"Am I too old to start boxing?"

I think in my time here (and that isn't a HUGE amount of time), I think i've read 200 times the question "am i too old to start boxing", "is 17 to old to start boxing", "can I still become a pro if i'm 23 now", "how old do you need to be to start boxing".....

They are very open ended questions that no one can really answer....

To the question "am I to old to start boxing"? The answer is, NO... You can be 4 or 104, as long as you can still lift your arms and throw them out, you can start boxing. It's that simple. Not everyone who plays tennis aims to win a grand slam. Thousands & Thousands of people play tennis every day trying to better themselves and keep fit, but 99.9% of them will never compete at a high level, or possibly ever want to.
It seems that EVERYONE thinks that before you start boxing, it has to be analyzed whether you're old enough to become world champion before you even thinnkkkk of going to the gym. For someone to become a world champion, it takes every inch of their heart/soul & body to get their. And if every part of your body, heart & soul is in becoming world champion, you certainly won't be wasting your time on here asking people if you are to old to start. You'd be in the gym training.
Boxing is a great sport! It is fun number 1. It is challenging. It will test you all the time. It keeps you fit. It stimulates your mind. It is great in thousands of ways and can benifit you as a being to no end!! No one is ever to old to take benifit from starting boxing. And the decision to start or not lays firmly on your shoulders. Forget age, forget weight, forget everything! Seek out a gym, or download/buy some instruction video's, get some equipment, and start training & having fun....
That is boxing!! NO ONE needs to weigh up their ability to become a champion before they start.. You know, their will always be younger people that are better than you.
On money issues, do you decide at age 25 that you are to old to start making millions because you've heard of other people who are 19 that have already made millions? Do you decide at age 50 that you're to old to start making millions because most people twice as young as you have made millions already?? Trust me, when your 50 and deciding that you want to make millions, you'll be wishing you'd started when you were 25.
The exact same goes for boxing! I started boxing at age 22. I remember when I was 16!!! thinking to myself that I am to old to start boxing because I assumed people at the gym had probably been training since they were 6 and would be WAY better than me. I now wish I HAD started when I was 16. I would be twice as good as I am now and probably 4 times better than most people around me.... But, I put it off all those years ago by second guessing myself based on what level I thought everyone else was at. Now I have to regret it. It's a gaurantee that just about ANNNYTHING in the WORLD you can POSSIBLY think of starting, their will be people younger, and better than you at it!! FACT!!! But is that a reason not to start? Does that mean YOU won't get as much out of it?? No f'n way!

My question to you is, do you want to keep asking yourself today "am I to old to start boxing?".. because I gaurantee if you have any passion to start this sport, it's not worth waiting another 4 years to ask yourself the same question again. And you will in 4 years... and the question will be just as irrelavent in 4 years as it is today... You are NEVER to old to start boxing!!! You'l just be 4 years older than the LAST time you considered starting!! You'd be shocked how much you can improve over 4 years!!! shocked!! so why the hell waste those 4 years, or ANY years, considering whether you're to old.... Trust me, you're never going to get any younger....

Are you to old to become a champion PRO? That's a totally different question and involves a hell of a lot more things than age. And I think if you are seriously considering being a PRO boxer, then it probably does require you to be fairly young if you want to really excel.. That's assuming you havn't boxed much. If you're 30 but have been training since you were 10, you could probably have a bit of fun in the Pro's. You may not become world champ, but is that really your goal?

Look, I could go on forever but I think the question is relevant to just about everything in life. You ask yourself if your toooo old or tooooo 'whateverrrr' to start something, because you are doubtful of yourself. The only way you will ever get where you want is to stop thinking of reasons why 'NOT' to do something, and just get the f'ck in there and do it! The sooner you dive in, the sooner you'll start to get something out of it!!!

No excuses and no regrets!!

[ Edit : Okay a sticky is fine 8) ]

;D happy boxing everyone!

I have stickied it... because you seem to answer pretty well yourself! ;)

I've left this open though... so if the so called 'wise' people you where talking about want to add their 2 cents then they can... :)

Thats a terrific post all true cc Diz

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Originally Posted by Dizaster

I think in my time here (and that isn't a HUGE amount of time), I think i've read 200 times the question "am i too old to start boxing", "is 17 to old to start boxing", "can I still become a pro if i'm 23 now", "how old do you need to be to start boxing".....

They are very open ended questions that no one can really answer....

