how to start my boxing career

ive been boxing on and off for 4 years. im 17 right now i have no real fights just sparring so far ive dislocated my shoulder 5 times in those 4 years and just had surgery november. its getting back up to strength so in a couple of months i hope to start again. So what im asking is. Is there still hope for me? i have some experience and it runs in my genes when i first started it came natural actually just the running got me. ive been smoking since my surgery too and i know thats not good but i guess i learn the hard way. well is there still hope for me to turn pro if so what work outs could i do and what else would i need to make a career?

I don't know if you train at a gym, it's hard to tell from your post. If you don't get your ass down to the gym, that's the best(if not the only) way to get fights.

But before that, get your shoulder up to full strength. You said that you had surgery, hopefully that will help. You can still do roadwork and keep your conditioning up to par in the meantime, but don't push it and re-injure your shoulder.

And before ALL of this, QUIT SMOKING! I don't care what you saw on Rocky, smoking is terrible for you, not just as a person, but as a boxer. If you really dream of being a pro, you'll quit today.

I can tell you from my own experiences with trying and still trying to do the same thing in another sport. Winners do things that non winners dont do. quite simply if your trying to become a proffesional athlete every choice you make you have to ask yourself is this good for my game? because if it isnt it isnt worth doing.

is 17 going on 18 too late to start boxing? i weight 120 and i have a decent chin with a great defence. has been proved in street fights... plenty.
and is 12 too early? my lil bro only weights 85 pounds...lol

I think if you have a good trainer, you should really talk to them seriously about taking your game to the next level. They are the ones that will help you get their, and are probably in the best position to give you the most honest answer, whether it's the answer you want or not. If you are 100% commited to getting to the next level, then I think it's irrelevant what anyone on here says, or even your trainer! If you can work hard enough, ANYTHING is possible.

Same with the person who posted just above. It is NEVER to late to start boxing. You can start boxing at age 40 and still have another 20 years of fun with it!!! To start boxing at 40 and become a pro? you'd be dreaming,,, but it's never to late to start learning a great sport and keeping yourself fit in the process.... As long as your realistic in your goals, IT'S NEVER TO OLD TO DO ANYTHING!!

Back to the original poster, you should also talk to a doctor and a good physio about your shoulder. Maybe their is a problem their and a good physio might tell you if you continue to box you may fk your shoulder up for life. Now that makes your decision a little easier...

I think anyone on here may be able to suggest things, or give you motivation either way, but when it comes to a decision, that's all up to you.... only you know what you want and probably know whats best for you at the same time... And in a much better position to judge your next move than anyone on here...

Good luck with whatever you do and everyone on here will always be happy to help you along the way...