When is the prime of a fighter? Is it different from other athletes? Are boxers primes at different times? Your opinions?
Depends on the fighter. Heavy's usually go on longer because speed is less important as opposed to strength, and speed usually goes first, hence why fighters move up weight classes as they get slower and less able to shift weight. Some have a renaissance, such as toney, who was frankly **** in the mid-late 90's, before coming back at the turn of the century. As a round about generalisation, i'd say most fighters imporve up until around 25-29, are at their peak between 27-32, decline around 32-37, past thier best between 36-40, and generally washed up at 40+, maybe around 42 for a heavyweight to be totally shot. But of course, there are millions of exceptions to this, but genrally its on this scale :good
A boxer's peak/prime is normally 27-32, when the stamina and speed of youth finally mixes with the experience of age. There are exceptions such as Tyson who peaked very early and Hopkins who became really good as he got into his late 30's
Yes I agree that those are pretty much average peak and decline times. With, like you said, many many exceptions. :good
Boxers tend to peak at about the same age as distance runners, the late 20s. People tend to hit their physical prime around 25 or so, but since boxing is a skill sport, the benefits of training will keep you improving until your physical decline outstrips any refining of your skills.
