How long for boxing

[SamuraiGuy]

Hey im just wondering how long you would have to train in western boxing to be proficient (spelling?) at it... I know there are very few techniques to learn... but how long would it take to learn how to apply these techniques without much thought later in life... im sure you could learn how to throw all the punches PROPERLY and forget three months later but how long do you think it would take to commit them to memory and throw them at 90% effectiveness after a long period of no boxing training. I dont know if I explained myself very well.. but basically how long does it take to learn and retain the fundamentals of boxing?

[Tom Yum]

People scrutinize the sweet science because it only uses 4 techniques - jab cross, hook and uppercut. If you train 3 times a week at a boxing gym or with a boxing coach, you will probably have a basic grasp of fundamentals within 6 months. Within 1 year, you will have a pretty good base of fundamentals, but it really takes many years to put it all together - fundamentals, conditioning, defence, strategy, toughness.

[AlexJitsu]

Meh, don't forget the illegal strikes and the overhand, heh.

[HtTKar]

Depending on your current conditioning, my opinion is about 6 months to a year. And once you learn boxing skills you dont ever forget them, you just get out of practice. Very simple. However, you will want to train with an experienced boxing coach as you dont want to learn bad habits that you cant shake. The skills required to box competitively will take a long time and a lot of practice. To learn basic boxing skills for self defense would take about 6 months working a couple hours 5-7 days a week. Thats just my opinion.

[koto_ryu]

Years and years, just like anything else. To be passable, a year I'd say.