To the question "am I to old to start boxing"? The answer is, NO... You can be 4 or 104, as long as you can still lift your arms and throw them out, you can start boxing. It's that simple. Not everyone who plays tennis aims to win a grand slam. Thousands & Thousands of people play tennis every day trying to better themselves and keep fit, but 99.9% of them will never compete at a high level, or possibly ever want to.
It seems that EVERYONE thinks that before you start boxing, it has to be analyzed whether you're old enough to become world champion before you even thinnkkkk of going to the gym. For someone to become a world champion, it takes every inch of their heart/soul & body to get their. And if every part of your body, heart & soul is in becoming world champion, you certainly won't be wasting your time on here asking people if you are to old to start. You'd be in the gym training.
Boxing is a great sport! It is fun number 1. It is challenging. It will test you all the time. It keeps you fit. It stimulates your mind. It is great in thousands of ways and can benifit you as a being to no end!! No one is ever to old to take benifit from starting boxing. And the decision to start or not lays firmly on your shoulders. Forget age, forget weight, forget everything! Seek out a gym, or download/buy some instruction video's, get some equipment, and start training & having fun....
That is boxing!! NO ONE needs to weigh up their ability to become a champion before they start.. You know, their will always be younger people that are better than you.
On money issues, do you decide at age 25 that you are to old to start making millions because you've heard of other people who are 19 that have already made millions? Do you decide at age 50 that you're to old to start making millions because most people twice as young as you have made millions already?? Trust me, when your 50 and deciding that you want to make millions, you'll be wishing you'd started when you were 25.
The exact same goes for boxing! I started boxing at age 22. I remember when I was 16!!! thinking to myself that I am to old to start boxing because I assumed people at the gym had probably been training since they were 6 and would be WAY better than me. I now wish I HAD started when I was 16. I would be twice as good as I am now and probably 4 times better than most people around me.... But, I put it off all those years ago by second guessing myself based on what level I thought everyone else was at. Now I have to regret it. It's a gaurantee that just about ANNNYTHING in the WORLD you can POSSIBLY think of starting, their will be people younger, and better than you at it!! FACT!!! But is that a reason not to start? Does that mean YOU won't get as much out of it?? No f'n way!

My question to you is, do you want to keep asking yourself today "am I to old to start boxing?".. because I gaurantee if you have any passion to start this sport, it's not worth waiting another 4 years to ask yourself the same question again. And you will in 4 years... and the question will be just as irrelavent in 4 years as it is today... You are NEVER to old to start boxing!!! You're just 4 years older than the LST time you considered starting!! You'd be shocked how much you can improve over 4 years!!! shocked!! so why the hell waste those 4 years, or ANY years, considering whether you're to old.... Trust me, you're never going to get any younger....

Are you to old to become a champion PRO? That's a totally different question and involves a hell of a lot more things than age. And I think if you are seriously considering being a PRO boxer, then it probably does require you to be fairly young if you want to really excel.. That's assuming you havn't boxed much. If you're 30 but have been training since you were 10, you could probably have a bit of fun in the Pro's. You may not become world champ, but is that really your goal?

Look, I could go on forever but I think the question is relevant to just about everything in life. You ask yourself if your toooo old or tooooo 'whateverrrr' to start something, because you are doubtful of yourself. The only way you will ever get where you want is to stop thinking of reasons why 'NOT' to do something, and just get the f'ck in there and do it! The sooner you dive in, the sooner you'll start to get something out of it!!!

No excuses and no regrets!!

And pleasse donnnnt sticky this post becuase i'm hella sure that someone else can respond to this 'age' old question (pardon the pun) a lot better than I have right here... I was really just aiming to recognise the need for someone to answer this question wisely,, and once and for all...

;D happy boxing everyone!

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great posting my man

im going to start boxing in a few weeks. but if i ever get to fight u, dont be surprised if i K.O. u, jk

:coolclick:

I was just thinking this myself because im 16 and i think i will probably take your advice and start.

^^^^ Yeah, absolutely go for it! Hopefully this sticky helps give MANY people a little push to get going if they are having second thoughts about whatever reason, not just age...

