Training for the Paris Olympics 2024, introducing boxer Daisy Bamberger

California based Daisy Bamberger is an up and coming Latina American boxer who might not have made Tokyo but is aiming for the next summer Olympics in Paris in 2024 (only three years to wait thanks to COVID rather than the normal four!).

Before we tell you more about how Daisy started boxing, here are some facts about the women’s version of the sport.

Boxing for women

Weight divisions

There are five weight divisions for women’s boxing. We don’t normally talk about weight on our platforms but in boxing, fighting within the correct weight division is a safety measure! You could be at risk of serious injury if you were to fight someone from a higher weight division.

Flyweight - 48 - 51 kg

Featherweight - 54 - 57 kg

Lightweight - 57 - 60 kg

Welterweight - 64 - 69 kg

Middleweight - 69 - 75 kg

Rounds, moves and protection

Fighting takes place in 2 or 3 minute rounds for women depending on the competition (Olympics - 3 minutes) and in those rounds the aim is to hit your opponent to defeat them - you can knock them to the floor so that they can’t get back up or the winner will be decided on points by the referee.

It sounds violent but there is a great deal of skill involved. Boxers need to be strong but light on their feet; they need to be able to act decisively with their choice of punch (jab, upper cut and hooks) but also react to what their opponent throws at them; and they need to be resilient - get back up and carry on.

At the Olympics, boxers wear protective padding but professional boxers do not.

Now onto Daisy!

Daisy Bamberger

Tell us about your sport, how is it played, what are the rules, what’s involved, what kit do you need?

Amateur boxing bouts are determined by age, weight and gender. Depending on your age, you fight three 1, 2 or 3 minute rounds. The winner is determined by points, or knockout. Headgear, mouth guard, hand wraps and red or blue uniforms are required during competition.

Why and how did you start boxing?

My dad competed as an amateur boxer and would take me to the boxing gym with him when he trained. As I got older, I was a bit overweight and was being bullied at school. So, my dad asked if I wanted to learn how to box. In the beginning, I was boxing to lose weight and gain confidence! However, after time I grew to love the sport and wanted to compete!

How did you feel when you first started?

When I first started boxing I was not nervous! I was excited to learn! However, the first time I sparred (practice fight) another girl I was super nervous. But as soon as the bell rang all my nerves went away! After my first sparring session, my confidence grew which made me want to continue sparring and eventually, competing.

What have been the highlights for you?

The highlights of my amateur boxing career thus far have been becoming a 10 X USA Boxing National Champion and training at the United States Olympic training center.

Thank you Daisy! Daisy is going to do an insta takeover with us soon so keep your eyes peeled for that. And let’s wish Daisy lots of luck on her road to Paris!