Is their older age actually HELPING the veteran champs stay on top?

The older fighters are on top because most of the younger fighters are sh*t.

The fact that most of the guys you mentioned are also relatively rich, successful and own or partner their own promotions and have a very considerable say in opponent selection sure as hell doesn't hurt, but of course they were all elite in the first place otherwise they wouldn't have got where they are. Ultimately there is always gonna be a balance between age (and hopefully concommitent skill and experience) and the gradual decline of the physical abilities necessary to apply those skills. It's probably no coincidence that these fighters are all (with the possible exception of Maravilla) or have become extremely defensive fighters. Past a certain point, which is sure to differ from fighter to fighter, no amount of experience will overcome the ravages of time - Hopkins is an extreme outlier, of course, but these guys are all skilled fighters who have adjusted to take best advantage of skills over raw physical gifts. As I pointed out at the bginning however, all have also reached the pinnacle of their profession and a certain say in choosing guys who best play to their advantages certainly hasn't hurt their longevity. Very valid points.

The fact that most of the guys you mentioned are also relatively rich, successful and own or partner their own promotions and have a very considerable say in opponent selection sure as hell doesn't hurt, but of course they were all elite in the first place otherwise they wouldn't have got where they are. Ultimately there is always gonna be a balance between age (and hopefully concommitent skill and experience) and the gradual decline of the physical abilities necessary to apply those skills. It's probably no coincidence that these fighters are all (with the possible exception of Maravilla) or have become extremely defensive fighters. Past a certain point, which is sure to differ from fighter to fighter, no amount of experience will overcome the ravages of time - Hopkins is an extreme outlier, of course, but these guys are all skilled fighters who have adjusted to take best advantage of skills over raw physical gifts. As I pointed out at the bginning however, all have also reached the pinnacle of their profession and a certain say in choosing guys who best play to their advantages certainly hasn't hurt their longevity.

Experience is proving a huge factor these days,coupled with the fact that the young guys coming through generally aren't as good,well their isn't the depth of young talent anyway

Lol, Marquez is just a smart fighter. He timed Pac perfectly. Get over it.

steroids.........out of all the old top fighters only pac and martinez are the only ones who show a natural decline (aka most likely not using steroids)....whereas current steroid users like floyd, wlad (and i'm a BIG fan of wlad) and hopkins are still fighting and looking stronger when they shouldn't be... it's sad but it's the truth..only reason these older fighters are still kicking the way they are is because they're cheating...nothing else also marquez is probably the most obvious cheater in teh sport right now......he hires an EXPERT STEROID CHEMIST at the late age of 38 and he ends up looking more ripped than he ever has in his PRIME.... 39 years old.........this is thanks to steroids http://blacksportsonline.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Marquez.jpg You should try some Preparation H, bro. It might help with your case of chronic BUTTHURT!!:lol1: KTFO6 baby!!!, :fing26::burnout:

No doubt, but what I'm getting at more is that these guys know they have to be 100%, they can't let up...because at their age they are pretty much 1 punch away from having their career ended, along with every streak or record they hold/are looking to accomplish. Does this hunger, aside from the obvious dedication to the craft through things like training and diet, help them stay on top? Yeah, I agree that's part of it too. It's a combination of maturity/ lifestyle, experience, and vulnerability. The vulnerability is what you're speaking of, because if they take a loss, it's hard to climb the rankings again. The young guys have time on their side, so they're not vulnerable. Amir Khan gets knocked out and works his way back to the top without a problem. If Sergio Martinez gets knocked out, it's pretty much over.

It's about maturity. When you get older, you realize that hard work and healthy living really is important. A lot of the young fighters (Broner, Chavez Jr., Ortiz, etc.) got a taste of success and money too early, and weren't prepared to handle it. They are talented fighters, but they don't yet have the mentality to train like Sergio Martinez, Hopkins, Mayweather, Wladimir and other veterans. No doubt, but what I'm getting at more is that these guys know they have to be 100%, they can't let up...because at their age they are pretty much 1 punch away from having their career ended, along with every streak or record they hold/are looking to accomplish. Does this hunger, aside from the obvious dedication to the craft through things like training and diet, help them stay on top?

Posters like this make it hard to post here Forget all that, what's your opinion on the topic (since you are a Floyd fan and he is one of the guys I mentioned)?

