What former heavyweight champions attempted to regain the title after the age of 35? Foreman, Holmes, Vitali, Holyfield, Tyson, Ali, and Lewis. Pretty sure they were all over 35 when trying to regain. Anyone else jump to mind? I'm sure I'm missing a few.
Schmeling was 32.Mercer was only a former WBO champion.Tucker was only ever IBF and NABF. Dempsey was 32.
According to Liston fans he was 60 when he fought Clay. Actually prime Liston should have fought in the era of John L sulivan
If we count Jimmy Ellis' defense of the WBA belt against Patterson in 1968 as a title fight, that would have been Floyd's last title challenge and he was 33 at the time.
HW's are maturing more older now ,theres just more of them now than in the past eras. look at the differance between Ali and holmes who beat Mercer at 43 years old or so.
While he doesn't fit the criterion of being over 35, James J. Jeffries was 35 when he made his ill-fated attempt against champion Jack Johnson.
James Corbett was almost 37 in his last HW World title fight. Bob Fitzsimmons was close to 40 in his last HW world title fights. James Jeffries was 35. Jack Johnson held the title past age 35 but never got a shot to regain it. Jess Willard was almost 38 when he lost the title to Jack Dempsey. Others who were over 35 when they tried to regain- Louis, Walcott, Ali, Foreman, Holmes, Tyson, Holyfield, Lewis, V. And W. Klitschko, and some others.