Has anybody ever started their boxing career at or around 30, and had/have a decent pro career? 0 experience prior to. Needless to say this is where I'm at and I've been an enthusiast for far too long. The massive amount of "no's" wont discourage me, even the slightest, but may help me direct my gather information from sources of similar circumstances.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucas_Browne Lucas Browne is the most recent example, he started his career right around when he turned 30. I don't think he had any serious training before that. It depends on several things. Obviously the most important one is will and determination, but that is so obvious I won't even list it. 1) your natural weightclass ... fighters in higher weightclasses tend to fight longer 2) your injury record ... did you have any serious injuries in your life prior to starting training? 3) athletic background / your shape ... did you do any sports prior to that? what kind of shape are you in? 4) your boxing style ... study old fighters and how they fight, develop a style that isn't based on athleticism and that can last longer. If you're fine on at least 3 of those points then I guess it is doable. Obviously we all know that "science" and some extra "supplements" can help but I'm not the guy to recommend that, just saying. I think the main focus should be to use your maturity and determination right at the start of your journey and insist on learning technical fundamentals down to the point. A lot of guys who start young have some weird habits that they keep long into their careers because they work at lower level and because when they started they weren't as serious, as mature or as focused. You should start by trying to achieve flawless technique from the get go. Most young people who start don't have the patience to do that and just want to fight and then develop wrong habits or don't have proper punching mechanics. And like I said, build your boxing around a style that can last, fight patiently and pace yourself. Study Bernard Hopkins for example. Also if you're mature and dedicated you can really put a lot of effort into avoiding injuries as much as possible and training smart. A lot of young guys push themselves too much and end up with injuries that bother them their entire career. When you're older you're more aware of your body limitations and wiser. Try to take the most advantages from starting late as you can.
That, is absolutely what I needed to hear and now that I heard it I feel I have the only edge I do have- life experience. I'll say this, my weight climbed from 135-240 at 5'4". I have since gone down to 170 in the last 8 months and I absolutely want to box, whether fun, amateur or pro, money or not- just for me. My focus has been to hit the gym 5 days a week 1 hour in morning and 3 hours after work in a boxing gym. While that won't change, I have to be smart about my time management as much as my body telling me my limits and probably a good idea to watch my stats closly while exercising. I wont explain my reasons publically, but you're correct, will and determine are to say the least.
I started at 36. Never been a super talented fighter, but have had over 20 amateur fights (42 now). Won a golden gloves tournament and competed in the nationals - majority against younger (19-34) elite and open class fighters. I've only won half of my fights - but it's only a hobby - so, I guess i'm not one to believe much in age limits.
Hard to say because I never seriously considered going pro. But definitely would train 6-7 days a week, gotten pro trainers and travelled to other gyms to spar other pros. But then again, that would take me away from fathering duties, which I would not have done - hence the "strictly hypothetical" caveat.
Much appreciated, I have 3 and one with special needs which will be tough but I am under pretty good control of. My plan is to hit the gym like I mentioned and just push, push and push.
Great to hear. It will be very rewarding. It's a long road. Expect progress to be slow and gradual - expecting fast results will lead to disappointment. Discipline, consistent training and patience will serve you well. Best of luck!
