The lifespan of a fighter's career can be incredibly short.

It isn’t universal, but the majority of boxers reach their physical primes between their late 20s and early 30s. By the time the late 30s hit, fighters are often a shell of their former selves.

Slower footwork, diminishing reflexes and telegraphed combination punches are usually what's traded off for a sharp, experienced boxing brain.

Losing his physical capabilities isn’t something Jermall Charlo has ever had to worry about, but as his 35th birthday inches a closer, he’s, at the very least, started to notice a few grey hairs.

There could come a time when Father Time knocks the former two-division champion down to the canvas. But, considering his lack of in-ring activity over the last several years, he isn’t worried about what his birth certificate says.

“I’m actually more preserved than y’all think I am,” Charlo told a group of reporters recently. “I’m in the gym going crazy. I feel like I’m 25. I’m bout to be 35 but I feel 25.”

Does he fight as young as he says he is? He’ll have a chance to answer that question on May 31 when he takes on Thomas LaManna at the Michelob ULTRA Arena in Las Vegas.

On paper, Charlo (33-0, 22 KOs) is pegged as the favorite but there are questions surrounding how his sharpness. In five years, the Houston resident has fought just twice.

Ring rust may have a crucial role to play when he steps back into the square circle, but Charlo doesn’t see it that way. Fans and media pundits haven’t seen too much of him lately but that doesn’t mean he hasn’t been working in the shadows. Additionally, for those who are under the impression that he’s older and past his prime, Charlo points to his inactivity as a plus, not a minus.

“My body hasn’t taken any damage,” Charlo continued. “I have no excuses for anything.”