Is 24 too old to start boxing?

[killersheep]

Hey guys, long time reader first time poster. I was hoping I could get someone else's brutally honest opinion on whether 24 is too old to start boxing professionally or not - let me lay it out. I'm 5"10, 150lbs with an athletic build and can get down to 135 easy. I do feel I'm very big for this weight. I've trained on and off for a couple of years in mma where I did learn to punch quite hard and would definitely be considered a puncher if I chose to do this. I would say I know boxing pretty well and am aware of all the other things that need to be known on top of punching. I've studied it quite a bit from the 10 years or so that I've watched.

To be completely honest when I did spar in my previous training I had a tendency to flinch when hit in the head (typically when I sparred the heavyweights and had a certain amount of anxiety - so potentially the same could happen with a really fast puncher). It started to go away the more serious I took the training but as most people do I became lazy and stopped, so I'm sure that problem still exists for me (and I know in boxing you must be comfortable with things flying at your face). My lungs are not in the best of shape. Over the last few years I've had more than my fair share of smoking the funny stuff, but that's all. I've never really smoked anything else nor went for alcohol (and now I have no unhealthy vices).

As far as fitness level is concerned it's always been easy for me to turn that around, so that isn't really my worry. My concern is with the people who have been doing this since were 10 years old. 135 to 147 are always jam packed with seasoned talent, which makes this even more difficult. My father believes I can do it, and is willing to assist me financially until I'm making my own money with it, so I could make it my life's work potentially. I'm in the Fort Worth area where I know Paulie Aayla has a gym and is taking on new fighters, so access to a good trainer isn't a problem.

Before I wanted to fight, but at 24 with nothing to show for it I'm starting to feel like I have to. So, all things above considered would you say talent and dedication would be enough to pull this off? Also, would you say my body not being put through hell up to this point would give me a few extra years before father time caught up?

Sorry to get long winded there, and thanks for any feedback in advance.

First of all it's never too late, until YOU say it's too late.

I would recommend taking it one step at a time, sounds like your fitness is almost there, so that's the first step. The next step would be to get a trainer you're comfortable with, your trainer will let you know when you are ready to spar. I would try to get that far and then make any further decisions after that.

[mattboxingfan]

If you want to do it go for it man! Be the best you can be, there shouldnt be rules on being too old there should just be your willingness to want to box! Go for it!

[Beanflicker]

I've seen a lot of these threads over the years, here and on other forums, and heres my thoughts on it. To get right to the point, I don't believe there is anyone on this forum or any other forum that can answer your question with any degree of accuracy. I think we'd all agree that success as a prizefighter depends on a multitude of physical and mental traits, and none of us know whether or not you possess these traits. We also don't know what you want out of it. Are you a big boxing fan who just wants to say "I did that" and have your name on boxrec (nothing wrong with this)? Do you wanna be a local hero? Do you want to be a world champ? If you're a boxing fan who just wants the experience of getting into the ring and competing, than by all means go for it. At the very least, you'll gain a level of respect for boxers that we who haven't competed probably lack.

If your desire is to go far with it, I think you need to take an objective look at yourself. Boxing is a hurt business, and if you look at any champion down to the tough journeymen, you'll see one common link: desire. I think you have to question how much desire you actually have for the sport if you need to consult a message board before you embark on a pro career. It seems to me that if this was something truly important to you, and if you had the desire to go far, than you would just do it, and not ask what others thought. Thats just my take on it though. I'm not trying to shit on anyone or be overly cynical. I've been in this position myself a few years ago where I asked if it was too late to start boxing at 19, and I got the same kind of replies that are here.

In a nutshell: only you can answer this question so just take good objective look at yourself. If its important to you that do it.

[kegganator]

''beanflicker'' is right ur the only one who can answer ur question, im just about to turn 24 and started boxing in the amateurs last september so far iv had 3 won 3 stopped 2 and on day would love to turn pro but not for a couples years at least most or il get my head knocked off!!! i think u should definetly give it a shot but it would start off in the amateurs so u can gain some experience first but definetly give it a go just remember ''train hard fight easy'' good luck.

[Jimmy G-Force]

Give it a go mate, if you have the dedication and passion you have already conquered one of the biggest hurdles. I saw a sign on the wall of the MMA gym I attended last week that read .....

"When you get good at making excuses, it's very difficult to become good at anything else.....".

Never a more a true a word spoken.