But 16 is still a great time to start and if you're still at it and going strong by 20, you could pretty damn good at it... If you want to put it in perspective, a guy just joined my gym who is 48 years old. He came in in a suit about 2 months ago to ask about prices and classes. He then drove off in his bmw, but has been back to 2 classes a week since. His first session you could tell he probably hadn't done much physical exercise in years. He could barely skip. When he could manage to co-ordinate for even a few seconds to jump the rope a few times, he was puffing and panting and had to stop after about 6 seconds. He could manage about 3 pushups in a row and not to many more situps/crunches.... Aside from knowing southpaw's put their right foot forward & that the jab was a dominant punch, he knew nothing else about stance or anything. Basically he was a 48 year old office worker who hasn't done much his in his life other than work in an office.
2 months on you'd think he'd been training for years. Not that his skills are years advanced. Not that his physical abilities are years advanced. Not even that he can skip for the full 3 rounds without having to stop 100 times. But that first day, he looked like he didn't belong anywhere near a gym and should have stuck to sitting in front of a computer. Now it's hard to picture this guy sitting at a desk.
He's improved about 1000% in everything he did on that first day. His commitment is 100% as if in a few years he COULD turn pro (I mean that as a figure of speach). This guy is now a boxer. Not an amazingly flashy/good or even average boxer... But before he stepped into the gym that first day, i'm sure you could call him nothing more than a pencil pusher...
When I think of the first day he came in, to ask for prices in his suit, and even the first day he came in to train and we thought we better set an ambulance on the quickdial incase the guy had a heart attack, and compare him to how I see him now, he's a totally different guy... And im sure he feels it too.
And you can bet your SwEET a** that that guy probably told himself a 1000 times that he's too old to start boxing before he finally took the plunge and came into the gym. You can probably gaurantee that if he told anyone around him he was going to start boxing they probably would have told him the same thing. But none the less he ignored it all, came to the gym, and i'm sure he'll never look back.... at 48 years old.. But let me tell you, in just 2 months he's dropped 10 years... Seriously....

So certainly, no one is too old to start boxing!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Dizaster

^^^^ Yeah, absolutely go for it! Hopefully this sticky helps give MANY people a little push to get going if they are having second thoughts about whatever reason, not just age...

But 16 is still a great time to start and if you're still at it and going strong by 20, you could pretty damn good at it... If you want to put it in perspective, a guy just joined my gym who is 48 years old. He came in in a suit about 2 months ago to ask about prices and classes. He then drove off in his bmw, but has been back to 2 classes a week since. His first session you could tell he probably hadn't done much physical exercise in years. He could barely skip. When he could manage to co-ordinate for even a few seconds to jump the rope a few times, he was puffing and panting and had to stop after about 6 seconds. He could manage about 3 pushups in a row and not to many more situps/crunches.... Aside from knowing southpaw's put their right foot forward & that the jab was a dominant punch, he knew nothing else about stance or anything. Basically he was a 48 year old office worker who hasn't done much his in his life other than work in an office.
2 months on you'd think he'd been training for years. Not that his skills are years advanced. Not that his physical abilities are years advanced. Not even that he can skip for the full 3 rounds without having to stop 100 times. But that first day, he looked like he didn't belong anywhere near a gym and should have stuck to sitting in front of a computer. Now it's hard to picture this guy sitting at a desk.
He's improved about 1000% in everything he did on that first day. His commitment is 100% as if in a few years he COULD turn pro (I mean that as a figure of speach). This guy is now a boxer. Not an amazingly flashy/good or even average boxer... But before he stepped into the gym that first day, i'm sure you could call him nothing more than a pencil pusher...
When I think of the first day he came in, to ask for prices in his suit, and even the first day he came in to train and we thought we better set an ambulance on the quickdial incase the guy had a heart attack, and compare him to how I see him now, he's a totally different guy... And im sure he feels it too.
And you can bet your SwEET a** that that guy probably told himself a 1000 times that he's too old to start boxing before he finally took the plunge and came into the gym. You can probably gaurantee that if he told anyone around him he was going to start boxing they probably would have told him the same thing. But none the less he ignored it all, came to the gym, and i'm sure he'll never look back.... at 48 years old.. But let me tell you, in just 2 months he's dropped 10 years... Seriously....

So certainly, no one is too old to start boxing!

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wow, hard to believe but very inspiring, great post

Totally true.! We have not a pretty small class in a small town where anybody is welcome. We have 2 girls too. One is only 16 but the other is probably 40 herself. But yeah, trust me, it's not odd that white collar adults one day just decide to do something to blow of steam from work and something that gets them fit at the same time. And good on this guy, he now has something over EVERY single other person at his office that finishes a stressful day at work and goes straight back to a stressful home...

