What defines "prime"?

**Bea5T** · 09-18-2008, 08:30 PM

when a boxer is at the height of his abilities

and in the Best shape

**Fox McCloud** · 09-18-2008, 08:31 PM

When a boxer is in the state (both physical and mental) to give himself the best chance for winning.

James Toney was in his physical prime against Roy Jones Jr., but something was not right with his mental framework IMO, which is why I don't think that was prime of a James Toney as you can get, even though there was unanimous disagreement against me.

**JAB5239** · 09-18-2008, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by Bea5T

when a boxer is at the height of his abilities

and in the Best shape

So you would agree that age does not determine prime then?

**lparm** · 09-18-2008, 08:36 PM

Originally posted by DWiens421

When a boxer is in the state (both physical and mental) to give himself the best chance for winning.

James Toney was in his physical prime against Roy Jones Jr., but something was not right with his mental framework IMO, which is why I don't think that was prime of a James Toney as you can get, even though there was unanimous disagreement against me.

Yes I agree with that, I think to define prime under one term it's tough because there are 2 primes, the mental and physical like DWiens said. The problem is sometimes they dont happen at the same time.

**-Swizzy-** · 09-18-2008, 08:39 PM

Originally posted by JAB5239

What in your opinion defines "prime"?

Was Tyson still prime when Douglas knocked him out, or were his best days behind him?

At 36 and 43 respectively, both Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins are considered old by many fans and experts alike. Yet both are highly ranked p4p. Are they still prime?

When does a prime start? B-Hops best years didn't come until he was in his 30's. shouldn't a prime start in your early to mid twenties? Physically, that is.

When is a prime over?

Are primes lasting longer nowadays because of better medical advancments and nutrition?

If so, how can we compare era's gone by's prime fighters with the fighters of today and make logical conclussions?

Anybody got some answers?

we the boxing fans do. nobody really knows for sure when any boxer is at their prime. most times a boxer is at their prime (like in most sports) between the ages of 27-29. But some reach it later and some earlier due their personal development abilities or just ware and tare. you can't really know for sure.

**JAB5239** · 09-18-2008, 08:40 PM

Originally posted by lparm

Yes I agree with that, I think to define prime under one term it's tough because there are 2 primes, the mental and physical like DWiens said. The problem is sometimes they dont happen at the same time.

I have to admit, I like this answer.

**-Swizzy-** · 09-18-2008, 08:46 PM

Originally posted by lparm

Yes I agree with that, I think to define prime under one term it's tough because there are 2 primes, the mental and physical like DWiens said. The problem is sometimes they dont happen at the same time.

mental and physical primes rarely ever happen at the same time. physical prime is usually reached in the early 20's and mental is in your late 20's(in boxing). The prime would be the equilibrium of the 2. and that is why its very hard to define when anyone's prime really is.

**JAB5239** · 09-18-2008, 08:46 PM

Originally posted by kswizzy99

we the boxing fans do. nobody really knows for sure when any boxer is at their prime. most times a boxer is at their prime (like in most sports) between the ages of 27-29. But some reach it later and some earlier. you can't really know for sure.

With all due respect Kswiz, doesn't this leave a lot of room for interpetation and misinterpetation? Im just playing devils advocate here because there are so many posts and posters claiming this one was prime, that one was not. Example: I have read that DLH isn't as prime for Pac as he was for May. Yet he has only had one fight between them and pitched a shutout. How do we form these conclussions?

**-Swizzy-** · 09-18-2008, 08:53 PM

Originally posted by JAB5239

With all due respect Kswiz, doesn't this leave a lot of room for interpetation and misinterpetation? Im just playing devils advocate here because there are so many posts and posters claiming this one was prime, that one was not. Example: I have read that DLH isn't as prime for Pac as he was for May. Yet he has only had one fight between them and pitched a shutout. How do we form these conclussions?

yes it indeed does. I never said that this is the way it should be, I'm just saying no one really knows for sure when anyone's prime is. its mostly all just speculation. when anyone says "he's past his prime" its not like there is a label on that boxer saying what date he will pass his prime. nobody knows. its us the fans that label boxers past their primes. most times a boxer has to be completely shot for us to have complete certainty of their past-primeness.

What defines "prime"?