College boxing teams have been around since the late 1800s, but the sport saw a decline in popularity in the mid-20th century. In recent years, however, there has been a resurgence in the sport with more and more universities, colleges, and even high schools offering boxing teams.
The National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA), the governing body for college boxing, is the largest governing body for the sport and is comprised of over 100 clubs in the United States. In addition, there are two other sanctioning bodies, the National Intercollegiate Boxing Association (NIBA) and the Intercollegiate Boxing Association (IBA). The NCBA allows for a wide range of competition levels, from amateur to semi-professional, and is divided into three divisions: Division I (NCBA DI), Division II (NCBA DII), and Division III (NCBA DIII).
The resurgence of college boxing teams is due to the increased popularity of the sport, thanks to the rise of professional boxing stars like Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr., and Canelo Alvarez. In addition, the sport has seen a rise in popularity due to the emergence of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Many college boxers are now using their skills to compete in MMA and the UFC.
It's clear that college boxing teams are still a thing. With more and more universities, colleges, and high schools offering the sport, it's likely that the sport will continue to grow in popularity in the years to come.
The History of College Boxing Teams
College boxing teams have been around since the early days of American college athletics. In the late 1800s, boxing was one of the most popular sports on college campuses across the United States. It was seen as a way for students to hone their fighting skills and build character.
In the 1920s and 1930s, college boxing teams began to become more organized, with teams competing in intercollegiate matches. These matches were often highly competitive and drew large crowds.
However, in the 1940s, the popularity of college boxing declined due to the rise of professional boxing. The NCAA eventually banned the sport in 1960, effectively ending the era of college boxing teams.
Are College Boxing Teams Still a Thing?
Today, college boxing teams are still a thing, though they are much less common than they used to be. There are currently only a handful of college boxing teams in the United States, mostly located in California and New York.
These teams often compete in intercollegiate matches, as well as local and regional tournaments. They are also used as training grounds for amateur boxers looking to hone their skills before turning pro.
How to Get Started
If you’re interested in joining a college boxing team, your first step is to contact the athletic department at the school you’re interested in attending. Ask about their boxing program and see if they offer any team or individual instruction.
If they do, you’ll also want to inquire about the requirements for joining the team. Generally speaking, you’ll need to be in good physical condition and have some boxing experience. You’ll also need to get a physical and provide proof of insurance.
What to Expect
If you join a college boxing team, you can expect a rigorous practice schedule and a lot of hard work. You’ll need to be dedicated to the team and willing to put in the effort to improve your skills.
You can also expect to compete in intercollegiate matches, as well as local and regional tournaments. As a college boxer, you’ll have the opportunity to travel and compete against other teams, which can be a great experience.
You can also expect to learn a lot about the sport and improve your overall boxing skills. College boxing teams provide a great opportunity to learn the fundamentals of boxing and gain valuable experience.
