What Matters Most in Boxing? Is it Size, Speed or Both?

[ProBox1]

It seems that when it comes to the heavyweights, the bigger you are is the biggest advantage you can have. Guys like Michael Grant, Jameel McCline and many others were pushed towards the road of Boxing based upon their physical gifts. The heavyweights, unlike most other weights in Boxing, can allow a fighter that is big with mediocre skills to last a decent amount of time before getting exposed.

There have been plenty of mediocre heavyweights who just kept getting back in big televised fights, it was not because of their skill but because of their size. The heavyweight division is also the only division where guys in their late 30s and 40 come out of retirement to compete again. You do not see this sort of thing happening too often in the lower weight classes. The reason? Guys don't have to stay in great shape to come back at heavyweight since the division is 200 pounds and above. Most fighters in the lower weight classes add on a voluminous amount of weight when they retire and are rarely unable to get down to their "prime" fighting weight. A fighter leaves at 135 pounds and after a year the fighter is 160 pounds+, more after a few years. That same fighter will not compete in a weight division that he knows will be a risk to his life in order to make a few bucks after being inactive for a long period of time. [details]

[Colonel Jones]

When both guys are on an even playing field as far as weight and size, i think speed usually has an advantage over power. My experiece watching boxing it seems like it's the invincible guys like Chavez, who always end up running in to someone who they just can't beat to the punch.

[psychopath]

In this sports where participants are categorized by weigth . . . size doesn't matter it is always speed and power that remains the no 1 factor.

I have seen a lot of big guys get dropped or mauled by a smaller fighters with power and faster hands speed.

TYSON in his prime would be a good example. He never fought guys of his size . . . opponents are always bigger, taller.

[Hunna]

look at Roy Jones Junior's domination of John Ruiz, tahts was pure skill and speed. A superb Athlete. Good athletes make good boxers i believe. Muhammad Ali, Mundine...etc.

[Hunna]

also, you have the defensive and offensive side of things. Power and speed seem to deal with offensive/ attack aspect of boxing. A tough chin, big heart is also important. There have been and still are world class fighters who are renowned for their tough chin and can win a bout on chin and stamina alone. Real deal holyf. had alot of traits in his toolbox... especially his chin, heart and big left hook

[Raekwon]

speed and strength are both good but is boxing not more about movement and technique?
most of the fighters like roy jones jr, ali etc all have great boxing minds, it is a lot down to speed etc but their movement and understanding of boxing and their opponent that is their main advantage

"its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog"
i like that quote, not sure where its from tho lol

[puppy_dogg]

"its not the size of the dog in the fight, its the size of the fight in the dog"

hey, i like that. never heard it before, good karma

[abdiel2k3]

what matters in boxing?
the difference between a good fighter and a great fighter
its neither skill nor talent nor size

its about the fighter that knows how to use what he has

[Atwa_66]

what matters in boxing?
the difference between a good fighter and a great fighter
its neither skill nor talent nor size

its about the fighter that knows how to use what he has

I agree with you, depends on skill, but i think size and power can play a pretty important role.

[THRILLAinmanila]

Size and speed count, but what's more important is the heart. A hidden force coming from within that separates the greats from the mediocre.