The Pressure Fighter
Corney’s Corner
step by step boxing advice
Tips from former BBBofC British Super-Middleweight & WBF World Middleweight Champion – Cornelius Carr
The Pressure Fighter
What should you do to combat pressure fighters throwing wild hooks?
During my years as a boxing coach I have been asked this question a lot and my simple answer is…..Box!
Given the chance, anyone can enter the ring and charge each other down with wild hooks. Even the pros can suddenly find themselves trading in the middle of the ring wildy, before cooling down and getting back into their boxing. Of course there is always going to be bravado and ego in the ring, it’s just natural, ultimately you are in a fight. I don’t know any boxer that likes being hit, or any boxer that at one time or another boxed purely on “red mist” because they had received a good hard shot.
On the other hand, we could say the best boxer is the one that has composure, the one that can take a hit – breath – take stock – and just think I will retaliate later in the round, instead of instantly swinging wildly and probably getting hit more for their trouble. It takes a lot training to be mobile around the ring, and even more training to be able to realise your opponents range or read the other boxers punches……but that’s what boxing is all about.
Here are just a few things to think about when faced with pressure fighter who just won’t stop coming forward.
1. “Always remember to jab”
Yes – remember to jab. The jab is not just there to set up your punches, it’s there to help you manoeuvre you opponents to where you want them and to keep them at bay. Don’t just tap your jabs out, vary them, some soft and some good solid punches, try and stop them in their tracks and disrupt their rhythm. Be sure you are throwing multiple jabs and mixing up the order. REMEMBER keep your guard hand up to protect your chin from incoming hooks. That said, have a quick look at the clip below of the talented Pernell Whitaker, he doesn’t always guard his face but just look at the jabs he uses to disrupt Nelsons flow.
2. “Turn them off”
This works well with raw fighters (learners), these people can come in strong, but haven’t realised that they don’t like getting hit yet! Through their flurry of punches get some good hard shots down the pipe and all of a sudden you have “turned them off” on the idea of coming forward.
3. “Move”
As I say “Get on your bike”, get moving around the ring. Remember….don’t run backwards – that is what they want, they want to get you against the ropes or pin you in the corner. But also bear in mind, if your opponent is piling forward towards you ,whilst hooking, moving to the left or right can look a bit daunting. So think about jabbing to make them cover up and then moving or take a step back before slipping away to the sides. REMEMBER – When moving, always guard your face – go to the 3 mins mark of the youtube clip below for the fight between Donal Curry and Mike McCallum to see what can happen if you don’t.
4. “Go in for the clinch”
If you do find yourself pinned and taking punches, don’t panic, make sure you cover up well and in the natural break of the punches lean forward onto your opponent and clinch. If there is opportunity try and turn them and maybe give them a bit if their own medicine.
5, “Hit First & Think Straights”
Straight punches (jab, crosses) are not only faster than hooks, range wise they are nearly twice the distance. So ensure you are throwing as many straights a you can at your opponent whilst still being out of range. Hitting first takes a little longer to master, but as soon as you see your opponent starting to set themselves begin throwing the straights. If you can start messing with their timings, you are already starting to turn the fight.
Top Pressure Fighters in Boxing
Joe Frazier
Roberto Duran
Mike Tyson
Julio Cesar Chavez
Jose Luis Castillo
Ricky Hatton
Miguel Cotto
Antonio Margarito
Juan Diaz
Micheal Katsidis
Kelly Pavlik
Joe Calzaghe
Israel Vazquez