The great "Am I too old" thread

[USA_Pugilist]

Im 21 years old 6'0" 190-205lbs and a lifelong boxing fan. When i was younger my parents never let me box because my parents were worried about injuries and brain damage. It never kept me from watching a boxing match or anything i just couldnt compete. But now since im on my own i have been doing average training that involves alot of roadwork, alot of sparring(with skill lacking opponents mind you), alot of shadow boxing and heavy bag work ever since ive been in college(4 years). I cant train the way i want right now or get a trainer because of where i live and go to college there is not a true boxing gym within a 50 mile radius. But i LOVE the sport and would love to compete on the amateur level to see what im made of. Do you think it is too late?

[paloalto00]

Nope not too late :), you're still very young. Now you will be at a disadvantage once you go into the open class because some of those guys boxed since they were 9. But don't worry about that now, you'll gain a lot of experience by then.

Since you don't have a lot of time since college, bust your ass in the gym. Time<work effort. I only train for an hour, but I go as hard as I can for that hour.

[USA_Pugilist]

well see ive been an athlete all my life. Ive played soccer, american football, tennis, and even played rugby for the college team(had to recently quit because i am too old now). I always used boxing to help stay in shape. Also i do alot of interval training when i do bag work. I have early class so im always up around 6:00 to do my morning run thats usually 4 or 5 miles depending on what time it is. So my cardio is above par but not where it needs to be of course. Once i graduate my hometown has a really good gym with a former title competitor by the name of Donald "Tiger" Stokes. Im hoping to go there after i graduate

[RDJ]

Not by any means. There are still 14 years left for you to compete in the amateurs.

[SouthpawSlayer]

your stilll young pal

[RDJ]

Still 14 fighting years left, that's the amount of time from your 7th birthday till now. Hundreds of shiners, dozens of sore ribs :)

[MrSmall]

Mate I've been boxing on and off for 3 years, more off than on, and i STILL want to get my first fight next year (2010) - I will be 21 :)

[taj-09]

your still young bud. plenty of time to compete. Get to a gym and start training

[bored]

Don't stop, never give up, hold your head high and reach the top.

[jimmie]

Not at all man go for it and go for it hard.

[cool-cat]

never too young, too start. good luck

[how5er]

Wow dude! Now i feel mega OLD! I started training when i was 27 just to get fit, a few said to me you should fight, so i thought what the hell, Im now 28 and got my first fight in 4 weeks:good

So dude your very very young:D

[USA_Pugilist]

Thanks guys for all the feedback. The only reason i felt i might be too old is because all the boxers i know started YOUNG. like around 10 or 12. And the normal conception is that 28-32 are the prime years. I wanted at least 2 or 3 years of heavy training and fundamentals(even though i have a few established but definently need work). So i wouldnt feel comfortable competing until im like 23 or 24. But now that i think of it i still do have a lot of years to develop. Thanks guys.

[AVFCMagicMan]

It's never too late. Put in that work and don't get tired, get hungry.

[boxingwizard]

Im 21 years old 6'0" 190-205lbs and a lifelong boxing fan. When i was younger my parents never let me box because my parents were worried about injuries and brain damage. It never kept me from watching a boxing match or anything i just couldnt compete. But now since im on my own i have been doing average training that involves alot of roadwork, alot of sparring(with skill lacking opponents mind you), alot of shadow boxing and heavy bag work ever since ive been in college(4 years). I cant train the way i want right now or get a trainer because of where i live and go to college there is not a true boxing gym within a 50 mile radius. But i LOVE the sport and would love to compete on the amateur level to see what im made of. Do you think it is too late?
I'm in your situation, except just a little bit shorter. There's no gyms in my area either, I say just move to a place where there are boxing gyms at when you get done with college. That's what I'm planning on doing I also played sports when younger, football and baseball for me. I do similar to what you're doing also, except I also do weights.:good

[USA_Pugilist]

I'm in your situation, except just a little bit shorter. There's no gyms in my area either, I say just move to a place where there are boxing gyms at when you get done with college. That's what I'm planning on doing I also played sports when younger, football and baseball for me. I do similar to what you're doing also, except I also do weights.:good
yeah i forget to mention i weight train also. kinda became a gym rat from playing american football and rugby

[turpinr]

as rdj says ,you've got years to box,if you want.
i started at 19 and thought i was getting on a bit.
looking back now, any time in your 20s is ok,as long as you train hard.
the time to stop is when you're not enjoying it anymore.
so,enjoy

[DeckO]

Holy crap, it almost looks like I made this thread. I'm 21, I am 5'11 215, I go to college, I do weight training, I am looking to get into the sport too, and I'm looking for a gym as well. Good luck!

