All time greats that started boxing very late

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012.


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  1. Wisdom

    Wisdom Member Full Member

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    I just did a thread yesterday about how the first time Joe Louis ever stepped into a boxing gym was when he was 17/18, and was amazed that he started so late.

    It got me thinking how many other all time greats started so late ?
     
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    #1
  2. Wisdom

    Wisdom Member Full Member

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    Dwight Muhammad Qawi

    With only one month of training under his belt and no amateur fights, the 5' 7" powerhouse turned pro in April 1978. At age 25, he wasted little time and soon met and defeated quality opponents.
     
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    #2
  3. Ali_

    Ali_ Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Ken Norton starting boxing pretty late from what I hear.
     
    Ali_, Jul 4, 2012
    Ali_, Jul 4, 2012
    #3
  4. Seamus

    Seamus Proud Kulak Full Member

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    Bonecrusher
     
    Seamus, Jul 4, 2012
    Seamus, Jul 4, 2012
    #4
  5. atberry

    atberry Boxing Junkie banned Full Member

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    Nigel Benn started at 18
     
    atberry, Jul 4, 2012
    atberry, Jul 4, 2012
    #5
  6. Wisdom

    Wisdom Member Full Member

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    Sep 24, 2011
    :good


    Ken Norton

    While in the Marine Corps, Norton compiled a 24-2 record, and won three All-Marine Heavyweight titles.

    Norton, who turned pro in 1967 at the age of 24
     
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    #6
  7. Jacquot

    Jacquot Cruiserweight Paper Champ Full Member

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    My first thought was Bonecrusher Smith. I think he was early 20's when he started. The same for Kenny Norton too I believe.
     
    Jacquot, Jul 4, 2012
    Jacquot, Jul 4, 2012
    #7
  8. Wisdom

    Wisdom Member Full Member

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    James " Bonecrusher " Smith

    After serving in the US military and working as a prison guard, Smith competed in a few amateur fights before turning professional in November 1981, at the late age of 28.
     
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    #8
  9. Wisdom

    Wisdom Member Full Member

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    Nigel Benn

    Benn had a record of 41 wins and 1 loss as an amateur boxer, with the loss being against Rod Douglas, whom Benn later defeated.

    Benn turned professional in 1987 at the age of 23
     
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    #9
  10. counterpuncher

    counterpuncher New Member Full Member

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    Jun 9, 2012
    I think Marciano started late too, if I'm not mistaken.
     
    counterpuncher, Jul 4, 2012
    counterpuncher, Jul 4, 2012
    #10
  11. TBooze

    TBooze Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    I guess we are not following directions and not doing 'all time greats' per se; so I will add Dennis Andries into the mix.
     
    TBooze, Jul 4, 2012
    TBooze, Jul 4, 2012
    #11
  12. Wisdom

    Wisdom Member Full Member

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    Sergio Martinez

    first started in 1995 at the age of 20 and compiled a record of 39-2 (39 wins to 2 losses), turned professional at 22

    Bernard Hopkins

    Started boxing in prison program turned professional at the age of 23
     
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    #12
  13. Wisdom

    Wisdom Member Full Member

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    Rocky Marciano

    Marciano had a 12-fight amateur career during which he won the New England Golden Gloves title before losing to Coley Wallace in the Eastern Championships. It would be his last defeat inside a boxing ring.

    Marciano turned pro with a third-round knockout over Lee Epperson on March 17, 1947 at the age of 23
     
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    Wisdom, Jul 4, 2012
    #13
  14. SJS19

    SJS19 Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Ernie Shavers
     
    SJS19, Jul 4, 2012
    SJS19, Jul 4, 2012
    #14
  15. Lester1583

    Lester1583 Can you hear this? Full Member

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    I've heard that he started boxing before he went to prison.

    Didn't Hop said that himself in one of his interviews - Beyond the glory or something like that?

    Been a long time since I watched it though

    http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=4036&more=1
     
    Lester1583, Jul 4, 2012
    Lester1583, Jul 4, 2012
    #15
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