The best defensive fighters carry their hands low?

[Toney616]

This is something I've been thinking about for a while, a lot of the top defensive minded fighters either carry their hands low or hold only one of their hands high.

Fighters like:
Walcott
Moore
Hopkins
Toney
Mayweather
Qawi
McCallum
Duran
Frazier

Do people here think that fighters who rely mainly on rolling and slipping punches are more effective defensively than fighters who rely primarily on blocking techniques?

[GJC]

This is something I've been thinking about for a while, a lot of the top defensive minded fighters either carry their hands low or hold only one of their hands high.

Fighters like:
Walcott
Moore
Hopkins
Toney
Mayweather
Qawi
McCallum
Duran
Frazier

Do people here think that fighters who rely mainly on rolling and slipping punches are more effective defensively than fighters who rely primarily on blocking techniques?

To paraphrase you I would say fighters who rely mainly on rolling and slipping punches are more effective offensively than fighters who rely primarily on blocking techniques

[Toney616]

To paraphrase you I would say fighters who rely mainly on rolling and slipping punches are more effective offensively than fighters who rely primarily on blocking techniques

Thats a good point as well, but in terms of defense what do you think?

[StarshipTrooper]

Thats a good point as well, but in terms of defense what do you think?

Whatever works best for that particular fighter. The bottom line is how effective they were at the end of the day not necessarily how they achieved it.

Also, those old fighters like Walcott carried low on purpose to sucker their opponents in for a counter.

Poet

[Toney616]

Whatever works best for that particular fighter. The bottom line is how effective they were at the end of the day not necessarily how they achieved it.

It's a point that I find just as interseting

Also, those old fighters like Walcott carried low on purpose to sucker their opponents in for a counter.

Poet

Didnt know that, learn something new everyday

[DondiNeverLeft]

This is something I've been thinking about for a while, a lot of the top defensive minded fighters either carry their hands low or hold only one of their hands high.

Fighters like:
Walcott
Moore
Hopkins
Toney
Mayweather
Qawi
McCallum
Duran
Frazier

Do people here think that fighters who rely mainly on rolling and slipping punches are more effective defensively than fighters who rely primarily on blocking techniques?

Most defensive fighters don't want the physical aspect or the "inside game" of boxing. While blocking is a effective it keeps you inside while rolling and slipping keeps you at a distance (most of the time).
I believe it is best to have both in your arsenal but blocking is less effective because your inside and more vulnerable to being open, not to mention sometimes your strong opponents can punch through your guard.

[Toney616]

Most defensive fighters don't want the physical aspect or the "inside game" of boxing. While blocking is a effective it keeps you inside while rolling and slipping keeps you at a distance (most of the time).

which fighters do you have in mind?

I believe it is best to have both in your arsenal but blocking is less effective because your inside and more vulnerable to being open, not to mention sometimes your strong opponents can punch through your guard.

What do you think of the turtle shell defense?

[StarshipTrooper]

Parrying punches is rather a lost art these days. Larry Holmes was a master at it.

Poet

[NChristo]

Parrying punches is rather a lost art these days. Larry Holmes was a master at it.

Poet

Been watching fights of Vicente Sadlivar recently and I've gotta say he was easily the best person I've ever seen at parrying.
He was amazing, seems to be a lost name now though.

[Toney616]

Parrying punches is rather a lost art these days. Larry Holmes was a master at it.

Poet

I have seen Toney do it (Toney-Barkley) and McCallum (during McCallum-Watson), but you are right it is one of the lost arts of boxing

Not really familiar with Holmes career (or his skill set) only seen: Smith I, Witherspoon, Spinks I and Spinks II