Hats Off To The 35+ Fighters Of Today

[LondonBB]

Hats off to them all!

I think the reason that boxers are now still boxing past the 35 years old bracket is due to improvements in sports nutrition and technology.

I know with my own sport (bodybuilding) that a physique can not mature properly or develop enough until someone is around 35-38 (thats when a bodybuilder peaks) as it takes 10-15 years of bodybuilding to build such a quality physique.

Due to enhancements in sports technology, training methods, standard of living and nutrition it means athletes can continue for longer and perhaps peak slightly later on in their career rather than say mid to late 20's.

I think with the likes of hopkins, infact he is a rather unique boxer in the way that he has adapted his game so that his age hasnt really hinrded him. I dont mean that hes got dirtier and dirtier lol. I mean that he is a v clever fighter, simmilar to the way ali was against foreman...adapting ones game to make more use of the strong points and tactics as opposed to physicak prowess, they effectively refine their skills and their ring craft as they get older.

Aswell as a huge development recently in sports nutrition/standard of living etc means that fighters can stay in great shape for much longer, with the help of modern trainers and dieticians etc etc.

Maybe in 20 years time, boxers will be peaking in their late 30's? Afterall a mans physical strength doesnt peak until he is around mid to late thirties.

Im also convinced that boxers could gain a lot by adopting some methods of bodybuilding, not just to get in better condition obviously or make the weight by reducing bodyfat, but also adding strength to their punch and for increasing the amout of punishment they can take.