Reading Between the Lines: Shane Mosley vs. Father Time

[ProBox1]

So much to do and so little time in which to do it; that is the case for us all, but those words ring truer for professional athletes than for those in any other profession. Ali was done by age 36, losing to the unheralded Leon Spinks. Larry Holmes was 35 when he lost to “Neon” Leon’s younger brother, Light Heavyweight Legend Michael Spinks; and though his career continued through his fifties and he picked up a win of some significance here and there, “The Easton Assassin” never pulled the trigger quite as quickly as he once did against Ken Norton, Mike Weaver, and Gerry Cooney. “Sugar” Ray Leonard looked like an old man at 34 against Terry Norris; Jack Dempsey called it a career at 32 after his second loss to Tunney. The list goes on and on; and sadly enough, some never get the message. [details]

[jason100x]

I think it's interesting how different people have "Father Time" catch up with them at different ages. You have, as you say, Ali who lost the title to Leon Spinks and looked old at 36. You have Archie Moore who fought at the champion level well into his forties, and Erik Morales who looks as if he might be nearing the end in his early thirties, or Tyson for that matter who lost most of his effectiveness by his mid to late twenties.
There are many factors that affect when someone starts looking older and less effective such as distractions outside the ring, lack of motivation in training, and injuries taking their toll on the individual. But many times it is merely the body clock catching up with the person. I'd be curious if anyone knows what the average age is that things start diminishing.

[Manager]

I think it depends on a fighter’s style. Boxers who have perfected their jab and defense like Bernard Hopkins will last a lot longer than say a Roy Jones Jr. who spent his entire career doing nothing but using his speed and countering abilities to win fights.

[jason100x]

The brawler types definitely wear out faster than a defensive/cautious minded boxer. That's true about a boxer's style affecting their longevity in the game, but I suppose that simple genetics plays a factor also. That's just a guess, though.

[K-DOGG]

I think it depends on a fighter’s style. Boxers who have perfected their jab and defense like Bernard Hopkins will last a lot longer than say a Roy Jones Jr. who spent his entire career doing nothing but using his speed and countering abilities to win fights.

Style and Lifestyle....and genetics in some cases.