Is boxing becoming a game of Cat and Mouse?

[Boxfan83]

Seems like boxing is evolving into a combat sport with 2 types of fighters, those that are referred to as "Brawlers" and those referred to as "Runners" neither term I necessarily agree with but needless to say, most prize fights of this generation (passed 10yrs) have consisted of both these so called boxers. Im not one to harp on boxers of prior generations but when you look back at the 70s, 80s, 90s, even early 2000s, guys that used their legs (so called runners) wouldnt use their legs all 12-15rds to avoid a fight, theyd move for foot placement to let their hands go. As for pressure fighters (so called brawlers) theyd actually cut off the ring and use head movement to get inside to create a fight. Either way at some point of a boxing match we'd actually see a fight.

Anyways, is this what we have to look forward to in boxing from now on? & what was it that changed about boxing this generation and what will it take to change it for the future?

[SplitSecond]

Just Floyd, with his scaredy-cat(mouse?) punching. Even Rigondeaux puts something into his punches.

[Boxfan83]

Just Floyd, with his scaredy-cat(mouse?) punching. Even Rigondeaux puts something into his punches.

I dont like to diss Floyd because he is a great boxer no matter how you slice it but I will say Rigo actually moves but when he stops he does put some mustard behind his counters. I think Rigo and Thurman are an exception to the so called runner label and GGG and Matthysse are exceptions to the brawler label...

[-PBP-]

It's a game of styles. If a fighter with quick feet can use that to his advantage he will.

[Easy Work.]

Just Floyd, with his scaredy-cat(mouse?) punching. Even Rigondeaux puts something into his punches.

rigo is a 120 pounder, when floyd was in the lower weight classes he had alot of power and alot of knockouts

[Doctor_Tenma]

It's a game of styles. If a fighter with quick feet can use that to his advantage he will.

Just the bold, I'm not sure anything else can be offered. Why fighters can't fight in and out of the clinch, utilize a proper jap whilst closing the distance...who knows, I guess some things continue to die out

[Boxfan83]

Just the bold, I'm not sure anything else can be offered. Why fighters can't fight in and out of the clinch, utilize a proper jap whilst closing the distance...who knows, I guess some things continue to die out

Sad and true, a jab is truly a lost art that both styles are in need of. A jab closes distance and sets up power shots something both styles of this generation need to put boxing on the forefront.

[Alpha & Omega]

I will address this post even though it looks kind of like a veiled "I am mad Pac lost" post. Anyone who uses the term running/runner is usually someone who is not a real boxing fan or just casually watches the sport. I think it is hilarious how people seem to think there are just brawlers and runners, that's it. There are inside fighters, outside fighters, brawlers, boxers, punchers, boxer-punchers, defensive fighters, counter-punchers.

The arrival of the UFC/MMA I feel is what has caused people to feel this way. Boxing is a very very deeply skilled sport which takes years to build skills in. It is a deep/narrow skillset which was very respected until the MMA came on the scene, where basically someone who wrestled in HS can be a world champion. The distinctions have always been around (movers/boxers like Tunney, Pep, Ali, SRL, etc. and brawlers like Dempsey, Basilio, Gatti, etc.). The difference is just magnified now because people watch MMA and see two barely skilled in boxing guys throw haymakers at each other until one one of them collapses. Sure it is entertaining but what I have learned over the years is that the less skilled fighters are, the more entertaining they are, so to speak.

Anyone who thinks boxers like Floyd, Ward, etc. simply run, has no idea the intricacies of the sweet science at all. Moving so someone cannot hit you is now apparently called "running" and being "chicken" which is absurd. As I have said many times, go watch the UFC or a toughman contest if you want to see two idiots beating each others faces in like ******s on a playground. Boxing is not the sport for you.

[Doctor_Tenma]

Sad and true, a jab is truly a lost art that both styles are in need of. A jab closes distance and sets up power shots something both styles of this generation need to put boxing on the forefront.

Stepping in with the jab, definitely died out. Cotto does it well but without a notable right hand to go with it. I was watching Duran-Palomino the other day, look at how Duran gets out of the clinch whilst going to work. Nowadays, we're left with fans making excuses for their guy

[joseph5620]

I will address this post even though it looks kind of like a veiled "I am mad Pac lost" post. Anyone who uses the term running/runner is usually someone who is not a real boxing fan or just casually watches the sport. I think it is hilarious how people seem to think there are just brawlers and runners, that's it. There are inside fighters, outside fighters, brawlers, boxers, punchers, boxer-punchers, defensive fighters, counter-punchers.

The arrival of the UFC/MMA I feel is what has caused people to feel this way. Boxing is a very very deeply skilled sport which takes years to build skills in. It is a deep/narrow skillset which was very respected until the MMA came on the scene, where basically someone who wrestled in HS can be a world champion. The distinctions have always been around (movers/boxers like Tunney, Pep, Ali, SRL, etc. and brawlers like Dempsey, Basilio, Gatti, etc.). The difference is just magnified now because people watch MMA and see two barely skilled in boxing guys throw haymakers at each other until one one of them collapses. Sure it is entertaining but what I have learned over the years is that the less skilled fighters are, the more entertaining they are, so to speak.

Anyone who thinks boxers like Floyd, Ward, etc. simply run, has no idea the intricacies of the sweet science at all. Moving so someone cannot hit you is now apparently called "running" and being "chicken" which is absurd. As I have said many times, go watch the UFC or a toughman contest if you want to see two idiots beating each others faces in like ******s on a playground. Boxing is not the sport for you.

Excellent post.