When is it too late?

I've been intrigued by boxing as a discipline and form of exercise for a while now. However, I'm now wondering if I might be too old to give it a go. I'm 30 and probably a couple of stone (at least ) heavier than I wish to be. My question is, how old is too old?

I have no intention of doing it for anything other than fitness but is it too late to start and learn to box correctly?

If its for fitness then any time is a good time. Could help you shift that extra weight and feel a lot healthier. If you can find a sport you enjoy it becomes a lot easier to stay in shape

Thanks for the reply Lance. Boxing has always intrigued me, I'm under no illusions as to how difficult it would be but I think I'm going to take it up!

Have a chat with your local boxing gym Kareem, at worse you should be able to get on a couple of bouts or there's always white collar.

I took it up in my mid 20s Kareem,though I have no intention to fight other than a few club exhibitions. Its definitely possible especially if the goal is fitness. What I would say though is regarding sparring it is very difficult to get used to being hit in the face if you haven't grown up as a kid bring used to it. Enjoy that part

Don't rush into it but you are still old enough to be considered at amature level.

Make a decision quickly don't hesitiate.

"Don't rush into it "
"Make a decision don't hesitate"

It's all about what you choose to hear

With that said, I'm sure you could be reasonably handy at boxing if you started now. With dedication, and obviously ability, you could become a reasonable amateur. This last part is less to do with you being decent, and more to do with the fact that the amount of amateur boxers in your weight class in your city probably isn't going to be earth shattering

Don't worry about age.

Train hard and smart. Who knows what you could achieve at 30.

If you are athletic, you could easily become good, if you nail the basics.

I know he is a heavyweight, but big Rogie started at 30. He did ok for himself.

Progressing will be painful because there won't be many adults of equal experience and size for you spar with, so you'll end up taking a few knocks from good lads. However, you have to retire on your 40th birthday, so you have 10 year to learn. Good on you for taking it up, best sport in the world.

kingraf wrote:With that said, I'm sure you could be reasonably handy at boxing if you started now. With dedication, and obviously ability, you could become a reasonable amateur. This last part is less to do with you being decent, and more to do with the fact that the amount of amateur boxers in your weight class in your city probably isn't going to be earth shattering

We all start out thinking we are Ray Leonard then we find out that 2 minutes last 2 hours.....Punches unlike on TV actually hurt and that bodybuilding is much easier..

I took it up at about 30, and had 3 bouts in the past couple of years. As a fan it gives you a massive insight and appreciation of the sport. Also the fitness side of things is second to none in my opinion.

Took it up at 24 - although I was considered half decent, didn't really get much further than about 16 amateur bouts (headgear, 4 x 3minute and 6 x 2 minute rounds) and a bit of sparring. Nobody big though (not Kell Brook despite initial claims ) and only lasted about 4 years.

Now at 30, I had a blood clot on my brain (unrelated to boxing apparently I'd had it for years until it got big enough to see) and plan on taking it back up now I've had the all clear.

One thing I will say thats been iterated by others, getting used to being punched takes time. The first time you're caught flush through the headguard on the nose is the worst. Then you've got the waking up the next day after taking a shellacking to the body. Never nice. Over time you'll get used to it, but remember after 30 your body will take longer to recover.

Good luck though mate, hope you do well.

I agree with one two, don't rush into it and don't hesitate!

Go for it if you fancy it. The only way to find out if it's for you is to give it a go. It's a great way to get fit, if you like the sparring... (And love getting punched in the face!) then great. If not then stick to the bags or do something different. At least you tried it, you won't be asking yourself why you never gave it a go.  Good luck.

To be honest a 30 year old has a much better chance of getting into mma.

Boxing really is a young mans game if you're not heavyweight.

In MMA, grappling is a big part of the sport and most men can get stronger in their 30's.

In boxing reflexes and speed is really important.

Obviously strinking and relexes are a big part off MMA as well, but if you are strong and fit, you can make up for it and mix with younger faster men.

I think that blood clot has interfered with your memory. You certainly didnt box 4 x 3min or 6 x 2min under AIBA.

3 x 3 and 4 x 2 then.

It's been a while.

JabMachineMK2 wrote:3 x 3 and 4 x 2 then.

It's been a while.

try 3x2 min,assuming like most amateurs you started as a novice.

I'd retire now and remain unbeaten

Same old jabby lmfao