What is the first sign that a fighter is getting old?

I think his "true" prime ended when he stepped up to super middle. And yes he is old and has been for some time. He just has better ways of dealing with his age than most.

 

You're right. His prime ended when he left middle. But was probably already diminished when he fought JT.

 

1. can't put put punches together anymore
2. legs lose spring and stability
3. their chin and stamina begins to fail them
4. diminished reflexes

 

The first thing to go is the old wheels - with age the legs weaken and slow down. This is why boxers lose leverage in their punches and can no longer KD another. Then they start to take more punches and get softened up. This is the beginning of the end of their careers.