Ira Mitzner Collegiate Boxing Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association
About Ira Mitzner
Ira Mitzner was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1947. Introduced to boxing by his grandfather as a child, the sport’s lessons in grit, resilience, and courage remained with him throughout life—even though he stepped away from active training until age 50. Ira enjoyed a distinguished career as an attorney and took particular satisfaction in quietly mentoring associates and paralegals with a firm but compassionate and perceptive approach. At 50 he returned to boxing and spent the final 16 years of his life training and sparring. Though he never sought competitive accolades, he approached every session determined to improve and to challenge his coach, who helped him play to his strengths. Ira also encouraged friends and colleagues to take up boxing, believing the sport builds toughness, perseverance, and courage.
Scholarship Purpose
The Ira Mitzner Collegiate Boxing Scholarship was created by his family to honor Ira’s bravery, talent, intelligence, and courage, and to support students who share his passion for boxing. The scholarship is intended to help a student pursue higher education while developing the character traits that enabled Ira to succeed both academically and in life.
Awards
Four scholarships of $2,500 each will be granted. Recipients will be announced at the USIBA National Tournament.
Who may apply
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Have completed at least one semester of college.
- Be enrolled full time (minimum of 9 credit hours).
- Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher.
- Be a current USA Boxing member, registered for at least six months.
- Be a current USIBA member, registered for at least six months.
- Have competed in at least one sanctioned bout (developmental or contested).
- Be registered for the upcoming USIBA National Tournament.
Application steps
- Complete the scholarship application included with the USIBA National Tournament registration.
- Provide two letters of recommendation using the supplied forms:
- One letter from your coach (must be a certified USA Boxing coach).
- One letter from a non-family member (cannot be the same person as the coach; an academic advisor or faculty member is recommended).
Submission details
- Email the letters of recommendation to: collegeboxing.usiba@gmail.com
- In the email subject line include your full name and the phrase “Mitzner Scholarship.”
- All application materials and letters must be received by March 1, 2026.
Selection and announcement
Four recipients will be chosen and publicly announced at the USIBA National Tournament.