[BlackWater]

The best time to plant seeds was one year ago, the next best time is now.

[Gwam]

Hey guys i want to start boxing, the problem is i just turned 26 years old.

I'm abit nervous about it, i'm a shy guy have trouble making friends etc so it's hard for me to stick with sports.

My main worry is, i think the trainers will see me as wasting their time. See i once went to boxing when i was even just 19-20 and was consistantly going for 2 months and no one ever give me any advice. I even asked the trainer to work on the pads he said wait another month. I got annoyed and stopped going. But i wish i had of just stuck with it then but what can you do.

At 26 this will be even worse. I can understand the trainers wanting to work on their promising youngsters i have no problem with that. But i would like to get atleast a few tips and maybe some way along the line get an amatuer fight.

I mentioned to my Dad about going and he basically said. Your too old they only want to find the next Barry Mcguigan (lol). This has got me second guessing. I have the image of me being a loner in a gym full of 12 year olds lol.

Anyone got any advice i'm i just being a pussy or is my dad right and i should just leave it?

[RDJ]

You are NOT to old, I had my first amateur match last April, at 32 years of age. Just go to the gym and stick with it. Look at other people, try to listen as much as you can and talk as little as you can. Ask questions to the trainers, then try to implement their advice as good as you can. If it gets tough, suck it up and continue. When they see you're committed they will start giving you attention.

You are only a pussy if you quit, and your dad is wrong :D

[turpinr]

how many have you had now,RDJ

[RDJ]

how many have you had now,RDJ

Got injured two weeks after my first match (ankle) :patsch

Next one is in about two weeks :bbb

[turpinr]

ok RDJ good luck.it wasn't your ankle ligaments was it ??

[RDJ]

Yes actually it was. It's still not what it was before I injured it. Sometimes it hurts when I train a lot.

[TommyV]

Hey guys i want to start boxing, the problem is i just turned 26 years old.

Nate Campbell didn't put on a pair of gloves until he was about 24, and didn't turn pro until he was 28, and now look at him. Former undisputed world lightweight champion. You are never too old.

I'm abit nervous about it, i'm a shy guy have trouble making friends etc so it's hard for me to stick with sports.

My main worry is, i think the trainers will see me as wasting their time. See i once went to boxing when i was even just 19-20 and was consistantly going for 2 months and no one ever give me any advice. I even asked the trainer to work on the pads he said wait another month. I got annoyed and stopped going. But i wish i had of just stuck with it then but what can you do.

Trainers always do this; ignore you the first few weeks or so. It's a test of your commitment. They don't want to abandon working with a guy who has been there for maybe years, to go and work with somebody who might not turn up next week. They want to see that you are going to turn up consistently. The trainer will notice that you keep turning up, don't worry. Just stick at it and soon he'll get you involved and work with you.

At 26 this will be even worse. I can understand the trainers wanting to work on their promising youngsters i have no problem with that. But i would like to get atleast a few tips and maybe some way along the line get an amatuer fight.

As above. Keep turning up and working on the heavy bags, double end bag or whatever and he'll eventually see your level of commitment and get you involved.

I mentioned to my Dad about going and he basically said. Your too old they only want to find the next Barry Mcguigan (lol). This has got me second guessing. I have the image of me being a loner in a gym full of 12 year olds lol.

Anyone got any advice i'm i just being a pussy or is my dad right and i should just leave it?

Not true. Not trying to say your dad is talking a load of shite, but, well, honestly, he is lol. Don't listen to him, if it's something you want to do, go ahead and do it. Otherwise you'll regret it.

[Johnboy2007]

Cant really add more than the above. Except maybe think of doing it for you no one else. just do it for your enjoyment and the rest will fall into place. Goodluck and have fun!!!!!:good

[Gwam]

Thanks for the great advice guys! It helped get my ass to the gym today :)

Although last time i trained it started at 7:30 but now it's 6:30.....So i didnt actually do any training lol. I talked to the trainers and they where happy, the more the merrier they said. Watched a few rounds of bags, seems more hands on now with the trainer instructing everyone. Also shit load of girls there now, it's crazy theres more girls than boys! Never thought that would happen lol.

My dad is still being a dick about it lol. he said "Did they not ask what are you doing here?" But i think he just doesnt want me getting beat up :P

Honestly being a boxing has always been a dream of mine since i watched it from a young age. I know it's probably too late now to go pro, but i dont think i could live with myself if i didnt give it my all....I would always regret it. I'm gonna make a training log soon. Thanks again!

[RDJ]

My dad is still being a dick about it lol. he said "Did they not ask what are you doing here?" But i think he just doesnt want me getting beat up :P

The answer is simple: enjoying the 9 years (nine years!!!!) you have left as an amateur.

