The roots of amateur boxing in Indiana have always been grounded in discipline, opportunity, and progression. That lineage was on full display this past weekend in Columbus, as the Indiana Silver Gloves Tournament brought together the state’s top young fighters — and offered a clear look at where Indiana boxing is headed next.
Managed by H3 Athletix and directed by Seth Caffee, Indiana’s LBC Secretary, the event served as more than a competition. It was a checkpoint in a statewide pipeline that continues to grow stronger at the youth level.
A Premier Entry Point in the Boxing Pipeline
Often described as the Golden Gloves for kids, the Indiana Silver Gloves stands as one of the largest advancing youth boxing tournaments in the country, catering to athletes ages 8–17. According to Caffee, its importance extends far beyond state borders.
“The Silver Gloves is one of the largest advancing tournaments in the country for young boxers,” Caffee said. “It’s the premier preparation tournament for the future stars of boxing.”
To advance, fighters must first win their state bracket. From there, champions move on to a highly competitive regional that includes Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Delaware — a region stacked with national boxing hotbeds like Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Louisville. Regional winners then earn a spot at the Silver Gloves Nationals, placing Indiana athletes on a national stage early in their development.
Indiana’s Growth After the Pandemic
While many states saw their boxing infrastructure weaken after COVID, Indiana has quietly moved in the opposite direction.
“A lot of gyms collapsed due to Covid,” Caffee explained. “That wasn’t necessarily the case for Indiana. Our goal has been to grow the state in every facet — boxers, gyms, coaches, officials, and events.”
That commitment is showing tangible results. Indiana’s youth development has fueled success at the senior level, including a record-setting Indiana Golden Gloves tournament last year — one of the largest advancing tournaments in the nation.
Indiana’s regional performances underscore that growth. Two years ago, the state placed third overall at regionals. Last year, Indiana finished one point shy of placing, an unprecedented run in recent history and a reflection of deeper, more competitive talent across weight classes.
“The Silver Gloves is the seed for long-term development,” Caffee said. “Our state is growing because of tournaments like this.”
A Tournament That’s Getting Tougher to Win
This year’s Indiana Silver Gloves marked another milestone: a two-day state tournament, something the event hadn’t seen in years.
“That’s because of the growth in experience,” Caffee noted. “Winning the Indiana tournament is becoming more difficult, and that creates more pride in the victories.”
That pride was visible throughout the weekend — not just in raised hands, but in the emotion surrounding them. Caffee recalled watching a young fighter break down in tears after winning, overwhelmed by the moment and the work it took to get there.
“The pride is contagious,” he said. “You see intensity and passion, but you also see sportsmanship and support. It’s a special atmosphere.”
Why Media Coverage Matters
Indiana Preps’ decision to begin covering amateur boxing is a strategic one — and, according to Caffee, a necessary step for the sport’s future.
“Exposure is one of the key aspects of life in every field,” he said. “Most people only think of professional boxing. That’s the show business. The amateur side is where you find the heart of the sport.”
Greater visibility allows families, fans, and future sponsors to see the athletes and culture that exist outside televised fights — the work ethic, respect, and competitive integrity that define amateur boxing.
Lessons Beyond the Ring
For parents and young fighters alike, the Silver Gloves offers more than medals or advancement opportunities. It delivers experience that can’t be replicated in the gym alone.
“Tournaments are one of the best ways to gain experience outside the gym,” Caffee said. “During the Silver Gloves, boxers can gain almost ten bouts of experience from the state level through nationals.”
Perhaps most telling is what happens as fighters advance. Rivals at the state level often become teammates at regionals and nationals, cheering for one another as representatives of Indiana.
“The life skills that combat sports teach,” Caffee added, “are second to none.”
Rising Stars and What’s Next
This year’s tournament featured standout performances across multiple divisions, with several athletes positioning themselves as names to watch within the state and beyond.
As Indiana Preps expands its coverage into amateur boxing, the Silver Gloves will serve as a cornerstone event — a proving ground where Indiana’s next generation of fighters begins to separate itself.
From its grassroots foundation to its national implications, the message from Columbus was clear:
Indiana boxing isn’t just growing — it’s building something sustainable.