are worried about the competition on a national level because you really cant compare the cost out there because its expensive to go there then any other tournament.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Why is that I see so many people can attend the Ringside Tournament but wont go to any national level tournaments where those are what really counts? Now dont get me wrong Ringside is fun to go to but I'm mainly speaking about these open boxers. I fight at 141 and at Ringside it was so big at that weight class that there were 3 seperate brackets a Red, Green, and Blue which made 3 141 Males Open champions in the end but when I went to the PALs that was right around the corner from Ringside I didnt see half of those guys around. Yea some were from other countries that cant compete in our tournaments but it was 3 brackets out there and I know majority of them guys were in the U.S. and that doesnt just go for that weight class and few other classes were like that as well. Do you think that some guys are worried about the competition on a national level because you really cant compare the cost out there because its expensive to go there then any other tournament.

Don't think it's about them being worried, but it's a numbers game. More people attend the RWC because they've done a really great job marketing the event. Now at the RWC, most boxers of any age, weight and gender has a good change of getting a bout there. Some boxers just can't get a lot of bouts locally and so they look forward to the RWC. They give away the most expensive awards (20lbs. belt, uniform, hat, bag) and also have a lot of boxers/coaches/participants buying into the "World" designation. Even though it's not an advancing tournament, I know a lot of coaches who feel that the competition at the "Worlds" is better than some of the advancing tournaments where you have to win over the period of months to even get to the Nationals. When you say "what really counts", that is based on your perspective. I'm sure you are referring to the fact that the PAL gives you ranking pts for national rankings of Senior/Open boxers as determined by USAB. "What really counts" for others may be that they want to go where the best of the best go and match up against the best boxers in the country. Regardless of why, if the best of the best also feel that the RWC is where it's at, then they'll go too. So, for boxers looking for the best of the best - the RWC may be that.

The other issue is that a lot of times you may have a boxer that may be one of the best, but just have a bad day - at the local or regional level of some of the advancing tournaments (USA, GG, Silvers, JOs, US Future Stars, etc) and lose before they get to the nationals. So, does that mean that boxer is NOT one of the best in the country? No. Just not on that particular day. But again at a tourney that attracts those professing or believing they are the best like the RWC, all of those elite boxers get a chance to compete.

The other reason the RWC is popular (which only really applies to JOs) is that it's held during the summer. The PAL is a week-long tournament held during school and that is a big concern to many people (parents, coaches included).

[Jamel]

Yea I guess your right on alot of points there because I have heard a few of my boys say they didnt go to the PALs because of college or high school started and I will admit its good experience to go ringside especially for those who never been to a large tournament before. I also heard that this past ringside was the largest they ever had so your probably right about how they market it I mean they have one of the best sites for gear and soon as you get to their website BAM they're advertising their tournament and people do fall for the WOLRD title gig

[DCAmateurBoxing]

Yea I guess your right on alot of points there because I have heard a few of my boys say they didnt go to the PALs because of college or high school started and I will admit its good experience to go ringside especially for those who never been to a large tournament before. I also heard that this past ringside was the largest they ever had so your probably right about how they market it I mean they have one of the best sites for gear and soon as you get to their website BAM they're advertising their tournament and people do fall for the WOLRD title gig

They had 1,400 boxers participate this year. You're right - the most ever. The other thing that I've heard is that all tournament participation was down this year because of the economy and gas prices making travel really expensive. It was just that much hard to pay for the trips and for people to take off work (boxers/coaches) because most of us need every penny we can get. So, a lot of people looked for the RWC to be their main tournment of the year because no one wanted to save up and go to a tournament and not get any bouts.

[Jamel]

Cant really complain about that Amy, I havent gone through that trouble in a LONG time when it came to getting bouts because being on the All Marine Team we actually have the chance to travel all over to get bouts sometimes Canada and sometimes I tend to forget how hard it is for other gyms to get bouts especially for states thats not big on boxing so I understand why alot of people go to Ringside.

