New 'Prime' Age for Boxers?

Juan Manuel Marquez was one of the few Boxers I've seen who was better in his mid 30's than he was in his mid 20's.

 

No one is in there physical prime at 35. They might be in better shape or have more skills but the cieling was higher phywically at 25 this is a scientific fact

 

Fact is after 30 most people in general are past their physical prime. But with elite athletes it's a bit different, as they can maintain a lot of physical traits beyond 30 and some attributes actually may not reach it's full potential until after 30 due to the amount of base work that needs to be put in to reach maximal performance.

Used to be athletes peaked in mid to late 20's and then declined from 30 onwards but modern training, recovery and nutrition means athletes now peak and a far higher level than before and this takes longer to reach so athletes in many sports may not peak until after 30.

For example most long distance runners peak later in terms of endurance, hence why many don't even attempt marathons until later on in their careers. For example Mo Farah only recently committed to marathons and is currently 36, Haille Gabrselassie was 29 when he did his first marathon and set his fastest time when 35, Kipchoge broke the world record for marathon at age 33 almost 34.

As for boxers it varies. Tyson's peak was in his 20's while Lewis' was in his 30's. Boxing is complicated than just being at your physical peak as experience and skill are factors that can effect results.

 

or HWs. they seem to still be gaining a bit around 30, perhaps because they are filing out to compensate for losses that progress n their 30s.

 

sadly if there prime is late that suggests they were slow learners, so its not a flattering statement.

 

Boxing doesn’t require as much atheletiscm as other sports, and those who rely on it hit past their prime pretty soon after.

In soccer you’re most likely past it after 32 but in boxing it could still be young.

If you’re like floyd, you’re not going to suddenly forget your skills when you hit 35. And for the most part he kept his atheleticsm.

Pac clearly had a massive decline, they been saying he had 2-3 fights left since cotto. The fact that he’s been in so many wars, had had a lot of fights (over 70) and still top of the game is amazing. But you can clearly see he doesn’t have the same pop, speed, explosiveness, and most importantly stamina.

Fighting 1-2 times a year helps and keeping fit. Hatton hit past prime fast, he didn’t treat his body well.

Lewis was clearly past his prime already even when he fought Tyson, looked more sluggish and heavy, amazing he still managed to beat vitally.

What some fighters lose in physicality they gain in new skills as you can always learn more. Unfortunately for guys like RJJ and Tyson, their skills and physicality declined as they aged.

 

Prime is determined by biology and how your body deteriorates with age.

The male peak is between aged 25 to 29.

There is a marked decline in physical ability from aged 33 onwards. Unless its a pure strength event.

Just because some fighters are able to perform to the highest level in their mid 30s doesnt mean this isnt so.