Punch resistance

[fox]

I know losing weight can be a factor in punch resistance. But for a long time I’ve been pretty durable in the ring. Is there anything to explain losing punch resistance. Obviously getting older is another thing. And previous head blows is probably another. Just curious on what other people think.

[Grant]

interesting topic, with 2 amateur bouts under my belt 50 years ago I am not qualified to answer the question but I have recently read an article written by Jeff Fenech in which he discussed this issue. Not sure he used the same terminology but he was talking about the same thing. Especially the accumulation from sparring. Jeff said he almost remembers exactly when he realised he couldn't take the punches anymore. I will try to find the link.

[fox]

interesting topic, with 2 amateur bouts under my belt 50 years ago I am not qualified to answer the question but I have recently read an article written by Jeff Fenech in which he discussed this issue. Not sure he used the same terminology but he was talking about the same thing. Especially the accumulation from sparring. Jeff said he almost remembers exactly when he realised he couldn't take the punches anymore. I will try to find the link.

Awesome if you can find it. I’ve been knocked about playing rugby league also. Never knocked right out, but obviously concussed. I’ve been decked 2 of my last 3 fights so that’s definitely it for me. I’m now 46 and fighting masters but the resistance is not there anymore. All up I’ve had 132 fights not counting tough man contests and tent fights. Obviously all have taken its toll on me. Was just wondering why the resistance can so suddenly leave you

[coneye]

interesting topic, with 2 amateur bouts under my belt 50 years ago I am not qualified to answer the question but I have recently read an article written by Jeff Fenech in which he discussed this issue. Not sure he used the same terminology but he was talking about the same thing. Especially the accumulation from sparring. Jeff said he almost remembers exactly when he realised he couldn't take the punches anymore. I will try to find the link.

Awesome if you can find it. I’ve been knocked about playing rugby league also. Never knocked right out, but obviously concussed. I’ve been decked 2 of my last 3 fights so that’s definitely it for me. I’m now 46 and fighting masters but the resistance is not there anymore. All up I’ve had 132 fights not counting tough man contests and tent fights. Obviously all have taken its toll on me. Was just wondering why the resistance can so suddenly leave you

Think its like feeling old ,, has opposed to getting old , it just comes overnight , just like when you know its coming , you can see its coming , but you just cant stop it hitting you your reflexes just arn't there ,

there one minuite gone the next ,,, one thing young pups down the pub don't relize though , your reflexes go first , punch resistence probably second , ,,,, But if you got a decent dig , that can stay for a long time

[p4p1]

I know losing weight can be a factor in punch resistance. But for a long time I’ve been pretty durable in the ring. Is there anything to explain losing punch resistance. Obviously getting older is another thing. And previous head blows is probably another. Just curious on what other people think.

I think as you and other have touched on, it's just part of aging.
There has been plenty of great fighters who lost durability late in their career.
An accumulation of previous head blows definitely contributes to it, being older things don't bounce back as well as they did. Your reflexes would have slowed so you're probably taking more and/or bigger shots than ever before as well.

[Beltane]

A long time ago I read a book by the boxing historian, Ray Mitchell and he addressed why some boxers fade and occasionally die in the ring.

Ray was strongly of the opinion that it was the accumulation of punches that a boxer receives over their ring career that impacts their longevity. The accumulation reaches a tipping point, and once past this point of no return it is all a slow decline.

The knack is to know once you are past it and then hang them up.

[fox]

Yes I understand. Some of the masters fighters are in their 60s and a few in their 70s. And these blokes are getting through their fights quite easily. Obviously these blokes have had no where near the number of fights I’ve had and haven’t accumulated as many punches. Just a few years ago I got through these punches but now I obviously have no or very little tolerance to them. Probably worse head injuries playing rugby league as well. Thanks for your responses.

[p4p1]

A long time ago I read a book by the boxing historian, Ray Mitchell and he addressed why some boxers fade and occasionally die in the ring.

Ray was strongly of the opinion that it was the accumulation of punches that a boxer receives over their ring career that impacts their longevity. The accumulation reaches a tipping point, and once past this point of no return it is all a slow decline.

The knack is to know once you are past it and then hang them up.

Was this just in terms of punch resistance or also why sometimes old fighters lose the ability to pull the trigger?

[p4p1]

Yes I understand. Some of the masters fighters are in their 60s and a few in their 70s. And these blokes are getting through their fights quite easily. Obviously these blokes have had no where near the number of fights I’ve had and haven’t accumulated as many punches. Just a few years ago I got through these punches but now I obviously have no or very little tolerance to them. Probably worse head injuries playing rugby league as well. Thanks for your responses.

Normally concussions come easier and easier with each time you get one.
Hope you're doing OK though mate.

[Beltane]

Was this just in terms of punch resistance or also why sometimes old fighters lose the ability to pull the trigger?

Ray's book was written in the 1960s and was based on his insights from the previous decades (mostly from Australian boxing).

The accumulation of punches slowly wearing down punch resistance remains true to this day. Many fighters in Ray's day were "hungry" fighters, forever chasing the money to put a meal on the table and support their family and sometimes didn't care for their own personal health, until it was sometimes too late.

[fox]

Yes I understand. Some of the masters fighters are in their 60s and a few in their 70s. And these blokes are getting through their fights quite easily. Obviously these blokes have had no where near the number of fights I’ve had and haven’t accumulated as many punches. Just a few years ago I got through these punches but now I obviously have no or very little tolerance to them. Probably worse head injuries playing rugby league as well. Thanks for your responses.

Normally concussions come easier and easier with each time you get one.
Hope you're doing OK though mate.

Yeah mate I’m fine. Ive got another few marathons to run so I’m training for that. Something to keep me motivated but I’m a glutton for punishment. I’m still refereeing and judging in the amateurs so will still be involved in the sport. Not the way I wanted to go out but I’m still breathing and life goes on.

[coneye]

Yes I understand. Some of the masters fighters are in their 60s and a few in their 70s. And these blokes are getting through their fights quite easily. Obviously these blokes have had no where near the number of fights I’ve had and haven’t accumulated as many punches. Just a few years ago I got through these punches but now I obviously have no or very little tolerance to them. Probably worse head injuries playing rugby league as well. Thanks for your responses.

Masters seems to have be ome popular , but i think the difference between you and a lot of these old masters boxers is the level you obviously boxed at a higher level over a longer period ,, toom heavier blows over a longer period

[fox]

Yes I understand. Some of the masters fighters are in their 60s and a few in their 70s. And these blokes are getting through their fights quite easily. Obviously these blokes have had no where near the number of fights I’ve had and haven’t accumulated as many punches. Just a few years ago I got through these punches but now I obviously have no or very little tolerance to them. Probably worse head injuries playing rugby league as well. Thanks for your responses.

Masters seems to have be ome popular , but i think the difference between you and a lot of these old masters boxers is the level you obviously boxed at a higher level over a longer period ,, toom heavier blows over a longer period

Yeah just don’t seem to take a shot as well as I once did. Had a good run as I had my first fight at 10 and my last fight at 46. I was never anything flash and only an average fighter but fought some pretty good ones and didn’t let them have it all their own way. At least I’m not hurt and life goes on.