Do you have any advice as to how i should get start like ways to ease my way into the sports or should i just jump right in?

Well I suppose it's hard to say.. Boxing is boxing in a way... You can start off getting fit. No matter WHEN you start going to a gym and training, you'll alwayssss need fitness. In the first few months of training, the fitness is a LOT harder to get through than actually learning the skills.
So start going for short runs and turn them into long runs. Get a skipping rope. You can get one for $5 and it'll do just as good job as any,, and start using it. All this will pay of in the future without a doubt.
Depending on what your gym/trainer is like, I suppose that's what will decide how far you get 'thrown into' boxing. You may get a trainer that realy just focuses on fitness first and then goes over the basics a lot of the time, getting them perfect. You may get a trainer who wants to get you in sparring as soon as possible. It all depends.
Do you have a gym or trainer? If their is one in your area, just go and watch a session or better yet, go in and sign up for a class. Their is absolutely no replacement/substitute for going to a trainer and doing a class. So yeah, I think how your asking it, you should just throw yourself in their if the opportunity is there. But if you're looking for where to first get started, start working on your fitness a little.
Their are a few tutorials on here about your stance and the basic punches & it absolutely won't hurt to read up as much about them as you can and even start practicing. Knowing the basics always helps when you join a class, and as long as you've done your best to use the technique described as best you can, your trainer should be able to help you fine tune your form and what your doing wrong..

It's really up to you where you start, but signing up for a class is about 20 levels ahead of just about any other place you could start.

Once you get going, their are a lot of people on here that will answer anyyyy question you might have!

cc Diz
And youd best be right,or Im getting my butt kicked come November ;D

CC #57 bro!!!! great post!!!!

the only thing i can add to this is that getting involved in boxing has worked wonders for my fitness. Im 29 and have only been involved for a couple of years. Even if like myself you dont intend to compete its never too late to get involved.

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Originally Posted by lambpie

the only thing i can add to this is that getting involved in boxing has worked wonders for my fitness. Im 29 and have only been involved for a couple of years. Even if like myself you dont intend to compete its never too late to get involved.

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CC.. Thanks for your input as well. And exactly, anyone under 20 that asks if they are too old is just crazy..
It all depends on your goals, but 90% of the goals in boxing ANYONE can work at to acheive. Not everyone has to want to compete. Like any sport. Like when all your friends are playing football or going bowling, do you even once think about age.. No, you just want to get in there and have fun!!

There just seems to be this big strange mystical thing surround boxing and what age you should start... I can't think of any other sport (including any other combat sports) where there is just a stigma that you have to be a certain age to start, or else your over the hill and shouldn't bother. I mean you just seem to ask it yourself.. It doesn't even take someone else telling you you're to old.. You put it on yourself and looking at it compared to anything else, it just seems crazy...
But anywhere, there it is, and that's why I started this topic.

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Originally Posted by Black Mamba

I was just thinking this myself because im 16 and i think i will probably take your advice and start.

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to box professionally I think starting up to the age of 25 is ok. But to just box in the gym any age is ok I would think.

Although don't go for broke with a professional boxer if you just started.

Hello all ::)

That was the best answer I have heard yet ! I would like to add to this. In my years in the fight game, I have ran into this question many of times, and another question that goes hand in hand is peoples perception of peaking, due to age. A fighter peaks after years in the boxing game, reaching the peak has nothing to do with age....However, physical strength and endurance, stamina, these things are related to age. Let me put it this way.
When I get a young fighter in my gym, 11-12 years old, I have them train 3 times a week, and I do not get mad when they miss training. When I get a 16-28 year old that is very serious about fighting, I have them train 5 days a week, with Saturday being optional. The older group will run everyday, 7 days a week. This training regimen is very hard. Boxing is a life style, a discipline, and it takes dedication. So to me the peak will come at about 4 years of training like this, then the crafty old gym workhorse will emerge, you know the guy that can go 100 rounds sparring and never tire, lol. But his decline is in his/hers strength and endurance and stamina.....what do you all think?

Good post John.

I believe that a lot of guys that make a go of it, especially late bloomers in all seriousness have to approach it like a profession. One thing that should be noted that to reach the level in what we'd consider a fairly decent boxer takes years, even with talent it doesn't all happen over night. Boxing is learning in pieces and always a work in progress.

