Defense does require running or a ton of movement

[Tony Trick-Pony]

Many boxers like Lara, Rigondeaux and others use a heck of a lot of movement in their matches. Now while, defense is something every boxer needs and a great defense is impressive, why does it take so much movement for them?

One of the all-time masters at defense is James Toney. Yet he could make you miss within inches while within range. Roberto Duran and Julio Cesar Chavez, Sr. could do the same as well.

And what about the old story about Jack Johnson seated in a chair in a saloon challenging people to hit him and he was in chair! Nowhere to run.

I think it says something pretty negative about a boxer who has to run and leap and jump around the ring to avoid punches- not to mention a huge waste of energy.

And of course, it instills plenty of boredom in the fans.

[Da Machine]

Does not I think you meant? I agree.

[Tony Trick-Pony]

Does not I think you meant? I agree.

Haha. Yes. Got in a hurry. My bad. Does NOT require running or a ton of movement.

[SlySlickSmooth]

I think the problem lies in that they can defend, BUT an instantaneous change from defense to offense is hard to pull off too much of the time and they would rather be out of range to rethink their defensive move than to take the risk of getting hit and countering back. Defensive fighters would rather have the lead fighter make a complete mistake and be completely out of position to fire off powerful combinations, if they are still in a danger zone but missed their shot they can just fire scoring blows and move out.

Although to say Floyd can't do that is idiotic, Floyd can defend and counter instantly.. best shoulder roll in the game as far as actually letting right hands glance off his shoulder and immediately coming back with a right hand.

[IboxSouthpaw]

Pure nonsense this thread ... There's multiple defensive tactics in boxing .. You can stay in the pocket or just on the edge .. Still in striking distance .. You can keep a crisp solid jab in ones face creating distance .. impending the aggressors progression towards you .. You can use movemet or as casual in the pocket fans call running .. All depends on what your strengths are and his weaknesses are .. People that complain about "running" like in the lara fight can't stand a good boxing match .. It's not always ufc on fox just bleed.. All styles are just as pleasing as the other when done right.. I Enjoy the tactical battle of any style clash .. That's just me though

[SlySlickSmooth]

Not many fighters use upper body movement in my opinion, especially when moving forward. Most of the time I see fighters use head movement they are out of range and waste energy.

[TBear]

Some fighters run for defense, some fighters like Marlon Starling used a high guard. While others like James Toney used Head movement. However both Starling and Toney included offense in their game. Runners often do not.

[JJRod]

The difference between running and moving explained by one of the great defense fighters Winky Wright.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiYuq3Anx8I

1:42

[boliodogs]

I don't think Rigo should be lumped in with Lara just because they both come from Cuba and are hard to hit. They are two different fighters who fight differently. At times Lara just flat ass runs away as he did in the Canelo fight. Rigo is better and more exciting than Lara. He has never lost a fight and he gets lots of knock downs and knock outs.

[Deevel916]

Sweetpea was the best. He would make his opponents miss while standing directly in front of them. He was a defensive master that didn't need to run in order to avoid getting hit.