Knowing when to call it quits?

[stephenmc]

I havnt boxed (faught) since I was stopped in the final of a championships a few months back... Iv been boxing at a high level for a long time now, but I really don't have the get up and go anymore.
I'm 25, and iv been boxing since I was like 12, on and off in my teenage years, I have competed in most championship finals, but recently iv taken to coaching at my local club...
I'm 25 now, drinking,smoking and trying to hold down a job,
Its not like I'm just starting boxing and can get a few easy fights at novice level, when I'm fighting,I'm fighting lads who are 100% dedicated, plenty of experience and looking to make a real name for themselves...

Every now and then I get the itch to go back, train hard for a bit,but then lose motivation and blah blah blah...
So I know its ultimately my choice in the end, but do you think boxing (fighting) has kind of run its course with me if I'm not giving 110% considering the level of opponent Il be facing, if I don't have the urge to get up and go for those runs and that hunger that I had before??
Is 25/26 too late to step it up more and go on to get the hunger back, or will it just be going through the paces?

Just starting a convo to see if this has happened to many people?

[Rockin']

I havnt boxed (faught) since I was stopped in the final of a championships a few months back... Iv been boxing at a high level for a long time now, but I really don't have the get up and go anymore.
I'm 25, and iv been boxing since I was like 12, on and off in my teenage years, I have competed in most championship finals, but recently iv taken to coaching at my local club...
I'm 25 now, drinking,smoking and trying to hold down a job,
Its not like I'm just starting boxing and can get a few easy fights at novice level, when I'm fighting,I'm fighting lads who are 100% dedicated, plenty of experience and looking to make a real name for themselves...

Every now and then I get the itch to go back, train hard for a bit,but then lose motivation and blah blah blah...
So I know its ultimately my choice in the end, but do you think boxing (fighting) has kind of run its course with me if I'm not giving 110% considering the level of opponent Il be facing, if I don't have the urge to get up and go for those runs and that hunger that I had before??
Is 25/26 too late to step it up more and go on to get the hunger back, or will it just be going through the paces?

Just starting a convo to see if this has happened to many people?

So you got stopped by some guy who could fight, or atleast he carried heavy hands...... **** happens! I wouldn't let it end my journey, not yet. You've now reached a level of talent and skill that is just waiting for you to bust it to a whole 'nother new level.

Take some time, rationalize how it is that you lost and got stopped. The people who laugh when you tell them of your shortcoming are just *****es without a clue, they'll always be there. The ones who try to console will always be there. But in 2 months where will you be? 5 months..........?

Take some time for yourself, get your head right, have some fun. But don't throw everything that you've worked for away over this. If you do you will regret it. Knockouts/stoppages happen all the time anyway............

[Rockin']

Where are you fighting out of?

[motivational]

I havnt boxed (faught) since I was stopped in the final of a championships a few months back... Iv been boxing at a high level for a long time now, but I really don't have the get up and go anymore.
I'm 25, and iv been boxing since I was like 12, on and off in my teenage years, I have competed in most championship finals, but recently iv taken to coaching at my local club...
I'm 25 now, drinking,smoking and trying to hold down a job,
Its not like I'm just starting boxing and can get a few easy fights at novice level, when I'm fighting,I'm fighting lads who are 100% dedicated, plenty of experience and looking to make a real name for themselves...

Every now and then I get the itch to go back, train hard for a bit,but then lose motivation and blah blah blah...
So I know its ultimately my choice in the end, but do you think boxing (fighting) has kind of run its course with me if I'm not giving 110% considering the level of opponent Il be facing, if I don't have the urge to get up and go for those runs and that hunger that I had before??
Is 25/26 too late to step it up more and go on to get the hunger back, or will it just be going through the paces?

Just starting a convo to see if this has happened to many people?

>Take steroids, beat everyone with no training required.

No but seriously, just decide wether you want it that much or not. Are you willing to train and work your ass off? Or are you just trying to fight for nostalgic reasons? If you're fighting against people who are training everyday and eager to prove themselves and you're not willing to put the work in, then don't bother.

Here's a motivational video on youtube if you need motivation.

