The Olympic cycle has ended, and the election for the new President of the Italian Boxing Federation is approaching. What can be done to improve? How can we bring Italian boxing back to the top in both amateur and professional spheres? I don’t have a specific preference for any candidate, but one thing is clear: the new President will have plenty of work to do.
Firstly, because, given the poor results at the Paris Olympics, the financial resources allocated by the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) will be reduced; and secondly, because the new federal council will need to rebuild the entire technical structure of the National Team, with the hope of boosting federal funds through some revenue in the next four years.
1) Collaborating with Schools to Introduce Children to Boxing
In my opinion, we need to start by nurturing children’s talent. Those approaching boxing should ideally begin around ages 7 or 8. Establishing a collaboration with primary and middle schools is essential. Trained personnel could provide instruction once a week during physical education classes, guiding children and teenagers through a training session (focused on athletic preparation) without overdoing the intensity or using gloves. This would bring boxing into schools in a playful and natural way.
The instructors must have the necessary qualifications to teach pre-boxing skills to children. The Regional Committee President should play a key role in securing spaces and agreements with the relevant entities. This idea may seem utopian, but it is feasible.
2) Establishing a Tournament Among Italian Regions
Regional Committees should compete more frequently. Each region would assemble a team of boxers, which could vary over time but would always represent the best talent. These teams would face off in a series of matches, earning points. At the end of the year, the four highest-scoring regions would compete in two semi-finals and a final to determine the “Champion Region of Italy.”
The participating athletes would also earn individual points, allowing the best from each region to compete for the national title in a tournament. It’s a complex formula but an achievable one.
3) Appointing a Marketing Consultant for Each Regional Committee
Regional Committees should have the freedom to seek sponsorships to organize as many events as possible. They should hire a marketing consultant who can find advertising solutions to promote boxing. Each committee should also have a center to develop the best possible team and organize more frequent matches locally.
4) Limiting Athletes’ Olympic Participation
I wouldn’t change the mechanisms for transitioning from amateur to professional boxing. Every athlete should have the opportunity to compete as a professional, and those who choose to remain amateurs shouldn’t be forced to turn pro. However, those aiming for a permanent spot on the National Team should be limited to participating in no more than two Olympic Games.
5) Elevating the Role of Boxers’ Managers
Those managing professional boxers, often the same coaches training them, should collaborate with top-tier managers to ensure the athlete can earn income even as an amateur. Some may not achieve greatness as amateurs but could fulfill modest dreams as professionals. Others might aspire to represent the National Team, while some may aim to become global boxing stars.
6) Prioritizing Amateur Boxing
A key focus should be on amateur boxing, which is currently experiencing significant growth. Coaches working with amateur boxers should collaborate with those managing competitive boxing to identify as many potential athletes as possible and guide them toward competitive careers.
7) Encouraging Gyms to Appoint Resource-Finding Advisors
Every gym in Italy should appoint one or more individuals responsible for securing funding and promoting boxing. This person, titled “society advisor,” would be officially registered for their role.
The Regional Committee would gain additional affiliations and revenue while issuing a license upon passing an exam. This initiative has been tried before by the Federation but failed due to a focus solely on elite athletes without addressing generational turnover. A “marketing consultant” role would benefit Italian boxing at all levels—region by region, gym by gym.
Critics might argue, “It costs too much!” but that’s not true, as the consultant would secure the resources themselves.
These are my humble ideas to provide hope and a future for every young person entering the world of the Noble Art.