Q: I am __ years old and just barely started boxing. Am I too old to box or ever be any good?
A: I’ve never been one to believe the old adage about boxing that goes “Boxing is a young man’s game.” There was an article on ESPN 2 years ago showing how there are still several boxers in their 30′s and 40′s that are still winning world championships!
I would recommend a safe and healthy dose of boxing for just about capable person! It’s never too late to improve your physical health, sharpen your mind, raise your confidence, and break a sweat all in the name of fun! As long as you have a good trainer and gym that understands your goals as a boxer, there’s no reason why you can’t accomplish them. Boxing can be a great source of exercise, entertainment, or competition whatever your needs may be.
I’ve seen people start boxing at the age of 25 with minimal dedication and still manage to have a great time while accomplishing new personal goals in fighting and physical shape.
The bottom line – it’s never too late to start boxing. All you have to do is go to a gym and see for yourself that there are men and women of all ages looking to get a great workout mentally and physically. I hope this helps!
I can do the wrapping myself now,... by Stella Deleuze
by Aaron Jay Almonte
41 Comments
wow…
wow… ive always wanted to try boxing… but i never got around to it plus my parents were always against me bludgoning up my face…. but im 16 and i really wanna try it…. im short…. ive tried studying boxing as a sport and id be in lightweight class… but i really wanna try it… its not like i dont have any fighting experience at all… i think ill try it! Ill try my best at it too!!
what matters is discipline not age
i started boxing at 15 and i am good this was last year i was five eleven feet tall and 133 pounds
Mike Tyson became a world champion at 20, so he started much earlier(10, as far as i remember).
?
Can someone tell me a world champion who start boxing at 20 or so?
sergio martinez, look him up
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Smith_(boxer)
Started boxing as a pro at 28, admittedly didn’t hold the world for long at all….but he didn’t sit on his ass.
Great article by the way, tactics I’ve always used as a southpaw because I’m told to but without knowing why till now.
jhonny in metuer boxing there is the cadet grade, junior, youth grade and also elite. what are the age limits/ experiences of each grp.
If you’re in the US, I know there is the USA boxing site that gives you the full details. Usually, the ages are split up into little kids ranges and then adults and masters (old adults). There’s also “open” class which is like any age can join if they’re in super shape. There are also “novice” divisions for fighters with 10 fights or less.
I hardly consider 35 ( where the masters start) as old unless you count boxing like dog years.
Guys, you are all so young… lol
I’m 44 and started this year. Previously I had done fencing, but not for many years now.
I took on boxing because of my interest in the sport and as a means to get fit. I am a paramedic and made the interservice games my goal to compete in – a way to force myself to get fit or get my ass handed to me.
I competed ok, didnt win, but didnt embarrass myself too much. But it was awesome fun and I feel all the better for it.
Speed and power is important, but I found endurance, pacing yourself and being smart is what really wins fights. Skills beat power just about all the time.
I’m not 20 anymore, but in some ways I wouldnt want to be.
I’m glad I took the plunge to take on a sport I’ve been interested in for years, but hadnt really tried.
Most of all I am fitter, faster and have new friends.
They say the body you take into your fifties is the one you are likely to have for the rest of your life – I made the decision not to be the fat dad who cant keep up with his kids.
I only hope more older guys and girls made a similar lifestyle choice.
Cheers Stan
Hello,
We are of the same age. I took up boxing a year ago but I’ve always been athletic all my life (basketball, not a pro, but I can play!), with occasional visits to the gym now and then. And just like you I’ve been a fan of the sport of boxing for the longest time now. What made me take the plunge was finally boxing being recognized as a complete fitness workout and the sprouting of boxing gyms everywhere. So now, because of my overly competitive drive I am training myself to get a professional license and maybe get into a fight or two. Nothing fancy or delusions of fighting for the world crown. Just something that I can’t explain and have the need to see through.
It’s more of a life statement than a boxing statement. Please update me with your boxing life. I am a thousand miles away but I’m interested in how it’s turning out for you, especially the body conditioning part if you’re into it. Goodluck and God bless.
Butch (from Manila)
yea im 14 and me and my friend have been sparring, hitting bags, and countless drills every day for about a year now.one day im gonna go pro and be one of the greats so that future generations of boxers will know my name.maybe we will meet one day…btw it is never to late to do what you love.if it makes you happy and you have fun boxing then just give it everything youve got and dont let anything stop you.
Hi,
Thanks! I believe you and you will be great sooner than you think…
you know muhammad ali had i think it was his cousin but anyways his cousin was a fencer for the olympics and his cousins footwork was always faster than alis. ali said that fencers have some of the fastest feet he has ever seen, and that he boxes like fencing…im a little fuzzy on the story its been a long time since i last heard it .so does a history with fencing help you with boxing much.
