Real life question

**Illz** · 08-30-2011 07:20 PM

hey all,

ive been boxing on and off for about 5 years (proper ABA registered gym, coaches etc) had 9 contents, can honestly put my hands up and say that during those 5 years never been 100% fit or dedicated, 70% maximum...ive stopped boxing now for about the last year.

im 20 and 6 feet tall, weigh 76 kilos at the moment even though my fighting weight has always been 70-72.. for the past year i havent done a mile of roadwork, all ive been eating is crap, mcds kfc etc... but the love of boxing has just been burning me up for the past 3 months..and i havent done anything about it... now heres the question...is 20 years old too old to make myself into a pro boxer? this time im ready to dedicate 110% and i know that if im too make it i need to start now...

what would you guys advise? do you think at 20 if i reincarnate myself i can still go far?

thanks in advance for all your replies

**0james0** · 08-30-2011 09:05 PM

20 is still young enough to do anything you want. You could be a doctor, space man or a bum. You still have all the choices in the world.

**Illz** · 08-30-2011 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by 0james0

20 is still young enough to do anything you want. You could be a doctor, space man or a bum. You still have all the choices in the world.

Doctor doesn't appeal to me nor does spaceman... Bum is out the question so I'll settle for trying to be a boxer

**Andre** · 08-30-2011 09:53 PM

Follow your heart,only you know.

**Illz** · 08-30-2011 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by Andre

Follow your heart,only you know.

Heart knows that if I give it 110% I'll succeed...

But 20 is not late in the sense of skills, physical conditioning etc because I know for example in football (soccer) they get kids from as young as 9.. Past 13 in that sport and youve no chance of becoming a decent pro... So in boxing 20 is not late??

**0james0** · 08-30-2011 10:07 PM

Some guys don't turn pro until as late as 30!

Fitness will be your issue, especially compared to guys doing it for years.

If you've got the skills you'll make it. Bit like anything really.

**Andre** · 08-30-2011 11:02 PM

Originally Posted by Illz

Originally Posted by Andre

Follow your heart,only you know.

Heart knows that if I give it 110% I'll succeed...

But 20 is not late in the sense of skills, physical conditioning etc because I know for example in football (soccer) they get kids from as young as 9.. Past 13 in that sport and youve no chance of becoming a decent pro... So in boxing 20 is not late??

Only a bit, nothing you cant make up for if you really want to, you maybe gifted genetically too, only one way to find out.

**Illz** · 08-30-2011 11:30 PM

Skills pay bills eh

Okay ... I'm waking up 5am tomorrow and hitting the road... 3 miles at steady pace! Should be good to start get cardio back.

I will create a blog on my progress for anyone interested...

**Andre** · 08-31-2011 01:31 AM

Why not walk a bit, then run? Build up to it mate if you've had a break. Make sure you stretch and warm up first and after too or you'll be at home with damage wondering what hit you.

**Vendettos** · 08-31-2011 08:01 AM

Originally Posted by 0james0

Some guys don't turn pro until as late as 30!

^^Very valid point!

**Illz** · 08-31-2011 08:02 AM

Went for a run this morning, proper warm up and stretches for like 10 mins then 2 miles at 8 minutes each then last mile up the hill I walked I felt dead lol but feel so good now, healthy porridge breakfast... Game on

**Gray Lion** · 09-07-2011 08:35 PM

Even for someone who has never worked out, or been in the ring, 20 is a great age to start. No one can say with certainty when youth stops....your body will tell you that. It come quickly to those who sit on a couch exercising the remote control, and slowly to those who still lead a physically active life. It's not the age of 20 that holds you back, its your determination, dedication, and mind set that will hold you back. I began boxing at age 22. Went pro at 25 and boxed until age 35 (yes I got slow and tired)
I am 68. Now I train and coach boxing, and occasionally will get in the ring to do some sparring. One of my old boxing teachers was a fighter from the 1920's and 30's era. He had worked in mines, and a section hand (gandy dancer) on the railroad (carrying rails and driving spikes into the cross ties). The last time I saw him, he was in his early 70's--hard as a rock, and strong as an ox. One of the local colleges had a boxing course, and he was invited to give some training tips. The college coach made some remarks about his age, and old fashion training ideas. The old coach invited him to step in the ring to "put on a demonstration'. They went three rounds, and the story I heard, was that my old coach gave one hell of a demonstration. To his credit, the college coach apologized to him, and later told his students that he had never been hit so hard in his life, and was thankful that when the final round ended, he was still on his feet. Old Coach passed on many years ago, but he was always an inspiration to those of us who knew him...his training was hell, and he put you in the ring with brutal fighters..those of us who did not quit became good boxers. "DO NOT GO GENTLY INTO THE NIGHT".

**Snakey** · 09-08-2011 01:03 PM

Dedication is key to everything. I was the fat kid for all my life until I was 17 and lost weight due to an illness. I decided I didnt want to be fat again...and I didnt want to be skinny so I started hit the weights when I was 19 and I havent looked back. Maturity helps dedication, once you realise you gotta work for everything (money, fitness, chicks..etc)..you gotta put in alot to get out alot of it. I think at an older age your mentally in a better place to accomplish anything you want.