In regards to older fighters the body does change somewhat, and even if they're a workhorse in the gym they still have to keep from overtraining. But for one thing I'd rather be well trained than under trained.

Excellent Post CC

This aint been posted on for a good while now but i'm new to these forums and I have been thinking about getting involved in boxing, just as a means to keep fitness levels to a good standard. I'm 21 and at Uni about to go into my final year come september. I've been thinkin about heading over to the closest boxing gym around here but I've been putting it off and off for months now. I think the initial post on here was excellent and just what I needed to read! For me it is all about just getting the courage to go alone for the first time. My fitness aint bad, but I havent done sports for a good while now and I don't regularly workout, however I don't easily put on weight and my stamina has always been pretty good. The other month I went to a single kickboxing class with my brother and I very much enjoyed it, and I easily kept up with the aerobic part to the class.

Like I said its just about that initial push to get myself down there and book into a class. I always think that i'll be the newest person and a level behind everyone else, but then again beginners classes are for that kind of thing and I don't see them judging me in anyway shape or form.

Well I finish my exams in a week, and I need to let my knee heal from an accident I had recently and then I have no excuses not to go get involved. I don't intend to compete at any level, although if I enjoy it and get half decent I might compete in inter-club fights.

Good topic this though with some good advice and has opened my eyes a little bit!:)

At 23?.. No, not at all.

nope. nate campbell, the former unified lightweight champion started fighting boxing one month before his 28th birthday, if i am not mistaken :cool:

Sergio Martinez started boxing at 21, initially as something to help his fitness for foot ball. He like it so much he made the switch into boxing and has been fighting pro for years now.

No.

I am 57, and just coming up on 3 months since I started boxing training for the very first time.

My biggest disappointment so far? I would need some slightly expensive physical with MRI (in the US) and likely couldn't pass since I have a "history of high blood pressure". This seems to be a firm rule, even though my blood pressure stays normal and has been treated every since diagnosed a couple of years ago -- and the pills don't make me sleepy or anything.

Sure, I am never going to be a pro, and probably never even fight in the Master division, but I am ready to start bugging the coach to let me spar more and more seriously.

[Coach has known from the beginning that I would want to hit and get hit, but he is pretty careful with newbies and that is a good thing in general.]

Of course it helps that my head is like a cement block and my body pretty much doesn't mind being hit. :)

In fact one of my strongest reasons for sparring is that getting hit is sort of relaxing (at a reasonable level) and good for you in my opinion.

Besides, I can't be really sure I am learning anything useful from the techniques unless they hold up under real pressure with a fully resisting opponent...

The little bit of shadow sparring I have been able to do indicates that what coach has taught me is working, but I need to see it full force (eventually) to refine and develop the skills fully.

This (low level) sparring has also been good already for helping me overcome my biggest weakness: head movement due to lack of flexibility -- turns out I can slip and fade, and that doing so under the motivation of a punch is pretty compelling.:rolleyes:

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HerbM

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Originally Posted by HerbM

No.

I am 57, and just coming up on 3 months since I started boxing training for the very first time.

My biggest disappointment so far? I would need some slightly expensive physical with MRI (in the US) and likely couldn't pass since I have a "history of high blood pressure". This seems to be a firm rule, even though my blood pressure stays normal and has been treated every since diagnosed a couple of years ago -- and the pills don't make me sleepy or anything.

Sure, I am never going to be a pro, and probably never even fight in the Master division, but I am ready to start bugging the coach to let me spar more and more seriously.

[Coach has known from the beginning that I would want to hit and get hit, but he is pretty careful with newbies and that is a good thing in general.]

Of course it helps that my head is like a cement block and my body pretty much doesn't mind being hit. :)

In fact one of my strongest reasons for sparring is that getting hit is sort of relaxing (at a reasonable level) and good for you in my opinion.

Besides, I can't be really sure I am learning anything useful from the techniques unless they hold up under real pressure with a fully resisting opponent...

The little bit of shadow sparring I have been able to do indicates that what coach has taught me is working, but I need to see it full force (eventually) to refine and develop the skills fully.

This (low level) sparring has also been good already for helping me overcome my biggest weakness: head movement due to lack of flexibility -- turns out I can slip and fade, and that doing so under the motivation of a punch is pretty compelling.:rolleyes:

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HerbM

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HAHA you don't hear that to often.. But when I started sparring I noticed the same thing.. I felt invigorated and relaxed after even shelling up and getting hit on my arms with decent power...