[Redd Foxx]

Boxing isn't a particularly smart activity and knowing when to step away is a good thing, IMO. Box because you love it, because it makes you feel good about yourself. If boxing isn't having those positive benefits in your life and it's not paying the bills, then be smart and walk away.

Don't abandon it though. I think it's good to use those stills to stay fit into your 30's, 40's and onward, so keep going to the gym, or get a heavy bag for home and keep doing roadwork a few times a week. Just because you're not competing doesn't mean you can't train for health. That also gives you the opportunity to jump back in should the fire return.

[stephenmc]

So you got stopped by some guy who could fight, or atleast he carried heavy hands...... **** happens! I wouldn't let it end my journey, not yet. You've now reached a level of talent and skill that is just waiting for you to bust it to a whole 'nother new level.

Take some time, rationalize how it is that you lost and got stopped. The people who laugh when you tell them of your shortcoming are just *****es without a clue, they'll always be there. The ones who try to console will always be there. But in 2 months where will you be? 5 months..........?

Take some time for yourself, get your head right, have some fun. But don't throw everything that you've worked for away over this. If you do you will regret it. Knockouts/stoppages happen all the time anyway............

Thanks rockin, but I think you got the wrong idea, its not the losing, iv been stopped a few times before,iv learned to take the losses and learn from them and all that....but lately, Its like water of a ducks back now if I lose,.
I don't go back into the gym on the Monday and say fck ot iv learned my lesson that wont happen again,like i used to.....
Its just more like, era fck it he won, lets go for a pint

[stephenmc]

Boxing isn't a particularly smart activity and knowing when to step away is a good thing, IMO. Box because you love it, because it makes you feel good about yourself. If boxing isn't having those positive benefits in your life and it's not paying the bills, then be smart and walk away.

Don't abandon it though. I think it's good to use those stills to stay fit into your 30's, 40's and onward, so keep going to the gym, or get a heavy bag for home and keep doing roadwork a few times a week. Just because you're not competing doesn't mean you can't train for health. That also gives you the opportunity to jump back in should the fire return.

This is more along the lines that I was thinking......

I'm 25, iv had more than my fair share of concussive blows, injuries, weight cutting and broken noses...do I really want to keep going?
I don't really have any aspirations to turn pro, so when my heart is not 100% in it, do o really want to be taking more blows, trying to explain to work why I cant come in or why have a black eye or whatever (I deal with customers)..
Do I really want to travel and do rounds with a lad who lives and breath's boxing and probably lose on the scorecards due to some boxing politics.....
Do I really want to be punch drunk by the time I'm 30 for a sport that's not going to pay my bills basically....
These are the kinda questions that make me think, fck it, I love boxing but maybe its time to "retire" so to speak

[Rockin']

Thanks rockin, but I think you got the wrong idea, its not the losing, iv been stopped a few times before,iv learned to take the losses and learn from them and all that....but lately, Its like water of a ducks back now if I lose,.
I don't go back into the gym on the Monday and say fck ot iv learned my lesson that wont happen again,like i used to.....
Its just more like, era fck it he won, lets go for a pint

This is more along the lines that I was thinking......

I'm 25, iv had more than my fair share of concussive blows, injuries, weight cutting and broken noses...do I really want to keep going?
I don't really have any aspirations to turn pro, so when my heart is not 100% in it, do o really want to be taking more blows, trying to explain to work why I cant come in or why have a black eye or whatever (I deal with customers)..
Do I really want to travel and do rounds with a lad who lives and breath's boxing and probably lose on the scorecards due to some boxing politics.....
Do I really want to be punch drunk by the time I'm 30 for a sport that's not going to pay my bills basically....
These are the kinda questions that make me think, fck it, I love boxing but maybe its time to "retire" so to speak

It's gotta come from you........... Rockin'

[Suckmedry]

How many fights?

[Rock&Roll]

One thing money cannot buy - youth.

Try imagining yourself in the future... Will you have any regrets about giving up the sport whilst still in your prime?

Like you say though, when your at that level - every fight is a battle, there are no easy fights anymore. Do you still love the challenge and hard work that goes with it?

My old coach said - if you've given everything you possibly can (at titles etc) and its just not good enough, if you've got mothing more to give - then it may be time to call it a day.

Goodluck with your future endeavours whichever way you choose.