It's about maturity. When you get older, you realize that hard work and healthy living really is important. A lot of the young fighters (Broner, Chavez Jr., Ortiz, etc.) got a taste of success and money too early, and weren't prepared to handle it. They are talented fighters, but they don't yet have the mentality to train like Sergio Martinez, Hopkins, Mayweather, Wladimir and other veterans.

steroids.........out of all the old top fighters only pac and martinez are the only ones who show a natural decline (aka most likely not using steroids)....whereas current steroid users like floyd, wlad (and i'm a BIG fan of wlad) and hopkins are still fighting and looking stronger when they shouldn't be... it's sad but it's the truth..only reason these older fighters are still kicking the way they are is because they're cheating...nothing else also marquez is probably the most obvious cheater in teh sport right now......he hires an EXPERT STEROID CHEMIST at the late age of 38 and he ends up looking more ripped than he ever has in his PRIME.... 39 years old.........this is thanks to steroids http://blacksportsonline.com/home/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Marquez.jpgPosters like this make it hard to post here

I think modern fighters benefit from advanced supplements, diet and traning regimens. Example: No way Bhop would still be doing this had he not properly trained and ate right in between fights. Just like how modern athletes in other sports are advancing and better than previous generations, the same applies to boxing. In other words, their body still responds to what they tell it to do better than it used to with previous era's. True but the new advancements are available to everyone...why is it the older fighters that seem to be making more effective use of it? And does this show a progressive decline in the actual fundamental skill of modern boxers? Guys that started in the 90s and before are really showing they are ahead in terms of skill compared to guys 2000 ---

A couple of those guys aren't really fighting the best their division has to offer, so I would say that age helps them greatly yes.

I don't think that's the reason at all, imo. Hopkins has recently lost, yet it hasn't derailed his accolades. Same for JMM after losing to Bradley. He's still considered one of the best p4p fighters today. Their older age is helping but I believe it's due to gaining that experience and having that drive to stay on top. Mentally they can't be broken. Experience is a key factor. More so then them being afraid of losing. You've gone through the battles, seen the various styles and adapted to being on the biggest stage. Something that a young, hungry fighter hasn't done yet. Their heart beats at a slower pace which allows them to keep their composure. There's plenty more I can type but I gotta work smh. You have a point, but BHOP for example, when he loses it's most likely going to be a decision, being outworked by a younger guy, and he's an extreme case at 49...someone like Wlad is basically never going to lose a decision, same with Floyd -- for these guys to lose it's going to be brutal if it happens, and I think that knowledge, that extreme hunger to stay on top...break records...keep streaks going etc, that fear stemming from the fact they will be too old to come back, that's something that keeps them going forward IMO.

I think modern fighters benefit from advanced supplements, diet and traning regimens. Example: No way Bhop would still be doing this had he not properly trained and ate right in between fights. Just like how modern athletes in other sports are advancing and better than previous generations, the same applies to boxing. In other words, their body still responds to what they tell it to do better than it used to with previous era's.

If we look at boxing right now, a lot of the main champs are the older guys: Wlad - 38 Floyd - 37 Martinez - 39 Rigo - 33 (old for his division) Hopkins - 49 Now, the casual fan, or even a knowledgeable fan may say - why are these older guys still on top? Surely youth has to beat experience and age? No - the reason these guys are on top, IMO, is the fact they truly know that a loss at their age would pretty much be the end for them. Do you really see Wlad getting KO'd and then coming back to be a contender? Or Floyd coming back if he lost his undefeated streak? Or Martinez really trying to make a comeback if someone schools him aged almost 40? These guys understand every fight for them is like a 'cup final', these guys have that desire and understanding which allows them to stay on top and ahead of the young lions. If only the young guys had the same desire and hunger, all these older guys would probably lose, but unfortunately a lot are just happy with a payday and a chance 'next time'. Do you agree? Discuss and post your opinions! :boxing: I don't think that's the reason at all, imo. Hopkins has recently lost, yet it hasn't derailed his accolades. Same for JMM after losing to Bradley. He's still considered one of the best p4p fighters today. Their older age is helping but I believe it's due to gaining that experience and having that drive to stay on top. Mentally they can't be broken. Experience is a key factor. More so then them being afraid of losing. You've gone through the battles, seen the various styles and adapted to being on the biggest stage. Something that a young, hungry fighter hasn't done yet. Their heart beats at a slower pace which allows them to keep their composure. There's plenty more I can type but I gotta work smh.

This is why green karma is complete horseh!t. it's the truth............i apologize if it's hard to take in........

steroids.........out of all the old top fighters only pac and martinez are the only ones who show a natural decline (aka most likely not using steroids)....whereas current steroid users like floyd, wlad (and i'm a BIG fan of wlad) and hopkins are still fighting it's sad but it's the truth..only reason tehse older fighters are still kicking is because theyr'e cheating...nothing else This is why green karma is complete horseh!t.

youth isn't beating age experience but then there must be something wrong with the youth - IMO it is the lack of hunger. Yes, and a lack of skill.

So you want to say that a lot of the younger boxers do indulge in stuff like that?? I'm not talking about this in a physical sense even...it's just that will to win and knowledge that's keeping them there - youth isn't beating age experience but then there must be something wrong with the youth - IMO it is the lack of hunger. I think for a fighter abstaining from alcohol and drugs adds years to your effectiveness. Your vital organs are aready damaged/stessed enough during a fight and training, no need to make it worse, you know. Most cases, youth is still winning. I agree they have great will to win, but often the mind thinks it and the body cant do it quick enough. All of these guys are still able to get their bodies to respond even at an age well past where most fighters are effective.