high guard = boring fight

[ICEMAN JOHN SCULLY]

I dont see taking body punches as aproblem at all when using that style..LIKE I SAID, you have to know how to position yourself properly..it is not for everybody just like dancing, back pedaling, shoulder rolling, etc is not for everybody, either

[Mr. Ryan]

My style is that I keep my gloves open so that I can block more of my head by expanding the glove. An open glove covers most of my head, so I'm more protected than if the glove is in a fist. You need to keep your elbows in and close to your body, which not only blocks body punches but also keeps your punches short.

With your gloves open, you can also catch punches (which is what the jab-hand buddy exercise works on. By blocking a punch before it even hits your guard, you eliminate ALL damage.

It's important to not stand square so you aren't in line for straight punches. Jabs will push you off balance and set you up for every punch if you're square. Stand with your lead shoulder out front so you can use it as a defense also. Tucking your chin in and keeping low with both eyes on your opponent regardless of whats coming at you will make your defense extra tight.

[Feint]

Also, if you feint a couple of times to the head and instead land a good body shot it won't be long before your opponent decides a "cover up" defense isn't all that great.

No defensive technique is perfect.