Age and danger?

Scotty2Hotty said:

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.

Click to expand...

Hi Scott. IMO 18 isn't too old to be a successful boxer, but first you just need to see how good you are. So for the start just fight. Then think of success and turning pro. As for headgear, it protects you to some extent, but damage can still be done. But it's boxing. You can be hurt. As for your brain, the chances are there may be some effect, but how much varies on how much you box and your style (whether you're a slugger or boxer). It may affect you. It may not. It's all in the future though. Just enjoy boxing mate :thumbsup:

Scotty2Hotty said:

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.

Click to expand...

18 is about 2 years after average, but there were plenty of successful late starters. Earnie Shavers, Larry Holmes, Ron Lyle, they were all in their 20's when they started.

In my opinion, if your worried about getting injured or brain damage then you shoulden't be boxing. Ur gonna get injured for sure. The brain damage isnt for sure but very likely after boxing for years.

I think personally that age does not matter I am 20 and just started and would like to go far with boxing. There are a lot of fighters that started lated and became very successful.
I know this is mma but still same idea. New UFC light heavy weight champion John Jones is 23 and started mma at 20.