16 too late?

[AMChaudhry]

I don't understand why people make this threads. Why do you want confirmation, just go out and do it. Look at Hopkins, he's hitting 40 and still great. If you lack confidence in yourself now at 16, then save yourself then hassle and don't even start

Because I know there are people out there that know far more about the sport than myself, and the more you know the better.

And I know the Hopkins story. I think it's safe to say I'm not in the same universe as him, let alone level. Relax.

[AMChaudhry]

16 is a great age to start, but win a few fights before you go thinking about a championship schedule. See what you can do first.

It's an ambition, I'm going to test the waters and if I get my ass whooped in every fight I sign off on a championship belt obviously won't be the most realistic goal.

[AMChaudhry]

Focus more on being great at your sport and forget about the titles for now, the titles will come if you're good enough but you really need to perfect the craft first and really be in love with boxing before you go any further.

Get some sparring in if you haven't already, get used to being hit in the face and especially the nose, you might feel the sport isn't for you after a while because alot of people have their own idea of what boxing is, but in reality its a tough life and an unforgiving sport.

Of course 16 isn't too late, I started boxing seriously at age 19 and have won the Golden Gloves, don't ever let anyone tell you you can't box seriously if you only started at age 16. Sergio Martinez is one of many examples who started late but became not only a good boxer but a world champ.

I spar every weekday, and on the weekends with a friend..although he does muay Thai haha. Thanks for the help and for not being a keyboard warrior *******

[AMChaudhry]

yooooooo whats up,

You remind me of myself man!!! i started at 16 and just like you i was askin everyone is 16 too late? searching the internet, looking at forums, lookin at succesful pros which where late starters ,the lot! Im 19 now and let me tell you 16 is defnatly not too late. Im now on par with the guys who started when they were real young. I won some national regonals this year and made it to the national quaters finals. I real put the time in tho, always working on my technique, because thats the main thing you need to get down because your starting out a bit late(not too late), you gota try make every day count. Fitness comes and goes, focus your energy on getting your boxing technique down. Trust me if you stick at it and hustle hard you will soon forget you started late.

(Nasri's advice is also good, take it one step at a time, focus on getting ready for your first bout first to see if you like it)

Yeah it's a big decision eh..thanks for the encouragement brother

[AMChaudhry]

Sugar Ray Robinson didn't start until he was 14/15.
Talent is talent.
Don't worry about being great, because you have to work extremely hard just to be good.

I understand boxing is a full job, and this is no joke to me. Thanks for the help

[FlyPelican]

Because I know there are people out there that know far more about the sport than myself, and the more you know the better.

And I know the Hopkins story. I think it's safe to say I'm not in the same universe as him, let alone level. Relax.

Of course not. But you think Hopkins got there by second guessing himself. He knew was going to be champ, he didn't ask for others confirmation. No need to relax, don't be soft

[Bullrush]

I've been training (seriously) for 5 months, waking up for runs every other day, and sparring every day of the week...but thanks for the encouragement!

not gonna call you a liar..so good luck i guess

[UpAndComin22]

Since you are not into the fairy-tale BS, you starting this thread period probably means you don't have what it takes. You just started boxing and you're doubting your potential. I'm starting now and I'm 21, but I also just got done playing college football. If you are a horrible athlete right now, you have zero chance of doing anything "Great" like you mentioned.

[-Jay-]

Just give yourself the opportunity and go for it. You have nothing to lose, all to gain. Being 16 is not a worry at all, I wish I had started at 16.

[TheTruthIs]

go for it dude! and 16 is sure not a terribly slow start from the line. plenty start at that and later and go onto great things. just remember, this ain't a race. don't spar before you are ready, and don't fight until you and your coach think you are ready. stick to the basics, learn them and learn them well.

+ don't listen to anyone criticizing you for wanting to gather info. it shows initiative.

listen man, I do have a small bit of advice though. sure, dream about the highest pinnacles, because that is how it begins. but remember, it is done in small increments of attainable goals. my first goal was to have my first fight. i did that at age 13. trained for 9 months first for it. my next goal was to win a provincial championship! (or atleast try...I'm from Canada too btw). won 3 consecutive, 1 novice and 2 open class. next goal was to win a national championship! got damn, did that in 2010. wanted to fight in the canada winter games, just got back from that and represented my province and my country with pride. now, is on to bigger and better things...and will take this trip as far as it goes.

but remember, it begins, it all begins with a first step. getting your ass through the boxing gym door. from there, it is just one more step at a time. and who knows where it can go. it led me much farther then i ever dreamt, and the show is still running. to paraphrase Nike...

Just do it.