I am relatively new to boxing and am wondering if my height and reach are too small for the heavyweight division. I am 6' 1.5" tall with a 76.5" reach.
US Olympic team in 2008 had a heavyweight (under 201lbs/98kg) that was 6'11" (2.1m) and a super heavyweight (over 201lbs/98kg) that was 6'1" (185cm). A lot of people are going to say "yes, it's too small"; because lately nobody wants to recommend anyone to fight heavyweight unless they're 6'4" (193cm). Which is actually kind of funny, because saying Tyson was 5'11" is being very generous (ie. there were many ATGs that were under 6' tall). Ultimately, it's up to you. If you train hard, get in shape, and feel strong; it really shouldn't matter where you're weight is. You're going to fight bigger stronger guys in any weight class you're able to make, it's just a fact of life. You can play the cutting weight game, but it'll take your focus off your performance, and probably shorten your career as a result. Train hard. Make sure you've got the endurance to go the full fight. Make sure you've got the speed to land punches. Make sure you've got the footwork to get on your horse if need be. Make sure you feel strong. Learn what you're doing so you can handle yourself wherever the fight goes. Make sure you get good sparring so you can have solid timing and defense. When the coach tells you that you're ready, go fight. Otherwise, doing crazy things to your body will leave you with regrets in the future. Look at Ricky Hatton.
