Muhammad Ali Boxing
Muhammad Ali Boxing
Different Styles in Boxing
There are different types of boxers, depending on their strengths, their skill levels, and other correlated attributes. A boxer plays the game the way he does because of the fusion of all these features.
Different Boxing Styles
Brawler / Slugger
Brawlers are those who punch and punch with utter disregard for technique, relying heavily on their punching power to win. Most of them are slow and has poor footwork skills. They also tend to get hit a lot and most of the time, they catch a lot of shots on the way in.
While this can be a bad idea for a sound boxer, brawlers who can take tons of punches and deliver tons of damage in return sometimes win bouts. One powerful punch is all they need to win a fight.
George Foreman was a pure brawler and his durability along with his relentless style makes him one of the most feared brawlers when he was still active.
Classic boxer / Distance Fighter
The classic boxer, also known as the distance fighter, optimizes the distance between him and his opponent. A distance fighter prefers to pepper their opponents with long distance punches, most notably the jab, in an effort to keep them at bay and tire them throughout the fight. Another trait of the classic / distance fighter is that they also have better footwork than most of their opponents.
The jab and other long range punches do not carry huge amounts of power, which explains why most distance fighters win by points. However, a distance fighter knockout their opponents if they are able to tire them down the stretch.
Most notable proponent of this style is Muhammad Ali, whose quick feet and sharp jabs helped him become one of the legends of the sport. It is also important to note that Ali is no power puncher. Boxer-Punchers
Boxer-Puncher
Perhaps the type of boxer that requires a lot of skills in their armory, the boxer-puncher tend to wears their opponents down with powerful combinations and go for the knockout using a series of punches or even with just one shot. With deft footwork and blazing hand speed, they can slide in and do some damage and slip out before the other boxer can retaliate. Most traits of a boxer-puncher include speed, good chin, and extreme mobility.
Manny Pacquiao is a fine example of a boxer-puncher. He is naturally fast and agile and he also packs power in both hands.
Swarmer / Pressure Fighter
As the name suggests, pressure fighters prefer to stay up close and in front of their opponents and throw a lot of powerful combinations to frustrate them, take them off their game, and wear them down for the big finish. While their style may be the same as the brawler / slugger, a pressure fighter is more defensively sound and a lot skillful than their brawling counterparts.
Pressure fighters can bob and weave, slip to the sides, and prefer to duck punches than block them. They also have to have a strong chin because they also tend to get hit a lot, although not as much as a brawler.
One remarkable pressure fighter is Mike Tyson. He always closes the distance between him and the other man and unleash flurries of power punches to keep the bout short and sweet.
Counterpuncher
Perhaps the most defensive-minded of all types of boxers, counterpunchers have tons of defensive skills at their disposal. A counterpuncher is almost always not the aggressor, but their offense is always initiated with good defense.
A counterpuncher throws a shot after slipping or deflecting the other boxer's punches. To be an effective counterpuncher means you need to have some decent amount of power as well as above-average hand speed.
Perhaps the most known counterpunchers today include Floyd Mayweather, Jr., and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Matching up the styles
Each type of boxer can dominate and be dominated. A brawler can easily beat a pressure fighter but struggles against a distance fighter. A distance fighter on the other hand, tends to have a hard time against pressure fighters.
But there are some instances where a boxer changes his style while in the fight to gain the upper hand. Bernard Hopkins can switch from a distance boxer to a pressure fighter if the situation calls for it. Manny Pacquiao, a boxer-puncher, can easily revert to his brawling self if he feels his opponent will go down with sheer punching power.
Each style has its potential to make any bout exciting and fulfilling, despite its flaws and shortcomings. As they say in boxing, styles make fights.
About the Author
Kenneth Ragpala writes various articles on boxing, including boxing news and reviews, boxing predictions, and boxing analysis.An avid follower of the Sweet Science, Ragpala's articles on boxing predictions and previews has appeared in various local publications and sport sites.
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Boxing Tribute - Rumble in the jungle - Foreman vs Ali
Shadow Boxing - A Test of Your Will
Shadow boxing, together with static and dynamic stretches, usually start a full -hour boxing workout. This prepares the muscles for a more physical activity. While doing shadow boxing, most boxers want to look at the mirror. This is the time to check "if you look pretty" because if you don't, you must be doing something wrong.
For some, this exercise is a time to talk to the partner or trainer. Others tend to be flat- footed, thus not able to warm- up the lower body muscles. Some throw limited punches while on the other hand, some throw multiples. But very few think/ or have ever thought of it as a test of their will.
Yes, shadow boxing is a good test of one's will. It is because the shadow boxer has control over his shadow boxing performance. It is a question of how am I going to execute the shadow boxing drill--- the answers are limitless.
Shadow boxing can...
1. Teach focus- the concept of visualization can be applied. Boxer should think of himself as performing well in training or the ring. Imagination is a free perk, why not use it.
2. Separate the "men from the boys"- will you do a mediocre 2 rounds, or will you stand out from the rest and do your best? If you don't have the heart to do your very best, might as well re- examine your life.
3. Improve your skills- In the boxing workout, it is all about improvement. Improving this drill will develop ones ability to learn new things.
4. make you look "pretty"- Proper boxing form is such a beauty. This may be ones motivation to do well. Aim to look pretty in there--- that means you have improved on your overall skill level.
5. Improve conditioning- this activity, when done with intensity is great cardio. Suck your stomach in and it becomes a good core work. Use your hand weights and throw strong punches can improve your strength. Throw fast combos and you will improve your speed.
6. TEST YOUR WILL- The first 5 points are some benefits of this drill. Striving for excellence in whatever you do makes you a champion. Muhammad Ali said it best: "I hated every minute of training, but I said, don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a CHAMPION. "
You have the control over your rounds. Will you step up or will you simply remain ordinary? I will leave it up to you.
Shadow Boxing Tips:
1. Train for form- proper body mechanics and form is important in developing effective power, speed and skill. Don't rush--- practice the drills you're having difficulty with and maximize your strengths.
2. Train for strength- Throw hard punches with your 2 pound hand weights. After 2 minutes, drop your hand weights and shadow box without it for 1 minute--- see the big difference.
3. Train for conditioning- Move around. Do lots of things in there. Don't forget your proper breathing. Throw a lot of combinations--- add multiple things to your boxing arsenal. Use your legs!
4. Train the core: Famous boxing quote--- "No abs, no legs. No legs, no fight!" Core strength and conditioning are important. Improve your balance and body mechanics thru this.
5. Train YOUR WILL- the 4 tips above will not be enough motivation if the mind is not willing. You have to have the will to surpass yourself--- train like a Champion!
Everything that we do in the boxing workout has a purpose. Now you know the benefits and importance of shadow boxing. 'Till then, see you in training!
About the Author
Lawrence Ragos is a Certified Boxing Trainer and the director of the Train Like a Boxer Program--- a boxing training system focusing on intense strength and conditioning workouts. His DVD Series and FREE ebook are available in his official website, http://www.trainlikeaboxer.com.