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

**The Big Dunn** · 04-23-2014, 08:15 AM

IN bhop, floyd and wlad's cases they don't indulge in liquor or drugs so that helps them considerably. With Sergio and Manny they seem to have benefitted from playing other sports at a very young age and have kept their bodies in great shape.

Rigo could be 45 for all we know.

**SnakeVen0m** · 04-23-2014, 08:17 AM

You know what, you make a valid case. Could it be that this generation is focusing on being so physically fit that they're forgetting fundamentals?!? If you look at the older generation, most of them rely on timing, defense, movement. etc etc.

**PainfromUkraine** · 04-23-2014, 08:28 AM

Originally posted by SnakeVen0m

You know what, you make a valid case. Could it be that this generation is focusing on being so physically fit that they're forgetting fundamentals?!? If you look at the older generation, most of them rely on timing, defense, movement. etc etc.

True, but it's not even a physical thing - take Shumenov v Hopkins, clearly Shumenov was the young, ripped guy - but if you don't have that true hunger and will to win on that night more than anything else, you will always be outdone by someone with that age, experience (and of course fundamental skill), knowledge, and understanding that they MUST win.

**PainfromUkraine** · 04-23-2014, 08:48 AM

Originally posted by The Big Dunn

IN bhop, floyd and wlad's cases they don't indulge in liquor or drugs so that helps them considerably. With Sergio and Manny they seem to have benefitted from playing other sports at a very young age and have kept their bodies in great shape.

Rigo could be 45 for all we know.

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.

**The Big Dunn** · 04-23-2014, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by PainfromUkraine

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.

**EZ BASH** · 04-23-2014, 08:59 AM

Originally posted by PainfromUkraine

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.

**EZ BASH** · 04-23-2014, 09:00 AM

Originally posted by APPONO ASTOS

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.

**hhs661** · 04-23-2014, 09:04 AM

Originally posted by PainfromUkraine

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!

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.

**Boxing Goat** · 04-23-2014, 09:08 AM

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.

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