I've since learnt why and realise it is incredibly good for you, especially in modern society..
Sparring and getting hit forces you to be in that moment. You immediately go back to our natural, animalistic, survival instincts.. All the distractions of life. Bills, work, family, responsibilities,,,, we rarely get a break from them... And laying down and watching TV doesn't count.. But when you spar, all those things drop away real quick, and our mind being clear of those things for even a few moments can be like an awakening.. You can breath better and stand straighter.. Everything has less weight suddenly, and each time you free yourself from that stuff, it gets a little harder for them to swollow you again completely..

On a non-boxing note, another interesting way to get a similar feeling, albeit a little stupid is to do this whenever you are stressed or about to deal with a stressful situation.

You take a deep breath in.. Not a straining breath, but just breath in a comfortable amount, then you hold your breath for as long as you can. You hold until that very point where you panic and literally can't hold it any more, then at that point you count to 3, and breath out all that crap air..
At that moment where you kind of panic and feel like your going to not survive unless you breath, then count 3,,, it's at that point your brain clicks into survival mode and drops everything else away. You get a rush of adrenalin which does all sorts of good things for you psychologically, and you get right into that moment and can't really worry about anything else..

Anyway, that's just something fun for you to try anytime you feel like centering yourself.

Back on the subject of starting boxing :
I havn't been to boxing training for 2 years now, since I moved away from my gym, however i'm back near it now so I should go back soon, I miss it..
When I started their I was incredibly unfit. Could barely do 3 pushups and 0 sit ups (i could do 1000 crunches but that's different). I smoked a lot and had put a lot of toxins through my system..

But within 3 weeks of going there originally, I was able to run around the block then do 6 x 3 minute rounds of skipping plus pushups and lunges in between rounds.. Granted I had to stop for little breaks to catch my breath and prevent throwing up for smoking... But for someone who is very unfit, the first 2 or 3 times you exercise hard it will tear you a new ass.. Your body says, this is f'cked, i'm gonna feel so shit that you won't want to do that again.. literally anything after that though, your body realises that hey, we are doing this whether we like it or not, and it really quickly gets with the program and you'll be able to do about 500% more than you could do even 2 or 3 weeks back..

As for being new at a gym, the first time I walked up to sign up I was still in my suit and tie from work.. Everyone looked at me weird including the trainer.. But when I came back, of course I felt weird for a little bit, but by the end your happy, and then you just force yourself to second one, and there, your comfortable.. Withing a couple of training sessions you'll probably even see another new person come along...

I have mentioned before that I am a Systema (Russian Martial Arts) guy, and the ideas of getting hit (and hitting) and doing a variety of breathing drills are right out of Systema.

Even exactly the idea, of holding your breath to try to get near that panicky feelling -- and ride it through, not really overcoming it, but finding a way to have peace with it.

The four principles of Systema work for just about any sport, but especially well for boxing: always be Relaxing, Breathing, Moving, and maintaining Form (posture and balance).

Those while HEETING are the keys to Systema.

I haven't mentioned that the only real issue that I have at 57 is some moderately severe and very chronic knee (and other large joint) arthritis.

My knees hurt almost all the time -- and frequently its the worst when I am sitting still or even lying in bed, but I seldom hurt at all when I am on the mat or in the ring.

The adrenaline and endorphins make the chronic aches and pains disappear.

As you say, there is something relaxing about getting a solid -- but non-damaging -- hit, both the hit itself and knowing you can survive it, roll with it, absorb it, dissipate it, and even use it to power your own counters.

I did a couple of rounds of jab only shadow sparring today and it was totally enjoyable as well, almost as good as real HEETING....

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HerbM

Starting late can have its advantages because you can train with a constant sense of urgency. It can force you to really condense your training to the most important elements. I remember the best thing that ever happened to me when I was playing bass guitar was being thrown into my first band with people who had been playing since they were children. It wasn't until I had my first gig booked that I realized how much time I had wasted and how little I really knew. Those first few gigs were disasters but in a few months I went from slipping in and out of time to being able to groove, create melodies, solo and above everything else, just fucking play.