[MikeBrown30]

My main worry is, i think the trainers will see me as wasting their time. See i once went to boxing when i was even just 19-20 and was consistantly going for 2 months and no one ever give me any advice. I even asked the trainer to work on the pads he said wait another month. I got annoyed and stopped going.

I mentioned to my Dad about going and he basically said. Your too old they only want to find the next Barry Mcguigan (lol). This has got me second guessing. I have the image of me being a loner in a gym full of 12 year olds lol.

Anyone got any advice i'm i just being a pussy or is my dad right and i should just leave it?

- After 2 months of training, you aren't going to become another Ali or Joe Frazier. You should have kept going, so the trainers knew you were serious about it.

- In regards to your dad, don't let him get to you. The only person that can limit the things you can achieve in this world is you.

[thejokerswild]

Your dad seems pretty negative to the idea of you boxing. I would like to wish you the best of luck and realistically say take it and run with it because theres still a lot of time and hard work to go to achieve your dream.

but don't forget to listen to those around you from time to time. Don't just listen to what you want to hear. this goes for inside the gym aswell.

[turpinr]

Yes actually it was. It's still not what it was before I injured it. Sometimes it hurts when I train a lot.

mmmmm i hurt mine in 2000 after i went over the bars of my motor bike.
i asked the doctor when i would be able to start running again and after he'd asked why i wanted to run !!!?? and i said i liked running.
he said 4-6 months,and he was right.i still get gyp in my ligaments,but then again i get gyp in my knees and hips too.

what has your doctor/physio said ??

[RDJ]

what has your doctor/physio said ??

What he always says no matter what injury, rest for two months. My doctor is a joke.

[turpinr]

What he always says no matter what injury, rest for two months. My doctor is a joke.
i thought mine was a joke when he asked me why i ran.

[PuertoRicanB4L]

Hello I used to box when I was 16 years old. I am currently 19 years old and its been like 2 years since I boxed. I used to be very good footwork,speed,power,chin, heart ect..I decided to join the USMC but I whant to get back into it and I am 19 am I to old to get back into it and do it as a career

[RDJ]

Fuck no, you're young.

[vibit]

Too old at 19 years old? If you're in good shape, you'll probably be back where you left off. You just need to make up for the lost time.

As far as doing it as a profession, that's depends on how fast you learn, how hard you train, and how good you are against the competition.

Also, being good at it is not enough sometimes. I've heard of a few guys who are 5-0 to 10-0 who can't find fights. Too many people trying to pad their records, and not enough willing to risk their "0" loss. Freakin too many people pulling a Mayweather.

[RDJ]

Also, being good at it is not enough sometimes. I've heard of a few guys who are 5-0 to 10-0 who can't find fights. Too many people trying to pad their records, and not enough willing to risk their "0" loss. Freakin too many people pulling a Mayweather.

I'm assuming he'll be fighting amateur first, you can't duck people in the AM's.

[TheRock49]

Too old. Pick up Bridge or Backgammon.

[vibit]

I'm assuming he'll be fighting amateur first, you can't duck people in the AM's.

I forgot to mention that if you make a name for yourself in the amateurs, you'll likely not have to find people to fight once you turn pro. People will want to fight you.

So if you bring the Gold medal from the Olympics, you're good to go!

But seriously, see how you do in amateur fights before considering making a career out of it. It's a tough business.

I guess you could also make a career out of being cannon fodder. There are some guys who get beat up on weekends just to put food on the table. Check out those guys with lots of losses in their records. It's a tough way to make a living!

[PuertoRicanB4L]

I would not waste my time being a cannon fodder. I am a fast learner I actually fought my 1st amature fight 3 months in and won. I am a very physical person I joined the Corps for a challenge and I feel like boxing is a lot more of a challenge now that I am in but this has build my character and disipline.I mean I love to do it its fun Boxing I mean and i joined to be in USMC boxing team but they had other plans for me. I am looking for a trainer around me and the nearest is 60 miles away its a commitment when the nearest gym is 60 miles away

[vibit]

60 effin miles away! Where do you live? In the middle of some Arizona desert perhaps? Or New Mexico?

That's some distance considering they usually have plenty of boxing gyms in major cities.

Also try competing in tournaments and see how well you do.

[PuertoRicanB4L]

I am in a placed called HELL 3500 above sea level lol TwentyNine Palms , Ca I used to live in orlando , Fl when I boxed.I did a couple amatures but not a tournament. My trainer loved me but I just let it go for the military call me stupid lol anyways yea man ppl tell me 19 is yound and other say nah to late so thats why i posted this

[Zaryu]

Hello I used to box when I was 16 years old. I am currently 19 years old and its been like 2 years since I boxed. I used to be very good footwork,speed,power,chin, heart ect..I decided to join the USMC but I want to get back into it and I am 19 am I to old to get back into it and do it as a career Not too long ago I was asking myself just this. I'm 21 right now, but I used to box when I was 14. To make a long story short I guess I just never really wanted to become a boxer bad enough to give it another shot when I was 19 (just a coincidence with the age). I say you're still young and if you're serious about it than just go for it. :good

[thejokerswild]

Certainly not too late. Surely you would atleast have a clue about this.