[boxmel]

Ringside provides a great deal of competition for almost every boxer, from age 11 to the Masters Division. It is also a circus, with questionable officiating and so much noise it's hard to hear anything. There are no ranking points given, it is NOT a recognized world championships (actually, with foreign participants, it's an "international club" event, and it doesn't get you anything but experience (not to be sneezed at). It is also located in the middle of the country, making it easier to get to. However, if a boxer wants to realize his or her dream of competing in ranking national tournaments that lead to international experience and, possibly the Olympics, said athlete must put out the effort to get to the U.S. Championships, Golden Gloves and PAL. Other international tounaments include the worlds for the 15-16 year olds (our team is usually made up of the winners of the JO nationals) and the World Youth (former Under-19) and our team is usually made up of those who win the Under 19 national championships.

[babyhuey]

i personally cant say enuff good things about john brown (owner of ringside)
i will always support ringside and there products.

[Dennis]

Another reason for the big turnout at Ringside and not PAL is that for the second time the 2008 U-19 tournament was held in Kansas City alongside the Ringside tournament (in the same venue). USA Boxing has done this because it is a way to keep costs down to host the U-19 tournament. It also helps when clubs can take U-19 boxers, J.O. boxers, novice boxers, open boxers and masters boxers all to the same tournament.

[Dennis]

For masters division boxers, the Ringside Tournament is the only tournament. Really it is the only place to have a realistic chance of them getting a bout. For women it is almost the same.

[Jamel]

Another reason for the big turnout at Ringside and not PAL is that for the second time the 2008 U-19 tournament was held in Kansas City alongside the Ringside tournament (in the same venue). USA Boxing has done this because it is a way to keep costs down to host the U-19 tournament. It also helps when clubs can take U-19 boxers, J.O. boxers, novice boxers, open boxers and masters boxers all to the same tournament.

That is true and very smart of USA Boxing to do, but how come USA Boxing doesnt promote the ringside tournament on their website? I know its not an advancing tournament but I seen them post our "Marine Corps. Invitational Tournament" which isnt an advancing tournament and ALOT smaller then the Ringside Tournament

[Dennis]

Another reason for the big turnout at Ringside and not PAL is that for the second time the 2008 U-19 tournament was held in Kansas City alongside the Ringside tournament (in the same venue). USA Boxing has done this because it is a way to keep costs down to host the U-19 tournament. It also helps when clubs can take U-19 boxers, J.O. boxers, novice boxers, open boxers and masters boxers all to the same tournament.

That is true and very smart of USA Boxing to do, but how come USA Boxing doesnt promote the ringside tournament on their website? I know its not an advancing tournament but I seen them post our "Marine Corps. Invitational Tournament" which isnt an advancing tournament and ALOT smaller then the Ringside Tournament

Good Q. You should send it to USAB and see what they say.

[CoreyWash]

well u gotta think about the timing of the tourneys..ringside is in the summer..the pals are in october..u got alot of people going to school & what not..i bet if the pals were in the summer more ppl would attend it..i know i would..

[boxmel]

PAL will never be in summer. Ringside has hosted the U-19 because it is the only entity who has offered to host the tournament. Normally, these events are put out to bid and are expensive. It's cheaper for Ringside to host along with it's annual tournament. If USA Boxing were to put the Ringside tournament on its calendar, they would have to list every invitational in the country, i.e., Manuel Torres, Desert Showdown, Ohio State Fair, Black Gloves, etc.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

PAL will never be in summer. Ringside has hosted the U-19 because it is the only entity who has offered to host the tournament. Normally, these events are put out to bid and are expensive. It's cheaper for Ringside to host along with it's annual tournament. If USA Boxing were to put the Ringside tournament on its calendar, they would have to list every invitational in the country, i.e., Manuel Torres, Desert Showdown, Ohio State Fair, Black Gloves, etc.

