How to Get a Boxing License

Both boxers and promoters generally need to get a boxing license to participate or put on boxing events in a particular state. U.S. states typically have some kind of athletic commission or other government agency that issues boxing licenses.

Examples of agencies that issue boxing licenses include the Nevada State Athletic Commission and the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board. As you can see, not all licensing agencies use the term “boxing commission.” However, some do, such as the Arizona State Boxing Commission.

Note that getting a license to box or promote boxing events in one state is not going to be sufficient in another state. While it may be easier to get a second or subsequent license in another jurisdiction, you will still have to follow the rules, regulations and boxing licensing standards of each state to get a local license. This is because boxing is regulated by the states on an individual basis, not the federal government. There is no national boxing license or promoter’s license.

To find out the rules of a particular state, head over to the Elite MMA Referee School website. On that site, there is a page with links to each state’s athletic commission. Although this is an MMA site, the same commissions usually issue licenses for boxing, mixed martial arts, and professional wrestling. Of course, judges and referees also get licenses from these athletic commissions.

The typical requirements for a boxer’s license are a clean bill of health and the ability to effectively compete against a particular opponent. Generally, it would be difficult to just walk in off the street and get a license to fight unless you have evidence of previous training or are fighting against other unskilled opponents. For promoters, financial responsibility is important, and morals can become an issue. Certain criminal convictions could be enough for an athletic commission to deny a license to a promoter of boxing. Experience (or the lack of experience) in participating in the management or promotion of events in the past may also be a deciding factor.

Caution: Many boxers or promoters have licenses in multiple states. Losing a license in one state will often result in an equal suspension of licensing privileges in other states. You will want to keep your nose clean in every state to avoid losing a boxing or promoter’s license virtually everywhere.

Resources:

Elite MMA Referee School: Links to State Athletic Commissions


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