It seems that the lighter the weight the earlier age that the boxers peak. The heavier weight boxers seem to peak at an older age and their careers last longer. Does anyone else recognize this? Why do you think that it is?
Well, the heavier you get, the less you need to rely on skills like foot speed, reflexes, hand speed, movement etc. Things that naturally deteriorate as you age. And you know how power is the last thing to go? Well, HW's rely on power moreso than overall skills. Look at Foreman. As long as he had that right hand, he had a chance. But would he have had a chance at a lower weight? I think not. He would've been too slow against any "elite" fighter and been picked apart due to his declining physical skills. That's why Hopkins is so amazing. :good
Yes. Speed fades, and that is what makes all the difference in the lower weights. Power peaks in the 30s and lasts well into the 40s.
Heavyweights have longer careers, and can go on until ripe old ages because they have no tight weights to make and don't box at such high intensity all of the time.. They fight a little more relaxed and things that leave fighters quicker like reflexes are not as important amongst the big boys compared with say welterweights... That seems to be the actual pattern
All good answers. But why can a 23 year old featherweight be ready for a title fight with 20 fights and a heavyweight at the same age and number of fights is still considered green or needs seasoning? Why do the lighter weights develop faster and peak sooner?
Everyone has answered it in someway or another. Heavyweights are a different bunch of athlete compared to the lighter guys. They need more time to mature into there body, but like people have said previously the lighter guys are younger because speed, reflexes, footwork are at your peak between 20-28 once you get into your 30's they deteriorate and power becomes the main factor which is why if you look most of the top heavys are in their 30's. And box at a lot slower pace. Could also be to do with the light guys hammering themselves to make weight, and that takes it toll on the body
Out of necessity. The imperceptable decline in quickness between a 23 Y.O and a 25 Y.O is all the difference among the lowers. Plus few over 23 could regularly make weight in the lowers.
I think the lighter guys having to make weight takes a lot out of them in the long run. A lot of the lighter guys fight at a weight that is not natural for their body, and some of them don't live the cleanest lives so they are forced to cut a lot of weight before the fights. A heavyweight can come in at 270 and still fight. It has no real adverse effects on their bodies (in the long run) besides being fat. Of course they will have stamina problems, but no contracted weight means they get to fight and earn a living. If you don't make weight at the lower weights, not only do you not get to fight, you will be fined as well.
