What Age Should You Start Boxing (What’s A Good Age)
Boxing is one of the most beneficial sports to take up, but much like other sports – sometimes there is a cut off point where you’re too old or too young to start.
Boxing is a very physically demanding, mentally demanding and dangerous sport which requires a huge level of discipline and drive to succeed.
So, with these things in mind – you might be wondering what age you could start boxing? What exactly is a good age to start?
There isn’t exactly a hard and fast rule for your age and boxing, and it is always recommended to take up any form of physical exercise and sport at any age!
But, there are of course advantages to starting boxing at certain ages. Discipline and physical conditioning are among the most important aspects of this.
So, let’s take a look. Ring the bell! What age should you start boxing?
Come On, How Old Is Too Old?
We could compile a list of boxers who began their career at 8 years old and a list of boxers who began much older than that.
So, as we said – age isn’t exactly the factor that determines a good time to start boxing, but your mental and physical condition does. This is why typically, you might think it would be better to start boxing as a late teenager, when your body is likely at its fittest – but this isn’t always the case.
A 39 year old boxer might be in far better condition than a teenager, and would likely have a stronger discipline due to life experience – but again, this isn’t always the case.
It’s important to know though, that undergoing boxing requires a fighter to pass a medical examination – and boxers who are 40 or over have to do these far more frequently (every year to be precise).
Mature Boxers
There have been plenty of boxers who have gone on to fight post 45. Antonio Tarver for example had his last bout in 2015 in New Jersey and Archie Moore was 47 before he hung up the gloves.
A famous example is the boxing legend George Foreman, who finally retired aged 48. What these fighters prove is that age is just a number, but physical and mental endurance is far more important.
Youth Boxing
If your kid is showing an interest in boxing – that’s fantastic. Generally, for a kid to be able to hit a bag and understand some of the fundamentals of the sport – you’d be looking at around 7 years old, but this will differ from child to child.
Additionally, certain boxing kits aren’t available for certain sizes and therefore ages. If your child is particularly interested though, you could start them off shadow boxing which is a great alternative and a foot in the door.
The great thing about that is it does not require a huge investment in buying boxing equipment or kit. Kids often lose interest in things quickly, so this could be a way to determine that before you commit.
Are There Age Restrictions In Boxing?
Any restrictions, including ages, will differ depending on the rules included in the organization, competition and regulatory body. Additionally, there’s a vast difference between professional and amateur level of boxing – both of which have their own rules.
ABC for example (the Association of Boxing Commissions) who are the body behind boxing and mixed-martial-arts (MMA) have quite a strict level of requirement. Fighters are asked to provide urine and blood samples, as well as agreeing to thorough fight physical examinations and eye tests.
Any boxer over the age of 37 must also undergo even further examinations including neurological and cardiovascular tests. Women fighters are also tested for pregnancy.
Recreational boxing is a different entity. There are far less strict requirements with boxers entering as young as 8 and as old as they can last! It’s a great way to get into boxing when you’re younger and a health benefit to everyone who takes part.
Some people prefer recreational boxing as it is generally less competitive but still has the fundamental elements of boxing, including fitness and will to win.
Amateur boxing organizations have some restrictions. Competitors are normally aged 13-39*. Anybody who wants to box older than 39 must obtain a license to box before they’re 34. Further restrictions at this level often include permitted headgear and limited rounds.
Different countries and organizations will differ wildly from one another though, so it’s important to check where you live about what the local rules are in the level you’re hoping to compete in.
Boxercise
Other than boxing itself, the training involved in boxing can be massively beneficial. Boxercising as it is often known is the training regime that many boxers will go through during their career or at amateur level.
It often involves plenty of cardio training including high intensity interval training (HIIT) along with punch training, core exercises and some weight training. It is arguably the best type of exercise available and many gyms offer classes to get you started.
It’s a great tool for cardio training, fat burning, muscle building, toning and can improve your hand-eye coordination.
For anybody of any age interested in taking up boxing, it is a great idea to undertake a boxercise class and get to know some of the fitness fundamentals of the sport. The fitter you are and the more you know about boxing before you start is always a great advantage.
The Final Bell
So, there’s no rule as such for what age is a good age for boxing but an optimum young age is around 7 years old. The older you are, you may find some additional medical test requirements, but if you’re still fit and healthy in body and mind – you can keep boxing at some level.
If you’re looking to get involved younger or older, try taking up boxercising or even helping out at a local boxing gym.
Good luck in the ring!
This love then later flourished into an obsession with all things combat sports. From Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to full MMA, I have truly tried it all. And now, with this blog, I wish to bring my knowledge to others. I hope my articles will help others to learn more about these often misunderstood sports, and the skills needed to be successful.
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