There's a unique self-confidence you gain when you have to constantly choose to face and be put to shame by people who are so much better than you. People wonder where so many sluggers find the chin and heart that can sometimes just overwhelm even the most masterful of boxers. The fact is everytime they sparred they were at war. While the boxer remained untouched they had to force themselves to come forward. They had to do master and fall in love with the roadwork, floor work and other mundane activities that others see as boring torture.

There's also a certain sense of minimalism that can only come with age. In any craft you will find masters who start to show more and more signs of efficient and effective subtlety as they mature. I don't think all of this is the result of experience in their field but because they mature as a person. A 23 year old will be less inclined to make the same decision as the 6 ft 1 16 yr old junior welterweight trying to fight like Iron Mike Tyson.

Best Post ever! Perfect timing for me to read this. 38 years old and I have been bringing my 7 and 11 year old to the boxing gym for a couple months. I felt out of place just sitting there keeping an eye on my kids yet I felt foolish being out of shape and even asking to start myself. Seeing a couple of older guys in there did get me thinking a bit. It looks like a total blast.

...I start tomorrow. :cool:

to box professionally I think starting up to the age of 25 is ok. But to just box in the gym any age is ok I would think.

Well.I'm going to start at 47 in 2 months

A while back, a 52 year old male made a Pro-Debut after being exonerated of murder.

These people that say you can't, F! em, if there is a will there is a way"."

"Age is no barrier. It's a limitation you put on your mind." -Jackie Joyner Kersee

whats your fıghtıng weıght? No ıts never too late. Except for people who have been ın 50 or 60 wars lıke holyfıeld--- you and I are alot more fresh than he would be at the same age. Look at Bowe---I know alot of guys ın theır 50s who never fought but would be much fresher and "younger" shall we say than Bowe was at 29 yrs old. Go for ıt. Never too late.

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Originally Posted by brocktonblockbust

whats your fıghtıng weıght? No ıts never too late. Except for people who have been ın 50 or 60 wars lıke holyfıeld--- you and I are alot more fresh than he would be at the same age. Look at Bowe---I know alot of guys ın theır 50s who never fought but would be much fresher and "younger" shall we say than Bowe was at 29 yrs old. Go for ıt. Never too late.

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I guess a rephrase of the question is more appropriate

How fast can a very late starter go pro in boxing?

Notwithstanding any amateur requirements which may apply officially or unofficially in any given state, I would DESTROY any cruiserweight pitted against me after 4 months of rigorous training, & likewise any1 else pitted against me every 2 weeks to a month thereafter"." If only I could find a trainer & manager. That's the MF'n TRUTH"." :yay2:

Thanks for this thread! I am almost 22 and I haven't stepped in a boxing gym yet. this is certainly reassuring... tomorrow's the big day! gonna take a train to the next city over and see if I cant start boxing >:)

I never boxed when I was younger - big hole in my education! My wife gave me a heavy bag and some stupid gloves one Christmas about 15 years ago. Replaced with better quality and I have been Boxing ever since. Not interested in doing fights at that stage but more in the fitness regime required. Had a ball for a couple years and had a lot of stares and eyes rolling when I go for my run in the morning traffic at about 05h30-06h00. But I ignored that. Lot of people said I am stupid to do boxing and thai and that and the ever but they could never do what I achieved in the gym and later the club.
I have a bad back with no cartilage anymore in lower back but the train9ing solved the constant pain as the back muscles became stronger and kept the vertebra from pinching the nerves so that was solved and avoided having an op. That alone was enough reward.
Eventually persuaded by a friend to join them at a gym and enjoyed that even more. Gave the younger athletes a good run for their money fitness wise but still stayed with sparring only. Not the best defense boxer (just that tad too slow ha ha) but had a very good time. Then came Coved....
2 years ago my one knee started acting up and the end result? Halve knee replacement last November. Recuperation and getting fit again is a long and painful road but I am back in full training and doing my 9 rounds every morning with double end ball and heavy bag and shadow boxing, etc. My aim is that I would like to join the club again. This morning started running 1st time in over 2 years, still not the best but working up the proper distance. Knee a bit iffy but all went well. All, the stares from the commuters to work are back again. Probably because of my atire and grey beard. Tuff sh*t to them.
What has this to do with question of age and boxing?
Coming April I will be 67........... If I can do it everybody can do it!
Cheers!

Hey good for you! The staring commuters are wishing they could follow your example and determination. Probably a bunch of guys half your age wish they were in as good a shape. Keep at it!

I only started boxing in my 30s!