What are the chances of a Heavyweight boxer who started at the age of 25 becoming a champion?

Virtually nil

 

Has he got 4 arms and secret psionic powers?

 

Pretty slim unless he was born with rare gifts. A natural athlete blessed with a granite chin, speed and KO power in both hands could possibly become the Ricardo Mayorga of the heavyweights.

 

If you believe in yourself anything is possible.

 

I'd say the biggest question is whether that individual was a top athlete in another sport.

Regular guy starting boxing at 25? 5'10"? Probably hopeless.

Elite football or basketball player? Probably not hopeless.

 

How many times have you seen it happen? Thats your answer. That being said there is always a first time.

 

MMA has shown that dedicated athletes can get really good at another martial art in a relatively short time period.
Someone talented who absolutely loves boxing could go pretty far under the right guidance.

 

I could be wrong but I think MMA is a much "easier" road to a world title than boxing.

 

How many have even tried?
Seth Mitchell was quite decent, especially from a technical standpoint. Too bad he had 0 punch resistance.
I believe Mitchell was about 23 when he first started boxing. He looked pretty damn good for someone who started so late.

He definitely was no Tye Fields, even though he had similar punch "resistance".

Ray Mercer started at 23.
Antonio Tarver started at around 23.
Our God and Saviour Charles Martin started at 22. (I think)

 

Ron Lyle turned pro at 30 and he got very close to becoming a heavyweight champ, so it's difficult but still possible.

 

The Heavyweight division would be the easiest to start late and having some success

However, unless the said fighter is Mike Tyson, I doubt being 5'10 would be any use in this day and age

I know Martin Rogan started around 30. Granted he didn't have amazing success, but he didn't do too badly either

I think 20-21 would be a much better age if a guy is a great athlete

Is that not around the age Wilder and AJ started? Maybe Joshua was late teens?

 

I think it solely depends on the athleticism, if you are a freakish athlete (ala Joshua/Wilder) winning against a Martin caliber guy would be no problem I reckon. As an average/slightly above average joe? Absolutely no chance.