Good footwork improves good footwork. Fencing has good footwork, but it doesn’t mean you need to be a fencer to improve your footwork. Maybe you can just copy their drills.
I do have a friend that was a former fencer and yes, their footwork is incredible. I guess when you’re sword-fighting you really have to learn how to not get touched at all, and the easiest way to do that is to move out of range.
Im about to turn 18 this week and Ive been doing muay thai (because their are no good boxing gyms around) now for a little over a month and I feel like ive learned a lot, but i told my master my only true dream is to become a pro boxer and when I say pro I mean people will know my name like they know Mayweather and I’ll do whatever it takes to reach that goal. This is to me the most graceful sport their is their isnt a day that goes by I find myself day dreaming about being a champion one day. Jack Johnson said once “Dont let your dreams be dreams” and so I sure wont! Im at the gym all the time and when im not im trying to get my road work in. Do you think 18 is to late to start boxing to go pro? Everyone doubts me but my hearts never been so sure about anything like it is me being one of the greatest oneday.
I’m 19 this year and I just started boxing. Man, I’m very happy to know there is another great man who has same thinking, who loves boxing, and who can take everything to achieve our goals. I’ve found some information about late starters. But there were so many legendary pro boxers like Rocky Marciano, George Foreman, Sony Liston etc., I hope we’ll meet one day to notice our Victories! Please anyone who has same goal and just starting or whatever contact me – vehincent@yahoo.com / Let’s create a group and grow together in boxing. PS!
I started at 19, too!
Good luck, fellas.
hello i am 16 and i have boxed for 1year now, i want to be a pro, is it too late to make it? how long do you recon i need to become a pro or get in to the Olympics? thanks
You’ll probably need at least 10 years of training to reach the Olympic level. Better get started now if that’s what you’re dreaming of.
Very good Johnny. I’m 51, 3 weeks into my training. Blessed with good health and fitness. I always thought I’d be a good boxer and decided to give it a go. Having a blast! Love the sport, the training, the people. Looking forward to what the future of boxing holds for me. It’s never too late to start living a dream, whatever that may be!
I’m happy for you, Jeff. Let me know if you ever get a fight!
I was good in boxing during 15-18 and I loose my trainer and sponsor due travelling I am 23 and I want to give next shot .Honestly I feel like wounded beast,I am glad I manage to maintain my weight.I am sure that the person who be my next trainer will be happy.
( Ali the ll )
Hi, Johnny. Im turning 26 by the end of Dec. I have zero fighting experience or training background though I had over 5 years of weight lifting experience. I was wondering am I too old to start if I want to have a professional boxing career? I saw on other boxing forum that a lot of people believe either you have the talent or you don’t. If you have it, you start by late 20′s you still can make a glory career but if you don’t have it even if you pick up as a preteen you most likely still won’t go nowhere. They suggest me to go to a boxing gym and try for couple months. They said once I try a little bit I will know myself I have the talent or not. What’s your opinion ? Thanks
It’s pretty much impossible to know if you’re good at anything if you don’t try it first. If you want to do something, go out and do it. Can you be a great boxer? Can you be a famous painter? I don’t know; you have to try it first and see if you even like it.
I JUST WANT TO SAY TO ANY BOXER AROUND THE WORLD IT IS NEVER TO LATE TO START BOXING LOOK AT ME I STARTED BOXING WHEN I WAS 25 YRS OLD AND DEFEATED ANYBODY THAT CAME IN THE RING NOW IM 34 YRS OLD STILL UNDERFEATED WITH 45 WINS 0 LOSSES 45 KO AMATUAR HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION JUST BEING REAL A LOT OF WBA-WBC-IBF-IBO- DONT WANT ME TO ENTER ARE BECOME PRO THERE SCARED I MIGHT BEAT THERE CHAMPIONS YOU KNOW THE KLITSCHKO BROTHERS THE SAID THING IS I BEEN TRAINING FOR 9 YEARS TO DEFEAT THE KLITSCHKO BROTHERS BUT NO TRAINING OR PROMOTER WANT PICK ME UP BECAUSE IM 34 YEARS OLD IF I HAD ONE WISH I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE MIKE TYSON AS MY TRAINER AND TOMMY MORRISON BOXING WOULD PICK BACK THERE RATEINGS IN THE HEAYWEIGHT DIVSION THOSE ARE THE TO GUYS I NEED TO GET ARE TITLES BACK INTO USA HANDS I MEAN LET GO BACK WHEN BOXING WAS BOXING LIKE ALI VS FORMAN- MARICANO VS LEWIS BRING BACK REAL BOXING UFC FIGHTING IS A ONE BIG LUCKY SHOT BUT BOXING IS BALANCE TO ALL FIGHTERS AROUND THE WORLD IF YOU KNOW ANYBODY THAT WANTS A CHAMPION TO GET ARE TITTLE BACK FROM THE KLITSCHKO BROS. SUCH AS MYSELF CALL ME AT(352) 286-9442 OR( 352) 528-0030 ARE MAIL ME AT 21491 N.E 38TH PL WILLISTON FLA 32696 PLEASE HELP ME FIND A GOOD PROMOTER -TRAINNERS MY BOXING FREINDS BY THE LATE RIVAL THE GREATDANE
ANDRIE KENNEDY SR : I DON KING, WOULD LIKE TO SIGN YOU LETS TALK MONEY?
