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This is not a secret. As one ages, one's power increases (body mass as well) and slows down.
It is noticeable to us so in the ring it is quite significant to opponents. But what do you expect when you gain weight and age. IMHO, the peak speed for boxers are somewhere around 24-27 and much earlier depending on the sports. My guess is somewhere 28-31 you maintain the speed (not that noticeable of a decline) . Somewhere close to 32, you see that slow down very clearly.
Look at Roy Jones Jr. Probably one of the most gifted athletic boxers ever. At 33 he was getting touched often and KTFO. Roy circa 1993-1997 (roughly 24-28) was freaking amazing. You CANNOT defend what you can't see/react to.
At 35, Pernell was done.
As for Pac, he will probably at least have another good year (2-3 fights) and decline much faster after that (this depends on lifestyle, conditioning and proper opponent selection as well). It is just inevitable. Personally, I think Roach will pull him aside and tell him, "Manny, it's time." Then, Pac will probably fire his arse on the spot as aging boxers are always in denial.
The often claim for Pac is that "he just like to trade punches" is not a sound one IMHO. If he can avoid it, why trade?! Maybe he is evolving slowly into a slugger. Remember Ali evolved too and gradually became almost a slugger. Slower movement requires adaptation.
Lastly, the often claim is that Floyd and Pac can take all comers are just plain silly in a year (or two) time. Remember Castillo handing FLoyd's first loss? The proper way to damage Floyd is body punch at the appropriate angle. Someone younger (elite) will be able to execute and figure that out that as Floyd steps into the ring. FLoyd in a year will be much slower and won't able to match the power/speed from some of the young elite fighters. Output will be anemic. What many of us here remember is the old FLoyd and Pac. The actual FLoyd and Pac will probably vary quite a bit after 1-2 yr. Can't use the past yardstick which will no longer exist. But memories are forever.
It is noticeable to us so in the ring it is quite significant to opponents. But what do you expect when you gain weight and age. IMHO, the peak speed for boxers are somewhere around 24-27 and much earlier depending on the sports. My guess is somewhere 28-31 you maintain the speed (not that noticeable of a decline) . Somewhere close to 32, you see that slow down very clearly.
Look at Roy Jones Jr. Probably one of the most gifted athletic boxers ever. At 33 he was getting touched often and KTFO. Roy circa 1993-1997 (roughly 24-28) was freaking amazing. You CANNOT defend what you can't see/react to.
At 35, Pernell was done.
As for Pac, he will probably at least have another good year (2-3 fights) and decline much faster after that (this depends on lifestyle, conditioning and proper opponent selection as well). It is just inevitable. Personally, I think Roach will pull him aside and tell him, "Manny, it's time." Then, Pac will probably fire his arse on the spot as aging boxers are always in denial.
The often claim for Pac is that "he just like to trade punches" is not a sound one IMHO. If he can avoid it, why trade?! Maybe he is evolving slowly into a slugger. Remember Ali evolved too and gradually became almost a slugger. Slower movement requires adaptation.
Lastly, the often claim is that Floyd and Pac can take all comers are just plain silly in a year (or two) time. Remember Castillo handing FLoyd's first loss? The proper way to damage Floyd is body punch at the appropriate angle. Someone younger (elite) will be able to execute and figure that out that as Floyd steps into the ring. FLoyd in a year will be much slower and won't able to match the power/speed from some of the young elite fighters. Output will be anemic. What many of us here remember is the old FLoyd and Pac. The actual FLoyd and Pac will probably vary quite a bit after 1-2 yr. Can't use the past yardstick which will no longer exist. But memories are forever.
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