Amateur boxing is a separate sport from professional boxing, with a number of additional safety precautions, as well as opportunities for adults of all ages to compete. Competitors wear headgear and use bigger gloves, and bouts are limited to a total of three rounds.
USA Boxing is the sanctioning organization for all amateur boxing matches, with a Senior Division for adults aged 19-40, as well as a Master’s division for adults 35 and over, which matches opponents by age, weight, and gender, with opponents being within ten years of age.
If you are serious about competing, the best way to start is by finding your local boxing gym, and ask if they have an amateur program. The good gyms will teach you the fundamentals, while also giving you the opportunity to start sparring at a timeline and intensity level that is comfortable for you.