Wladimir Klitschko is a Ukrainian boxer who won the world heavyweight championship at more than 38-years old. This is just one of the stories of boxers who’ve made a comeback to the sport and become successful, despite their age.
So, what age can you start boxing? Technically speaking, there’s no age limit for starting boxing, but joining the sport at a later age may become more complex if you look at it from an administrative point of view.
The Minimum Age Limit for Boxing
Since there'll be no physical contact to worry about the head, a person can start by getting familiar with the technical aspects of the sport at any age. Kids who show an interest in this combat sport can start anytime they want before they advance to sparring.
Kids aged 10 can start practicing amateur boxing before they move on to the next level. This is the perfect age for kids to start practicing as they can easily grasp the boxing techniques at an early age. They'll be more likely to become pro boxers and get stuck into the sport.
You also don’t have to worry about your kid being hurt while practicing as they don’t have the power to cause serious injuries to anyone. Moreover, they’ll be categorized with kids of the same size and will be equipped with headgear and gloves to protect them from potential injuries. So, you don’t have to worry yourself too much.
Junior boxing licenses can be given to kids once they turn 15. They’ll then be known as youth boxers once they’re between 17 and 18 years old. Once they’re above the age of 18, any boxing category is open for them to take part in.
The Maximum Age Limit for Boxing
Amateur boxing has more specific rules compared to professional boxing. The later works on discretion where boxing officials will clear you to participate in boxing based on several factors such as your medical history.
For your application to be approved by the board, it’ll be necessary to prove that you’re fit to be a professional boxer. Whereas the board won’t take your age into account, it’s obvious that an unfit and overweight 20-year old will find it quite difficult to find a boxing license than a 38-year old whose fit and healthy.
Therefore, professional boxing doesn’t have any age limit, as is the case with amateur boxing. The International Boxing Association (AIBA) set the age for men and women at the Olympic Games from 34 to 40-years-old.
This means that people aged 30-years and above who wonder if they still have enough time to join the sport and become pro boxers have more than enough time. They can join a local gym and test themselves to see how good they are. That should be a starting point to a possibly successful career.
Popular Boxers Successful above Thirty-Years
The fact that Muhammad Ali regained the heavyweight title from George Foreman at the age of 32 was quite a shock to many. This suggested that it was somewhat unusual for a boxer to thrive past the age of 30.
There have been many heavyweight champions before and after Ali who’ve gone to become successful above 30 and 40-years. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is an undeniable proof of being a successful pro boxer after 40-years.
Start Boxing Now
From the above, it’s evident that there’s no age limit for one to start boxing. Age will only hold you back when you want to participate in competitive boxing. That’s why it’s best to start getting fit now and have your goals straight. You can discuss your goals with a boxing trainer so that they can point you in the right direction.
