succesful boxer who started late in life

Holmes started pro at 23, and first started boxing (going to the gym) when he was 19.

I think Shavers was 22 when he first walked into the gym.

 

marciano didnt start serious boxing until he was 24 1/2 years old......

Ron Lyle his late twenties

 

Could be wrong about the exact years, but didn't Keith Mullings start at the age of 25? (As a pro at least, becuase I think he had some experience boxing in the army or navy).

Great story for him to start so late and overcome such a talent like Terry Norris.

 

Norris was past it, I give Mullings credit for beating him, but Terrible Terry would have tore his ass up in his prime.

 

Ron Lyle was 29 when he turned pro, and he was a leading heavyweight contender for about seven years.

 

So Norris was way past it at 30?

 

Sure he would, but still a good scalp given Mullings' late start.

 

You know more than I do JohnThomas1, that fighters can age differently. Terry had had over 300 amateur fights, and over fifty pro fights at that time, and was fighting pretty frequently. It was a matter of time before he burned out and he did just that against Mullings IMO, because he was schooling Keith, until he gassed out.

I also didn't mean to give off the impression that he was way past it. He was faded when he fought Mullings, but if you want to see him way past it and shot, look no further than the Boudouani fight.

 

Jess Willard was pushing 30 when he took up boxing.

 

No worries mate, just thought you stated it a bit strongly. Cheers.

 

No wonder Dempsey was able to beat him...

 

Believe Nate Campbell didn't turn pro till he was 30.

 

Hasim Rahman. Ray Mercer.

 

Nate Campbell didnt box until he was 24. Larry Holmes started at 19. Dwight Braxton and Bonecrusher Smith both turned pro at 28 with limited amateur experience. Ray Mercer, Ken Norton, and Mike Weaver all started late as well. Those three didnt take up the sport until they were in the military.