Scotty2Hotty

I'm 18 years old and am looking to start boxing and hopefully go somewhere with it if i'm any good. Is 18 too old to be a successful boxer?

Also in amateur boxing headgear is worn, but how safe is this? Surely it can only protect you to some degree and doesn't really prevent concussions. Surely years of having the brain rocked will take its toll?

If these questions are in the wrong section then my apologies.

Thanks,
Scott.