Gentlemen (and a few Ladies): I am 61 years old, 6 feet 5 inches tall, 265 pounds. Per session, I run 3 miles, do 6 rounds on the double-end bag, 5 rounds on the heavy bag, and 4 rounds on the speed bag. I also do cycling and especially enjoy running up and down stadium steps and seats, sometimes while carrying a back pack. I understand the principles of hand speed as it relates to using my core muscles and good footwork. I can dance and sting with the left jab, as well as box inside with those swarmers and sluggers. Besides, I had a hard time getting my wife into the boxing gym, but now I damn near have to hitch her to a tractor and drag her out after our sessions; she likes throwing hooks.
Anyway, the younger boxers will not spar with me. Am I too old???
No, not too old at all. There are many great gyms out there that are willing to work with people your age. In the gyms I’ve gone to, the old guys have no problems finding sparring.
Hey Johnny N: Thanks for your comments. I need to apologize for not being accurate in the last part of my note above. I can find gyms, etc. The truth is the younger fellows (heavyweights) are SCARED to spar with me, so they say (I unintentionally knocked out a couple of them recently). And I can easily outperform the geezers in my age group. So, perhaps I should act more my age and pursue birdwatching or something? What do you say?
(GREAT SITE you have here! Keep up the good work!)
Hahaha, you are awesome, Justus! You should compete in the masters division and/or look for a gym with tougher fighters. Perhaps looking into a pro gym would be good. You’ve got an awesome body for your age so why not enjoy it?
Definitely try to compete in the Masters, Justus. If you have the fire and desire, go for it.
Thanks Johnny N: Will definitely look into the Master’s Division and other pro gyms. Why not? Great suggestion. And yes, for you – and the rest of your readers – it’s strange, but your body CAN get better with age. At first, I didn’t believe it. My strength and stamina are much better now than when I was in my 20s, and in college under an athletic scholarship. (Now, if we can just get the young fellows thinking a little more about HAND SPEED. Usually, this is how I outperform most of the others: Hand Speed and acquiring the habit of always aiming for the chin at every opportunity, especially for registered amateurs and pros.) Stay healthy and wise! Justus here.
You’re an inspiration to “old guys” everywhere, Justus. Keep me updated on your progress.
i have just turned 15 a month ago, and i have only ever wanted to become a pro boxer, is it too late for me to chase that dream ?
There’s guys who are pro fighters in the gym who start at 21
Not too late.
I’ve been wanting to be a pro boxer since I was 24 as I won a couple of street fights and was blessed with ultra fast hands and really good reach and had some skill….for the next 5 years I trained spasmodically as I was way too exhausted after work to be bothered training very hard and at 29 tore a rotator cuff muscle and had to be put on a wait list for an operation as it was $15,000 to get it done….I’m still on that wait list and I’m now 32 and a half and gained 20 kgs from being 6″1 and 75 kgs to 95 kgs…so I’m 32 and a half,fat with a dodgy shoulder and never been in a boxing gym (as I worked out at home) but still think I’m a chance to capture some sort of title…I’ll lose the weight….go to a boxing gym for 4 or 5 months, have ten fights a year all rnd one k.os due to my natural talent and speed and when I’m 36/37just before my reflexes go I’ll win a title…..then go heavy weight for fun till I’m 45….I’m confident it could still happen.
Go for it, Kenny. Why not?!
In my opinion starting boxing at 18 and turn pro as soon as you want its possible… to be honest i wouldnt even worry about amateur boxing! Look at tysons fury cousin he started early but hes 18 and is a pro … A PRO AT 18!!!!!!!
This is a bit dangerous advice for beginners. Many pros even the ones with only 5 fights probably have 50 fights as an amateur. So I don’t recommend for beginners to start pro because it’s so dangerous going up against a trained killer. At least test yourself in the amateurs first against guys who are actual novices. And if you think you can handle it, then step up. But don’t start out as a pro; it’s much too dangerous in boxing.