Around two years of competiting, but I only had 4 fights (won one, lost one, an two were declared draws as they weren't correctly officiated as they were charity shows). I boxed in a small rural club and we had great difficultly getting bouts as we had to fight against other rural clubs. So it was tricky getting somone at the same level and weight category, as well as the same age (I was a junior when I started). And it was hard to get someone to spar against, so it was difficult for any of us to advance in the big annual competitions (though a kid from our place did win the Ulster Boys title).
All in all though, I have trained for about 7 years. I still go down to a gym about once a month to keep myself right, but obviously that is not enough to be a comptent boxer. I just have too many other things to do to commit myself to it 3-4 nights a week like I use to.
Even though I study Judo now, I still do my bag work at home too.
Suppose it was fun when I was a kid, but I had some bad injuries. Had an awful headache for almost a week after my first bout, and the bout I lost had to be stopped due to getting my nose busted open (they have low tolerance for that sort of thing in the amateurs) I wanted to continue but my coach told the ref that was it. Think it was because I was only 17 at the time though.
But I've had my "career"
. As younger man I had a fanciful notion of turning pro as to make a few extra bob. The British Boxing Board of Control said that about 2 out of every 3 boxers in the UK are part time, i.e. they have other jobs they work at. So I figured I do it for a while and get some extra cash.
But had a chat with guy who was a trainer for pro's and he talked me out of it. He said the rewards were pathetic when weighed against the dangers and costs of pro boxing. He recalled a story to me of a Belarussian who boxed on a show in England. He said the guy was promised a purse of £4000 by the promoter. So he came over and boxed and got beaten. He left with a little under £900. The promoter didn't tell the fighter that the cost of his flights, accomodation, taxes etc... were all to be deducted.
That story, more than any other, put me off. I told the trainer I had a boring yet solid Civil Service job, and he told me I should keep at it and turn it in to a good career. I took his advice.
Sorry for hijacking the thread, am sure I have bored you all to death!