If rules against excessive clinching/holding were actually enforced. . .

[Publius]

. . . then fighters like Mayweather, Ward, and Klitschko might not be stars. Their fans need to accept that their strategy is premised, almost in its entirely, on the ability to clinch/hold at will. Now there's nothing inherently wrong with this - boxers will do whatever is necessary to win if they are allowed to do it.

But don't act shocked when people say they aren't fans of that style. It's not because they have good footwork and defence that their styles are hated. It's because they rely on a questionable tactic and friendly refereeing. It's perfectly reasonable to take issue with that.

What are your thoughts? What would happen were these rules to be strictly enforced?

[ReIoaded]

. . . then fighters like Mayweather, Ward, and Klitschko might not be stars. Their fans need to accept that their strategy is premised, almost in its entirely, on the ability to clinch/hold at will. Now there's nothing inherently wrong with this - boxers will do whatever is necessary to win if they are allowed to do it.

But don't act shocked when people say they aren't fans of that style. It's not because they have good footwork and defence that their styles are hated. It's because they rely on a questionable tactic and friendly refereeing. It's perfectly reasonable to take issue with that.

What are your thoughts? What would happen were these rules to be strictly enforced?

If the rules were actually enforced with penalty, then boxing would become a joke.

Boxing is about not getting hit more than it is about actually hitting. Hugging as a self defense technique is the bread and butter of scientific pugilism. It is the heart and soul of the sweet science.

Hugging and clinching should actually be rewarded. Boxing needs to purge itself of fans who desire action and excitement. We need to liberate boxing of it's fake fans and reward cash bonuses for hugging and clinching as a form of defensive wizardry would be the perfect start

[Dean_Razorback]

If the rules were actually enforced with penalty, then boxing would become a joke.

Boxing is about not getting hit more than it is about actually hitting. Hugging as a self defense technique is the bread and butter of scientific pugilism. It is the heart and soul of the sweet science.

Hugging and clinching should actually be rewarded. Boxing needs to purge itself of fans who desire action and excitement. We need to liberate boxing of it's fake fans and reward cash bonuses for hugging and clinching as a form of defensive wizardry would be the perfect start

[DLT]

. . . then fighters like Mayweather, Ward, and Klitschko might not be stars. Their fans need to accept that their strategy is premised, almost in its entirely, on the ability to clinch/hold at will. Now there's nothing inherently wrong with this - boxers will do whatever is necessary to win if they are allowed to do it.

But don't act shocked when people say they aren't fans of that style. It's not because they have good footwork and defence that their styles are hated. It's because they rely on a questionable tactic and friendly refereeing. It's perfectly reasonable to take issue with that.

What are your thoughts? What would happen were these rules to be strictly enforced?

Floyd & Ward are 2 of the best inside fighters in boxing. They would easily be unbeaten still

[SilverMiles]

Floyd & Ward are 2 of the best inside fighters in boxing. They would easily be unbeaten still

Floyd inside game is weak, only effective against novice inside fighters. He was losing on the inside against Manny who isn't even good at inside fighting.

Ward is questionable, he tends to land head first on the inside. Can't give you credit for that after your opponent is still reeling from being head butted.

[Publius]

Floyd & Ward are 2 of the best inside fighters in boxing. They would easily be unbeaten still

. . . but why are they capable of this? I suggest you watch their fights and pay attention to what actually happens. Punch, clinch. Dodge, clinch. Punch, clinch. Dodge, clinch etc for 12 rounds. Now it's a good tactic but what happens when you remove the clinch/hug part of the equation? Is it still effective?

I'm not so sure.

[Foolkiller]

I remember Lennox Lewis being awarded a DQ victory over Akenwande (not sure spelled correctly, but who cares). Seem to remember the ref warning and taking points at least 7-8 times. Wish this happened more often, the hit and clinch game has made for some boring fights.

[Eff Pandas]

I'd love to see no holding be a rule. I think guys who get hurt or dropped should get a point taken away for aggressively holding & in general like you are suggesting. I'm 100% cool with close fighting or infighting, but when guys are wrapped up with one arm or both they should be getting warnings & eventually a point taken if its a problem. It'd make boxing much more action packed.

[Jc8804]

. . . then fighters like Mayweather, Ward, and Klitschko might not be stars. Their fans need to accept that their strategy is premised, almost in its entirely, on the ability to clinch/hold at will. Now there's nothing inherently wrong with this - boxers will do whatever is necessary to win if they are allowed to do it.

But don't act shocked when people say they aren't fans of that style. It's not because they have good footwork and defence that their styles are hated. It's because they rely on a questionable tactic and friendly refereeing. It's perfectly reasonable to take issue with that.

What are your thoughts? What would happen were these rules to be strictly enforced?

3 things in common with these 3 fighters.



1.all three are home town fighters with ref support.

2.all three clinch as a form of defense on the regular.

3. All three cheat in dirty ways
-floyd elbows
-wlad pushes the head down ,and leans consistently
-ward headbutts

[Jc8804]

. . . then fighters like Mayweather, Ward, and Klitschko might not be stars. Their fans need to accept that their strategy is premised, almost in its entirely, on the ability to clinch/hold at will. Now there's nothing inherently wrong with this - boxers will do whatever is necessary to win if they are allowed to do it.

But don't act shocked when people say they aren't fans of that style. It's not because they have good footwork and defence that their styles are hated. It's because they rely on a questionable tactic and friendly refereeing. It's perfectly reasonable to take issue with that.

What are your thoughts? What would happen were these rules to be strictly enforced?

I'd love to see no holding be a rule. I think guys who get hurt or dropped should get a point taken away much more aggressively than it happens & in general like you are suggesting. I'm 100% cool with close fighting or infighting, but when guys are wrapped up with one arm or both they should be getting warnings & eventually a point taken if its a problem. It'd make boxing much more action packed.

I agree. You hold once imo ,thats a point. Treat it like a late hit on a QB.its a no no