Why can fighters fight at older ages today but not in the past?

Casuals make me laugh they try and say such a boxer is old cause he's his 30's, not knowing that most of the best fighters these days are in their 30's (especially at heavyweight)

This is a constant thing the casuals don't have a clue about.

 

They don’t fight as often today so less wear and tear on your body !!! Sports science !!! They stay in shape in between fights !!! Guys like Larry Holmes around 33 didn’t train as he did when he was younger - put on weight in between fights from fishing -drinking beer and eating to much steak !!! I am convinced a guy like Larry Holmes at age 32 if he continues to run / chop wood / spar/ run / jump rope / he woulda had a longer peak from then 28 to 32 yr of age !!! I think he probably could have went to 36 if he stayed in shape like the guys today !!!! Also Covid made fighters last longer … remember nibody fought for 2 yrs during covid !! No wear and tear on your body also helps !!!

 

Its not just boxing its all sports. Tennis players used to retire at 30, while now they can be high level into their late 30s. Ronaldo one of the best soccer players near 40.

 

Beterbiev the epitome of clean living and professionalism. Conservative career management and god given ability. Its no surprise hes still at his peak at 40.

22 pro fights to his name and none of them were career shortening wars. Id say its a mix of all of the above

 

I would say so.

An end of his career Louis, just fighting to pay the tax man.

 

Science

 

Also in the past referees would let fighters carry on after heavy knockdowns or if they are just hurt without pulling them out due to bad body language. They’d let them fight as long as possible until they really can’t beat the count or battered beyond belief. There was more pride to be a warrior and having to fight it out. Today there are more safety procedures.

 

I think medical advancements and physical therapy help with recovery

Less fights

No more 15 rounders

Refs who stop fights earlier

 

Three words, first begins with a P, second begins with an E and the final word begins with a D

 

Ronaldo is not one of the best footballers at 40, but he is in great shape still
He plays in a donkey league

 

Did you see the big Saudi show last saturday? Lots of "getting stuck in" fighting happening there, if you ask me.

The idea that the old-timers generally fought harder than today, is a nice fantasy - but nothing more than that!

 

Nutrition, living standards and hygiene, sports science and physiotherapy. There is a gulf in understanding of the world between 70's and now, let alone earlier. I cannot stress enough how much the world has changed.

 

They don't fight as much today. Guys had 70-80 fights by the time they were 30. 35 years old was considered old in boxing back then, but the guy had 100+ fights. I don't think we'll ever see a guy with 100 fight career again.

 

Stamina and additional weight divisions