Counter Punching and Quickness

[Willie Pep 229]

Are great counter punchers innately quicker than most, and gravitate to that style because they possess the talent (quickness)?

Or . . .

Does learning to properly counter punch make a fighter quicker because reflex is faster than taking action?

The Gunfighter Hypothesis

The gunfighter hypothesis says that when two people face off in a quick-draw duel, the person who draws second often reacts faster—because reactive movements (like responding to a threat) are generally quicker than deliberate ones (like initiating an action). It's the brain's way of going into high alert when it senses danger.

[DeeMoney]

As with a lot of stylistic choices in sports, there are probably some of both. I imagine there are some who develop into good counter punchers because of natural quickness and reflexes. But then there are those who develop as counter punchers.

I dont know if there reflexes actually improve (as in muscle activation speed as a response to stimuli) rather they grow in recognition of what the opponent is going to to and is able to respond more quickly as such.

I think of it this way- a while back they had a bunch of MLB all stars take at bats against Jennie Fimch, and for the most part they struggled. It wasnt because they lacked the reflexes to hit her pitches, rather that their skill had been developed to respond to overhand baseball style pitches, they werent accustomed to softball pitches.
This correlates to the question in that I bet some fighters develop into quality counter punchers not because their reflexes are superior to other pro level fighters, but because they have become adept at recognizing what an opponent is going to do and are capable of reacting properly.

[kimberlyfink]

Are great counter punchers innately quicker than most, and gravitate to that style because they possess the talent (quickness)?

Or . . .

Does learning to properly counter punch make a fighter quicker because reflex is faster than taking action?

The Gunfighter Hypothesis Racing Limits

The gunfighter hypothesis says that when two people face off in a quick-draw duel, the person who draws second often reacts faster—because reactive movements (like responding to a threat) are generally quicker than deliberate ones (like initiating an action). It's the brain's way of going into high alert when it senses danger.

Maybe your point is correct. But in a fight, the faster person doesn't necessarily win. I think it depends on the accuracy of the punches or the endurance and flexibility. Something like that.

[them_apples]

Are great counter punchers innately quicker than most, and gravitate to that style because they possess the talent (quickness)?

Or . . .

Does learning to properly counter punch make a fighter quicker because reflex is faster than taking action?

The Gunfighter Hypothesis

The gunfighter hypothesis says that when two people face off in a quick-draw duel, the person who draws second often reacts faster—because reactive movements (like responding to a threat) are generally quicker than deliberate ones (like initiating an action). It's the brain's way of going into high alert when it senses danger.

I do know from my own experience that baiting someone to move first so you can react is a sure way to beat them to the punch

very interesting observation it all makes sense

where did you hear about this? I believe this is true

[QueensburyRules]

Are great counter punchers innately quicker than most, and gravitate to that style because they possess the talent (quickness)?

Or . . .

Does learning to properly counter punch make a fighter quicker because reflex is faster than taking action?

The Gunfighter Hypothesis

The gunfighter hypothesis says that when two people face off in a quick-draw duel, the person who draws second often reacts faster—because reactive movements (like responding to a threat) are generally quicker than deliberate ones (like initiating an action). It's the brain's way of going into high alert when it senses danger.

- - I'd say counter punching is innately genetic like most reflexes. Just like Ali almost never used body shots, preferring to skeeter around jabbing air most of the time, yet connecting eventually followed by an instinctive right that usually won the fight.

[them_apples]

- - I'd say counter punching is innately genetic like most reflexes. Just like Ali almost never used body shots, preferring to skeeter around jabbing air most of the time, yet connecting eventually followed by an instinctive right that usually won the fight.

in my opinion Ali only threw head shots for the most part because he does not naturally have a highly leveraged build. he's 60% legs. a rather small torso for a heavyweight as well. but big strong legs. You know who else is like this and throws almost no body shots? Floyd Mayweather. I call these guys spider builds. They are mostly limbs. It explains why Ali only had one real good shot his right straight, and likewise Floyd is similar. He cannot create leverage - but he can glide around and snipe better than others - both Ali and Floyd did this.