www.abae.org.uk
How is amateur boxing different from
professional boxing?
Amateur boxing differs from professional boxing in a number of ways. The
amateur boxer must hit a ‘target area’ - the head or body of his
opponent, above the belt. Each ringside judge has a computer scoring
button to press for each boxer, and three of the five must hit their
button within one second of each other for the point to register.
Amateur boxers wear red or blue strips and protective headwear. Their
gloves weigh 10 ounces and feature a white strip on the main hitting
area around the knuckles. This is the part of the glove that must strike
the target area in order for a point to register.
Rounds are limited to four two-minute rounds, whereas professional
boxers can box in rounds of 12. The winner is the fighter with the most
points, unless the referee stops the bout before the final bell.
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What does the Amateur Boxing Association do?
Amateur boxing in England is governed by the Amateur Boxing Association
of England Ltd (ABAE)
The ABAE works to ensure that the sport is accessible people of all
ages, genders and backgrounds. The sport currently has 707 affiliated
clubs and a competitive base
of over 10,000 registered boxers, behind
which are over 20,000 individuals who deploy its training methods as
part of health-related fitness programmes. All of these participants are
members of boxing clubs. High-profile boxers such as Amir Khan and
Audley Harrison enjoyed Olympic success as amateurs, but the grass roots
of the sport are equally as important to the ABAE as the medal winners.
Amateur boxing embraces diversity, including ethnic minorities and
impoverished communities. Many of those involved in boxing are members
of the travelling community. As well as this, boxing clubs are
recognised for their significant contribution to the welfare of
youngsters who might well involve themselves in criminal activity.
How safe is amateur boxing?
Amateur boxing is a safe and highly regulated activity (currently
57th in the RoSPA league of dangerous sporting activities, including the
professional code) and is now attracting significant numbers of women
and girls who, along with their male counterparts, are engaged in the
fitness/non-contact elements or the competitive sport itself. |
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How is boxing involved with schools?
Boxing in schools can benefit children of both sexes in a number of
ways. It improves fitness and co-ordination, reaches out to the
disengaged and improves self esteem and confidence. Boxing helps
children acquire skills that are integral to the National Curriculum,
such as:
• Partner-work
• Self discipline
• Movement and balance
• Strength and stamina
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The introduction of the
ABAE Boxing Tutor Awards has been a further boost for boxing in
schools. People from
all backgrounds can now become qualified boxing tutors and help to
promote the recreational, non-contact side of the sport.
English amateur boxing has never been stronger. Promoting boxing in
schools will not only impact
positively upon pupils, but will spur these children on to increase
our chances of producing medal successes at
the 2012 Olympics.
How can I get involved or learn more about
amateur boxing?
Visit the website of the ABAE (www.abae.org.uk)
or contact the association to find out where your nearest
club is. There are many ways to get involved; whether
you want to box competitively, become an official
(such as a judge or referee) or simply get yourself fit.
What do other people have to say about amateur boxing?
Sports Minister Richard Caborn says: “Boxing can engage young people
in a way that other things can't. Therefore it is absolutely crucial
and we are very supportive of developing it, particularly in inner
city areas. This'll give kids a chance to be able to develop
themselves in the right way rather than in the wrong way.”
Speaking about boxing in schools in the Daily Mirror, Barry McGuigan
said: “Amateur boxing has taken every step to make safety a
priority. Boxing is a metaphor for life. The need to survive is
woven into the discipline. It is worth bearing in mind that it
teaches young men and women the importance of fighting by fair
means, not foul.”
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