How old is too old to fight in boxing?

Abstract

Professional boxing is a popular combat sport worldwide. It is a physically demanding sport, and professional boxers are usually in their mid to late 20’s. At around 35-years of age most boxers begin to show signs of physical decline. Boxers hence begin to retire from professional boxing around 35-years of age. Recently older combatants are entering the ring and cage to ply their trade. These are either former professional combatant who is choosing to come out of retirement or celebrities who are getting pitted against each other in exhibition boxing matches (popularly referred to as celebrity boxing). Many of these “combatants” are on the wrong side of 40, have little to no formal training in combat sports and poor physical conditioning. Boxing and MMA are referred to as combat sports. Neurological, orthopedic, and ophthalmological injuries are common. While some are life threatening others has the potential to cause lifelong disability. Boxers sometimes die in the ring due to acute traumatic subdural hematoma (SDH). Concern is hence raised for the health and wellbeing of these older athletes. Should an athlete above the age of 40 compete in professional boxing? How old is too old to fight in boxing?