Who is the earliest boxer to turn professional that is still fighting right now?

You're probably on the right track. It's probably some club fighter somewhere that we wouldn't hear anything about. I dare say at whatever age they are they wouldn't be good enough to be a fringe contender or even close.

 

If Oscar fights I reckon it will be him (but it will likely be a one-off against Connor MacGregor or something like that).

Tyson and RJJ are talking about an exhibition so I wouldn’t count that. I could see either if they look good trying to cash in with a big payday of some sort (especially Tyson as he could clear a mint against Fury or AJ or Wilder or probably some other guys ... although the pay scale drops considerably if it’s not one of those).

Manny Pacquiao debuted in 1995, fought last year and will almost certainly fight once or twice next year (COVID allowing he would have fought this year I think) before packing it in.

 

I’m guessing Pac is probably the winner.

 

To me the more interesting question is what is the earliest date of debut for a *still continuously active* fighter.
If they retired it should be briefly, & they having fights as frequently as other boxers.
There is a huge difference between coming back rarely,, especially against marginal boxers, & continuously fighting, especially at a high level.

The latter is much more impressive.

 

Good point. Take for instance Albert Hughes who debuted in 75, had a 3 year break around 79, fought once then fought again at the end of 2019 at the age of 70.

There's going to be plenty of obscure boxers older than the big names.

 

I agree! it's not all that impressive to come back after many years in retirement, to have a one-off fight (or a couple) at an advanced age.

If we're talking continuous fighting, in 2019 Pacquiao became the last man to join the "25 consecutive years club". Because of Covid-19 he may not fight this year - in which case his streak will stop at 25.

 

If Danny Williams' scheduled fight on Friday goes ahead, it will be the 26th consecutive year he has fought since his debut in 1995.

Sam Soliman had fought every year up to 2019 since his debut in 1997.

 

Lolenga Mock debuted in 1991. Not sure if he has now retired tho.

 

Oliver McCall started his career in 1985, and he has a fight coming up in Florida. If he goes through with it.