If rules against excessive clinching/holding were actually enforced. . .

[Publius]

Ward is not a star

Not interested in popularity so much. He is widely considered one of the best in the sport, and he is. But I'd be curious to know how well he'd perform were excessive clinching/holding actually penalised.

[AllBoxingAD]

Floyd would still be the best.

Ward would still be 2nd best.

Clinching is one part of their arsenal.

These guys are the best because their arsenal is way more complete then all of their competition.

[jqSide]

The clincher's opponent is basically fighting 2 people in the ring. That's why if the ref is not doing anything about it, it's up to the other fighter to do something. Fight dirty, head butt, employ rabbit punches, get DQ'd if you must. Fans will cheer you and applaud you. There's no other way.

[_Maxi]

I had made two threads about it.

http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=676180

http://www.boxingscene.com/forums/showthread.php?t=676852

Yeah, it's obvious. Clinch is killing boxing. But they don't care as long as they can make money with these horrible fighters that clinch all the time and get away with it.

Clinch part of their arsenal lool.

[JoeKidd]

. . . then fighters like Mayweather, Ward, and Klitschko might not be stars. Their fans need to accept that their strategy is premised, almost in its entirely, on the ability to clinch/hold at will. Now there's nothing inherently wrong with this - boxers will do whatever is necessary to win if they are allowed to do it.

But don't act shocked when people say they aren't fans of that style. It's not because they have good footwork and defence that their styles are hated. It's because they rely on a questionable tactic and friendly refereeing. It's perfectly reasonable to take issue with that.

What are your thoughts? What would happen were these rules to be strictly enforced?

More people might watch?

[Mr.Fantastic]

. . . then fighters like Mayweather, Ward, and Klitschko might not be stars. Their fans need to accept that their strategy is premised, almost in its entirely, on the ability to clinch/hold at will. Now there's nothing inherently wrong with this - boxers will do whatever is necessary to win if they are allowed to do it.

But don't act shocked when people say they aren't fans of that style. It's not because they have good footwork and defence that their styles are hated. It's because they rely on a questionable tactic and friendly refereeing. It's perfectly reasonable to take issue with that.

What are your thoughts? What would happen were these rules to be strictly enforced?

The Sweet Science would really be displayed in a fight if the rules were enforced.

[Boxfan7819]

I cant imagine buying all their PPV fights when they all fight like cowards I would feel unsatisfied and frustrated

[FeFist]

This is getting as bad as the complaints about Marquez stomping on Pacquiao's foot.

[Chuckguy]

When a fighter is close enough 9 out of 10 times Floyd will hold them
They get separated then he runs
Is it that hard to understand?

hmm interesting.

So he's either running for his life or clinching on for deal life. I guess compubox just makes up statistics about Floyd always outlanding his opponents by a wide margin in the total punches connected percentage. Also, it must just be a myth that Floyd has one of the best defenses in boxing's history, the shoulder roll is a lie and Floyd only runs and clinches. Got it!

I love watching floydie fight bro but he has no inside game
Call a spade a spade
He boxes circles around you at his distance not indeed bro

[Jake_Lamotta]

If the rules were actually enforced with penalty, then boxing would become a joke.

Boxing is about not getting hit more than it is about actually hitting. Hugging as a self defense technique is the bread and butter of scientific pugilism. It is the heart and soul of the sweet science.

Hugging and clinching should actually be rewarded. Boxing needs to purge itself of fans who desire action and excitement. We need to liberate boxing of it's fake fans and reward cash bonuses for hugging and clinching as a form of defensive wizardry would be the perfect start

Wow, just wow. And Floydiots wonder why Mayweather and his fanbase are the most hated of them all