Don't count the days, make the days count
Muhammad Ali
Age certainly plays a big role when competing in boxing, but what age can you do boxing? Generally, recreational boxing has no strict age limit, and boxers as young as 8 to well into their 70s can participate. For competitive boxing, restrictions are generally between 13 and 39 (depending on the discipline: 39 for English boxing, 40 for French, 35 for Thai), but there are many different ways to participate.
What Age Can You Start in Boxing?
Boxing feels like the kind of sport that should have age limits, but is there an age limit for boxing?
Strictly speaking, there is no age limit for starting boxing. However, several elite boxers begin their journey as children or teenagers, honing their skills in local boxing clubs. In certain states, amateur bouts may include participants as young as 8, while the minimum age requirement for professional boxers is typically 18 (USA Boxing, 2024)1. However, from an administrative point of view, it may be more complex to continue competing at a later age (authorization and the medical exam may need to be more thorough).
years old.
Boxing is typically classified as recreational boxing or educational boxing, amateur boxing, and professional boxing.
The power of the hits is counted and helps to win the fight. This is what most people think of when they think of boxing.
The goal is the touch rather than the power. Powerful blows may even be punitive to boxers. The technique is placed much higher in importance than the power of the shots.
Amateur boxing is the type of boxing we see at the Olympic Games. Many Olympic champions (like Tony Yoka) later become professional boxers. The amateur boxing age limit is 8 years old.
Amateur boxing can be practiced from 8 to 39 years old. However, to continue until age 39, you must have obtained your first license before age 34. It will be more challenging (with a few exceptions) to get a first amateur boxing license at 37 or 38 years old. In this case, the practitioners wear a boxing helmet and the fight format is done in 3 rounds of three minutes each.
Recreational or educational boxing can be practiced from 8 to 88 years old.
The techniques of boxing remain the same, with the notable exception that the goal is not to beat one's opponent with the power of the hits.
Starting Age for Boxing
According to USA Boxing, the national governing body, there are structured divisions so that everyone can compete (USA Boxing, 2024)2.
Ages 8-10
Ages 11-12
Ages 13-14
Ages 15-16
Ages 17-18
Ages 19-40
Other Age Limits and Divisions
The Masters Division is for those aged 41 and above and offers competitive opportunities with modified rules (USA Boxing, 2024)3. Boxers between 35 and 40 can choose between Elite or Masters Divisions. Professional boxers have to be over 18 to obtain a license and compete professionally.
Recreational Boxing
In recreational boxing, where the focus is fitness, skill development, and personal enjoyment, without competition, there are generally no age limits (USA Boxing, 2024)4. However, there are certain considerations, particularly for older beginners.
Before beginning any new physical activity, especially one as demanding as boxing, ensure you're medically cleared to participate.
Seek out gyms or classes that cater to your age group and experience level, focusing on safety and proper technique.
Prioritize proper warm-ups, cool-downs, and rest to prevent injuries and promote longevity in the sport.
The Age Limit in French Boxing
French boxing, sometimes called "French savate boxing" or simply "savate," is a foot-fist type of boxing (meaning that one hits by punching and kicking).
Like in English boxing, there are two variants: educational or recreational (where we touch the opponent) and combat (where we hit the opponent).
From a purely technical point of view, there is no age limitation for recreational boxing; however, there is a limit for combat boxing.
You can compete in combat boxing until the age of 40. The maximum age has been set by the International Boxing Association (AIBA) to protect boxers. Once you've reached the age of 34 and until 40, you can participate in the Masters' category. The only difference is that you must have a medical every year, and your coach has to match you with opponents between 34 and 40 years old.
After 40, it is still possible to switch to leisure boxing and continue to use your gloves in training and competing recreationally, especially if you can find good French boxing equipment.
It is, therefore, possible to register in a boxing club at more than 50 years old and participate in boxing.
What Is the Age Limit in Thai Boxing?
Regarding competition regulations, the age limit for amateurs is 35. The Junior division is for people 15-18, and the Senior division is for people 17-35. On the other hand, it remains possible to register at boxing gyms or clubs after 35 years of age and practice recreational martial arts like muay thai.
In any case, if you are an older participant, we strongly advise you to contact a club or gym that interests you to have a more personalized response on your case. However, remember that Thai boxing requires excellent physical condition, which can sometimes be complicated once you pass a certain age.
Becoming a Boxer in Your 40s
Technically, there is no barrier to practicing boxing and its variants. In competition, the medical monitoring will be more drastic, but that doesn't prevent you from fulfilling your passion and interest in boxing through leisure boxing.
As we get older, whether you've been a former athlete or not, the body and our physical capacities diminish (suppleness, explosiveness, strength, speed of execution...).
On the other hand, a very good endurance level can be maintained at age 40. It is not uncommon to see athletes approaching their forties and still win the most prestigious marathons.
For former boxers who wish to continue past forty, the first advice would be not to try to resume the behaviors they had when they boxed at twenty or thirty years old. The body will probably not respond in the same way, and doing so could increase the risk of injury. Think carefully about how often you should train as a boxer.
Medical clearance is mandatory for Masters Division (age 41+). You’ll need an annual exam and may face stricter requirements to compete.
Another good point is that while it's a little more possible in youth to neglect one's body (with diet, nutrition, recovery time, warm-up, and stretching), it's more complicated and not recommended to do this once you're in your 40s.
To reach a healthy physical fitness level, it is necessary to listen to your body (which getting older usually makes more obligatory). You have to be able to rest when required and not push it too much when you feel the beginning of an injury.
Finding the right boxing classes that will take good care of you is essential. For those who feel unable to physically handle the more aggressive hits in boxing, other martial arts such as Aikido, Karate, Thai Chi, or Kendo may be a solution.
Famous Boxers Who Were Successful into Their Forties
33 years is the duration of the fabulous career of Roberto Duran for a final record of 103 wins and only 16 defeats. Roberto Duran has boxed at a high level from the age of 16 up until he was 50 years old! A key thing to keeping your fitness up is diet, training, and natural ability, and Roberto Duran has managed all three for decades.
Floyd Mayweather is also an example of longevity and motivation and undeniable proof of possible success after 40 years, as evidenced by his last fight (against Irishman Conor Mcgregor). He is undefeated in 50 professional matches.
We need to mention Bernard Hopkins, an American boxer who won a world championship at 49. He remains today the oldest world champion in the history of professional boxing.
We also think of Mathieu Kassovitz, who played an amateur boxing match at the age of fifty, showing us all that anything is possible!
Boxing Age Limit Definitions
Boxing is a sport that requires a good physical condition. You must have energy and the ability to recover quickly after physical effort. The boxing gym allows everyone to let off steam, whether a great Olympic champion, a beginner, or just having fun.
Overall there technically is no real age limit for joining a club. It is when you want to compete that age can, unfortunately, put on the brakes. Nevertheless, we advise each participant who wishes to start boxing (or a boxing variant) to discuss your goals with a boxing trainer. They will be able to point you in the best direction and share with you their professional and helpful advice.
References
- USA Boxing. (2024). Membership information. https://www.usaboxing.org/membership
- USA Boxing. (2024). Masters Division overview. https://www.usaboxing.org/masters-division
- USA Boxing. (2024). Rulebook. https://www.usaboxing.org/usa-boxing-rulebook
- USA Boxing. (2024). High performance FAQ. https://www.usaboxing.org/high-performance/high-performance-faq
Enjoyed this article? Leave a rating!
Loading...
I’m thinking about taking on boxing but…. my age, I don’t see how it can be a problem
They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? I believe it’s possible
Where do I start at so I can try in fight in my forties I am pretty good