Lets be realistic reach is everything

[Inthewhitegirls]

Reach isn't the only factor but it definitely is a major factor in fights. I have always known that someone with a longer reach has an automatic advantage over someone with a shorter reach. Shoulder height plays into it as well. If someone's shoulders are higher than yours, and their reach "which usually will be if thats the case" is longer, you have to make an extra effort to fight that they don't have to.

My bro has a 1.5 inch longer reach than me and just that measly amount makes it hard for me to get in. He can't throw a hook or power shot as hard as I can but for me to be able to do that, I often take a jab to the face. If someone does that enough to you, you get weary about it and it takes a toll on you mentally.

I know exactly how Chris felt last night. Its frustrating.

[Inthewhitegirls]

tell that to Dwight Muhammad Qawi, who was 5'5 1/2 and beat the **** out of Light Heavyweights and Cruiserweights.

being short can work to your advantage if you actually fight the right way.

Tua, and Tyson are example of this, but both of those guys have wide thick shoulders and big upper bodies in proportion to their legs, they are exceptional at throwing their whole body weight behind their power and when they do that they literally jump towards you, they both had good chins as well so they probably didn't fear being hit as much. Thats not something most with shorter arms can do.

[MANGLER]

No it ain't. It's an obvious plus if used, but not the be all end all.

[Cyse]

Reach matters! just ask Chris Arreola that couldn't find his way in without being popped in the face, or JMM who also couldn't get in with his shorter reach advantage!

Reach advantage could quite possibly be the biggest advantage one has in the ring other than speed.

[K-DOGG]

Readh and size are incredibly important advantages in a fight, however, there are ways to overcome them. Unfortunately for Arreola, he didn't have the experience to capitalize.

If Criss had double jabbed his way in and was a more accomplished inside fighter, he could have conceivably broken Vitali down by the later rounds. His applied adequate pressure to force Vitali to fight at a more brisk pace than he wanted to...that's a good thing. But; he didn't cut off the ring as effeciently as he might have and his hands weren't busy enough.

Either way, he showed great courage and great heart and has nothing to be ashamed of...and Vitali showed himself to be the best heavyweight in the division.

[boxa_ali]

in major fights i belive reach plays a major role.
and yes mayweathers reach allowed him to jab and then throw the left hook he could do that from a distance. Thats why pacman and cotto would be better matched against mayweather at least they can use the jab effectively.
Look at dela hoya his reach didnt allow floyde to dominate.

[RightCross94]

After watching vitali destroy ariola and mayweather embarrass marquez im convinced if you have a significantly bigger reach you have a enormous advantage in a fight. Vitali out jabbed majority of his opponents because of his reach, mayweather makes all boxer with short reach look second rate .eg hatton and now marquez. mike tyson struggled against guys with long reach.
Duran got destroyed by hearns because of his reach. Paul williams is a freak and now no one wants to fight him. Lennox lewis was champ bacause of his reach. Muhammad Ali was the greatest because of his reach.
To me having a reach advantage is more significant than any other advantage in boxing.

Reach is an advantage, but a good fighter who fights the right fight can overcome it. Duran did not get destroyed solely cause of the reach, that was one reason, but the main reason was that Hearns was fast and hit like a mule. Ali was not the greatest because of his reach, that was one advantage he had but without his chin, reflexes, speed and brain he would never have beeen great.

All these fighters you list, have many other attributes that make them dangerous to fight besides reach. If reach was everything, Valuev would be a great fighter and wouldnt have gotten his ass whipped by a 46 year old Holyfield.

[Pullcounter]

After watching vitali destroy ariola and mayweather embarrass marquez im convinced if you have a significantly bigger reach you have a enormous advantage in a fight. Vitali out jabbed majority of his opponents because of his reach, mayweather makes all boxer with short reach look second rate .eg hatton and now marquez. mike tyson struggled against guys with long reach.
Duran got destroyed by hearns because of his reach. Paul williams is a freak and now no one wants to fight him. Lennox lewis was champ bacause of his reach. Muhammad Ali was the greatest because of his reach.
To me having a reach advantage is more significant than any other advantage in boxing.

reach isn't everything, but it helps alot

[RightCross94]

Yeh but its a advantage that almost gurantees a easier victory how many great champs can you mention that had short reach. You say DURAN and TYSON but even they struggled against fighter with longer reach. Duran could cope with ray leonards speed but had no chance against hearns as an example

You moron, Hagler had a reach almost as long as Hearns' and Duran fought a very close fight with him. It wasnt that reach of Hearns that ****ed Duran, if hearns hadnt been such a devastating puncher, Duran would have gotten close and broken him down. But because of the power Hearns punched with Duran couldnt afford to take the odd shot as you often do when trying to get in close, and was therefore buzzed early and finished off quick smart.

[boxa_ali]

Reach is an advantage, but a good fighter who fights the right fight can overcome it. Duran did not get destroyed solely cause of the reach, that was one reason, but the main reason was that Hearns was fast and hit like a mule. Ali was not the greatest because of his reach, that was one advantage he had but without his chin, reflexes, speed and brain he would never have beeen great.

All these fighters you list, have many other attributes that make them dangerous to fight besides reach. If reach was everything, Valuev would be a great fighter and wouldnt have gotten his ass whipped by a 46 year old Holyfield.

your right about thats not all they had but they all had good reach which allowed them to become where they are. IF you put 2 great fighters together and one has a significant reach advantage i will definatley back the one with reach.