What's Wrong With Amateur Boxing?

Couser · Post by **Couser** » 22 Aug 2006, 08:30

There was a thread in the pro boxing forum about what is wrong with boxing and it got me thinking about what is wrong in Amateur boxing. I think a lot of the problems we see with pro boxers can be directly attributed to the dwindling participation in U.S. Amateur boxing, as well as the lack of quality instruction from the Amateur coaches.

If I recall correctly, I think HBO was speaking about how the recent Amateur fighters all have a similar “Roy Jones” look and feel to them. They were speculating that these Amateur fighters are trying to emulate Jones Jr. style and it is hurting their ability to become more of a complete fighter. If this is accurate, it really tells you a lot about how the coaches in the Amateurs are instructing our youth.

What are your thoughts on the subject?

spoiler · Post by **spoiler** » 22 Aug 2006, 08:52

well basicly its bad habbits. this 'roy jones style' could be called an americasn style. becasue of this we are having a difficult time competing on the world level against countries which have adapted perfect amateur form. it is most important for our coaches to teach the proper techiniques and fighters will adapt and conture there style accordingly. roy jones style can be taught before the basics. look at the cubans, national team members have 300+ bouts and still day to day work on simple basics.

generic screen name · Post by **generic screen name** » 19 Oct 2006, 14:29

Thats BS that style was originally the Ali style. I think the scoring system sucks big time in the Amateurs, which may turn off some fighters.

arizona80 · Post by **arizona80** » 19 Oct 2006, 23:09

i just think its a combo of a couple of things trainers and also fighters

trainers- they dont teach the basic 1-2 punch anymore everyone wants to dance and look pretty and get that knock out punch that not what boxing is ever about

fighters- most of the ones i know want to dance worry about what they look like in the ring not what the stance and jab look like and how they train and if they can get past a 5 round fight which most of them cant no more

Dennis · Post by **Dennis** » 15 Dec 2006, 01:33

I'm resurrecting an old thread. Most of the coaches I know and I know plenty do teach the basics. Some focus so much on the basics that their boxers get bored and quit. Boxing seems so easy to many people, but it is perfecting all the little things that make a boxer great. They have to maintain a good stance with the proper balance. They need to keep their hands up and chin down. They have to throw their punches properly and not open up their defense too much while throwing a punch. They need to perfect the jab and then the straight punch with their other hand (straight right for us orthodox boxers and a straight left for the southpaws). The list goes on and on. Bottom line is the boxers are being taught the basics. The coaches constantly reinforce the basics while trying to teach some advanced techniques. I'm not sure if there is anything wrong with the boxers today. I just think that kids today have a lot more options for their free time and working hard everyday and then getting punched in the face as a bonus isn't every kids dream sport.

davetko · Post by **davetko** » 15 Dec 2006, 09:56

The real problem is that all these coaches try and teach there amateurs to be pros. Problem is that very few make it to the pros, and as a result we are not as good as other countries amateur programs.