What's wrong with that? How much effort would it take vs. the benefit of actually helping LBCs promote some of these invitationals. I understand about club shows, but if there is a 2-4 day tournament, that would be very helpful to get that information from USABs site. I know it would increase traffic. Also a lot of LBCs don't even have websites, so it would be really helpful.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

There are no ranking points given, it is NOT a recognized world championships (actually, with foreign participants, it's an "international club" event, and it doesn't get you anything but experience (not to be sneezed at). It is also located in the middle of the country, making it easier to get to. However, if a boxer wants to realize his or her dream of competing in ranking national tournaments that lead to international experience and, possibly the Olympics, said athlete must put out the effort to get to the U.S. Championships, Golden Gloves and PAL.

Mel, unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on which side of the fence you're on) the truth is NO MATCH for great marketing. I've spoken to coaches of some of the countries best boxers and THEY don't get this. They really feel like this is a World Title of some sort. Now, I can say that the same boxers that have made the Olympic Team, won US Championships, Golden Gloves, PAL, JOs, etc are well represented at the Ringside. The RWC attracts some of the best because of the reasons I posted earlier. So, on the one hand it's not an advancing tournament, but if you beat national champions at the RWC, it is still a quality win. Maybe that's how a lot of coaches look at it.

It is a pretty hectic event, but the good thing is as a coach or boxer, if you can make it through that - you should be able to handle other tournaments pretty easy as far as the pace, speed and overall organization of boxing tournaments.

[Dennis]

PAL will never be in summer. Ringside has hosted the U-19 because it is the only entity who has offered to host the tournament. Normally, these events are put out to bid and are expensive. It's cheaper for Ringside to host along with it's annual tournament. If USA Boxing were to put the Ringside tournament on its calendar, they would have to list every invitational in the country, i.e., Manuel Torres, Desert Showdown, Ohio State Fair, Black Gloves, etc.

What's wrong with that? How much effort would it take vs. the benefit of actually helping LBCs promote some of these invitationals. I understand about club shows, but if there is a 2-4 day tournament, that would be very helpful to get that information from USABs site. I know it would increase traffic. Also a lot of LBCs don't even have websites, so it would be really helpful.

I agree that USAB should be helping to promote amateur boxing and posting info about any tournament that sends them the information would be a great start.

[boxmel]

There isn't anything wrong with USAB posting all the other invitational tournaments. I do this on my web site mainly because USAB never has. I'm also not going to argue over the merits, or lack of, in regard to Ringside. It is an excellent place to get competition and experience for all athletes and I always recommend it for just that reason.

[Jamel]

overall I believe that Ringside should just promote more then what they do.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

I'm also not going to argue over the merits, or lack of, in regard to Ringside.

Who on this forum has been known to argue? Please point them out, so that we can ban them!

[boxmel]

You, my dear counsel, are totally insufferable! D Probably why I like you....I do like you, don't I :?? :??

[actionfan]

Why does USA boxing not promote the Ringside tournament on it's website? Could it be that EVERLAST is the official sponsor of USA BOXING? WHen I was at the Olympic training center I noticed any Ringside equipment had tape over the Ringside name.So the answer to the question most probably is Money.It's all about the money,honey!

[boxmel]

There is definitely a conflict when it comes to Ringside with Everlast.

[Jamel]

There is definitely a conflict when it comes to Ringside with Everlast.

Yep thats true, I never seen anyone wearing any 8 or 12 oz RINGSIDE gloves at a national tournament.

[DCAmateurBoxing]

There is definitely a conflict when it comes to Ringside with Everlast.

Yep thats true, I never seen anyone wearing any 8 or 12 oz RINGSIDE gloves at a national tournament.

Actually, at the Ringside, they used Grant, Reyes, Ringside brands I'm pretty sure. No Title. . .No Everlast that I remember.

At last year's RWC Grant came and talked about how he was making amateur equipment.

[boxmel]

Actually, at the Ringside, they used Grant, Reyes,

Do they have USA Boxing labels on/in them - did you notice? I don't think Reyes is approved, but could be wrong.