Cross Arm Defense...

[Sin City]

Does anyone use this defense technique anymore? I remember watching George Foreman and seeing him use it.. the only guy of recent times that I have really seen use it once in a while is Miguel Cotto. Is it out dated? what are/were the benefits to this defense style and what were/are it's weaknesses?

[Jim Jeffries]

Excellent for blocking straight punches and hooks. Very susceptible to uppercuts unless you're quick enough to move down and catch them. Pioneered by Archie Moore if I'm not mistaken. Big George had him in his corner for a while, probably why he switched to it.

Difficult to throw a punch with any power from as well. Floyd uses a one arm cross arm defense, leaving his right for lead rights and countering.

[warp1432]

Archie Moore and Gene Fullmer used it. Ken Norton too I think.

[Stickman]

I think it's probably outdated, as you suggest. And probably because it really isn't that effective. You'll still catch shots high. Foreman probably used it because he had a cast iron chin. And of course because he was a little nuts.

[Silencers]

Not many fighters use it anymore. As already mentioned, I've seen Cotto occassionally use it, it's great for blocking straight shots to your head and body but leaves you open for uppercuts like Jim Jeffries said.

Archie Moore was the first to use this defensive technique I think, Frazier used something similar, Norton too, I've seen Azumah Nelson use it as well.

[Sin City]

thanks for the input.. i apreciate it!

[shadeyfizzle]

The crossarm is a good fit for power guys but its not too popular nowadays because very few trainers out there can teach it effectively. It allows the user to get inside on guys who throw punches in bunches without eating as many shots and allows the user to push-off on their opponents to catch a breather or trap them in a corner. It becomes ineffective if the user does not have toughness to go with the style or relies on hand speed or counters for offense. Its because your arms are literally crossed and taking shots on the forearms. You will ache like a mother******* after a couple of rounds unless you are rough guy with great power to equalize. It also takes a long time to uncross your arms and get back in a proper stance to throw a decent punch.

[Dirt E Gomez]

It's biggest downfall is your inability to throw punches quickly when taking your guard down. In many situations it's as good or better than a standard guard, but from the cross-arm position you can never return fire quickly enough so it completely destroys your counter-punching ability in most cases.

[Sin City]

It's biggest downfall is your inability to throw punches quickly when taking your guard down. In many situations it's as good or better than a standard guard, but from the cross-arm position you can never return fire quickly enough so it completely destroys your counter-punching ability in most cases.

thanks.. I know there is a way to block hooks with the defense I just can't find any videos on it. I actually wanted to try it out but thinking about it now I don't wanna neutralize my counter punching abilities.. maybe I can mix it in with a regular stance and use it from time to time as well..

[shadeyfizzle]

thanks.. I know there is a way to block hooks with the defense I just can't find any videos on it. I actually wanted to try it out but thinking about it now I don't wanna neutralize my counter punching abilities.. maybe I can mix it in with a regular stance and use it from time to time as well..

Its a good defense but its not made for everyone. Believe it or not the best video source on how to use the crossarm effectively would be the rocky movies. Stallone uses it to bullrush Mr T and Drago to get close enough to throw body shots or push em into a corner