[AndrewFFC]

Way too old grandad.

[PuertoRicanB4L]

Thats what I was thinking lol jp I have been training already for about a month and its going a bit to good.

[vibit]

dang...someone actually lives in hell...LOL!!!

I'm surprised my guess came pretty close (arizona/new mexico).

[freesix88]

You are probably kidding us with your 19 years. Young as hell.

There a two kinds of people. People with talent or people without talent.

As I see it: [Only registered and activated users can see links] :p

[andriy]

your ams will be your apprenticeship.

[BIGRIGHTHAND]

Im 23, i work out all the time. jogg, bowflex, hit heavy bagetc. theres a gym 20 mins from my house, and i wanna join but is it to late??

[suckay singh]

No! I am 26 and just joined, expect my first amateur bout end of Jan.

[BIGRIGHTHAND]

No! I am 26 and just joined, expect my first amateur bout end of Jan.
right on man, good 4 u dude. do u feel like ur two behind or something???

[suckay singh]

right on man, good 4 u dude. do u feel like ur two behind or something???

i had doubts and put it off for a long time but just thought i better stop wasting time and just give it a shot otherwise I really will be too old! I just want to give it a a year ortwo and see what happens.

If the fitness from the start is there it is achievable, and you will progress quicker.

[Goose]

do it!

[JimmyShimmy]

Go for it matey!

[bald_head_slick]

I would not waste my time being a cannon fodder. I am a fast learner I actually fought my 1st amature fight 3 months in and won. I am a very physical person I joined the Corps for a challenge and I feel like boxing is a lot more of a challenge now that I am in but this has build my character and disipline.I mean I love to do it its fun Boxing I mean and i joined to be in USMC boxing team but they had other plans for me. I am looking for a trainer around me and the nearest is 60 miles away its a commitment when the nearest gym is 60 miles away

You need to work your chain of command and let your commander and all people in power find out you want to represent your unit on the USMC boxing team. At the same time you need to find out when and where are the next try outs and the try outs after that.

After you find that out? You have to make a judgement call. Do I have enough time to be good enough to make the team this try out or should I train and wait for the try out after next? The try out will NOT be the place to "test" your skillz. Trust me, if you get TAD to go there and get your ass busted in the first round you will probably NOT get another chance under the same commander.

So I guess you aren't too young, you just have to be smart. Just remember, getting on the team isn't like joining a gym. There are tons of guys with solid skill sets from all around America joining the Corps with the express intent to get on teams. There are even more "freaks" who are just damned good from birth. This isn't to say you can't hang, but to say make sure you approach it like it is do or die! :thumbsup

You can go, but when you do... GO HARD! :bbb

[bald_head_slick]

You are NEVER too old to take up boxing. You may not get in their with the "Young Lions" but you can ALWAYS kick the shit out of a heavy bag! Hahaha.

[Zaryu]

Im 23, i work out all the time. jogg, bowflex, hit heavy bagetc. theres a gym 20 mins from my house, and i wanna join but is it to late??
I think it depends on what you want to do. If you just want to box because you like it than your not old at all. However if you're thinking of turning professional and becoming a world champion etc. than I think you are at a big disadvantage, but never say never. I'm 21 and decided to join a boxing gym because I enjoy it and want to box. Good Luck :good

[Mike_S]

Not too old at all, go for it. I just had my first fight and I'm 22, I wish I'd done it years ago but I've got the party life style out of my system now and I'm not looking back!

[RightHooker]

Started a few days after my 21st birthday. 1.5 years later I've got 14 fights. First one was after 5 months of training, and there was 6 months between my 8th and 9th fight due to opponents pulling out and an injury I had.

So I've been very active with fights and I'm loving it. Do it! You may never make the olympics or be a world champion but you can still have some success and alot of fun.

[GreatWhiteHype]

I'm 25 and will have my first amateur boxing fight in a month. Granted I've been doing muay Thai and MMA since I was 18, but I've only had a few months of pure boxing.

[RDJ]

From now on every "Am I too old" thread will be merged into this one :twisted:

[AbronsBoxing]

Just look at bernard hopkins, that will answer your question. It's all about hard work and dedication. age don't matter unless your really old or really young

[whuiron]

Don't stop, never give up, hold your head high and reach the top.

s club seven lol