ELITE BOXING TEAM

THIS PROGRAM REQUIRES EXTREME DEDICATION

Elite-level boxing cannot be treated as an after-school hobby.

Athletes accepted into this program must organize their lifestyle around training, recovery, competition, travel, and continued development.

​

HOMESCHOOLING IS REQUIRED

Elite Team athletes must be homeschooled.

​

The training schedule, travel requirements, competition schedule, camps, and additional preparation required at this level are not compatible with a traditional school schedule.

​

Education remains important, but the athlete must have the flexibility necessary to train and travel when required.

​

COMPETITION EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Athletes entering the Elite Team should normally have a minimum of:

26 amateur boxing bouts.

​

An athlete with fewer than 26 bouts may still be considered if he or she has already accumulated significant experience against national-level competition and has demonstrated the ability to compete successfully at that level.

Fight totals alone do not determine whether an athlete is ready.

​

Quality of opposition, tournament experience, technical development, composure, conditioning, coachability, and competitive performance will all be considered.

​

PHYSICAL ENTRY STANDARDS

Before entering the Elite Team, an athlete must be capable of completing:

300 PUSH-UPS

300 SIT-UPS

3-MILE RUN IN 18:00 OR BETTER

​

These are minimum entry standards, not final performance goals.

​

Elite Team athletes will be expected to maintain and continue improving their conditioning as their level of competition increases.

​

An athlete who cannot meet the physical standards is not yet prepared for the demands of the Elite Team.

​

ELITE TEAM TRAINING SCHEDULE

Elite Team athletes must be available for daytime training.

​

REQUIRED TRAINING AVAILABILITY

10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Training schedules may change depending on:

• Upcoming tournaments

• Competition dates

• Training camps

• Sparring needs

• Opponent preparation

• Weight management

• Travel

• Recovery

• Individual athlete development

​

Athletes must have the flexibility to train when the coaching staff determines training is necessary.

​

TRAVEL IS PART OF THE PROGRAM

Elite Team members must be available to travel for competition.

​

At this level, athletes cannot choose only the tournaments that are convenient or close to home.

The goal is to gain the experience necessary to compete against the strongest available opposition.

​

Athletes may be required to travel for:

• Regional tournaments

• National championships

• Qualifying events

• National-level tournaments

• International opportunities

• Training camps

• Specialized sparring

• Competition preparation

​

Athletes and their families must understand the commitment involved before entering the program.

​

OUT-OF-STATE TRAINING CAMPS

Training camps may be established when necessary to prepare an athlete for a major competition.

​

Camps may take place in Arizona or other states, depending on the level of competition, available sparring, tournament location, and the specific needs of the athlete.

​

Elite Team athletes must be prepared to temporarily relocate for training when a camp is considered necessary.

These camps are part of serious fighter development and may become increasingly important as an athlete approaches national, international, Olympic, or professional-level competition.

​

THE PATHWAY TO PROFESSIONAL BOXING

The Elite Boxing Team is also designed as a development pathway for athletes who may eventually transition into professional boxing.

​

Turning professional should not simply happen because an athlete reaches a certain age or accumulates a certain number of amateur fights.

​

The goal is to develop the fighter first.

​

That includes:

• Technical boxing ability

• Defense

• Footwork and positioning

• Ring intelligence

• Conditioning

• Discipline

• Mental maturity

• Experience against high-level opposition

• Ability to make adjustments

• Professional training habits

• Consistency inside and outside the gym

​

When the athlete is truly prepared, the transition from elite amateur boxing into professional competition can be evaluated.

​

There is no shortcut to becoming a professional fighter.

​

ACCEPTANCE INTO THE ELITE TEAM

Meeting the minimum requirements does not automatically place an athlete on the Elite Team.

Each boxer will be evaluated individually.

​

Acceptance is based on factors including:

• Current boxing ability

• Amateur experience

• Level of previous competition

• Conditioning

• Work ethic

• Attendance

• Coachability

• Discipline

• Maturity

• Family commitment

• Willingness to travel

• Ability to maintain the required training schedule

• Long-term competitive potential

​

The athlete, family, and coaching staff must all understand the commitment before moving into this level of development.

​

THIS IS NOT THE NEXT CLASS — IT IS THE NEXT LEVEL

The Elite Team is not simply what comes after the Amateur Competition Program.

​

It represents a completely different level of commitment.

​

An amateur boxer can compete, improve, win tournaments, and have a successful boxing experience without entering the Elite Team.

​

The Elite Team is specifically for the small percentage of athletes attempting to take boxing significantly further.

For those athletes, the expectations increase.

​

The training increases.

The travel increases.

The competition becomes stronger.

And the sacrifices become greater.

​

THINK YOU ARE READY FOR THE ELITE TEAM?

Athletes currently participating in the Amateur Competition Program who believe they meet the requirements may speak directly with Coach Al regarding an evaluation.

​

Elite Team participation is selective and requires Coach approval.

​

Olympic Development • National Competition • Elite Amateur Boxing • Professional Fighter Pathway