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I was watching Jack Johnson's classic boutwith Jim Jefries on Tv recently. Not exactly a live event since it happened in 1910 (I think) but still very interesting. Aside from the vast difference in pace from modern boxing I really liked the way Johnson would smother Jeffries in the Clinch. Grabbing his elbows and bicepswith both hands. And leaning into him. From there he would release one hand anddeliver a devastating shot like the uppercut in the final round which stunned Jeffries and set him up for the finish. Another different point from modern day boxing is that Johnson was allowed to standover Jeffries as the count was delivered.Perfectly legally as the moment Jim regainedhis feet he was pummelled around the ring in scenes of chaos as pressman and cornermen invaded the ring while the fight was still goingon. There's a lot of debate about fighting in the clinch, what is know rather misleadinglytermed dirty boxing. But in modern MMA andfighting for selfdefence it's one of the most important things. The trick is like every other technique isto leverage your whole body into the punch.Too many people just use arm punches inthe clinch, but one really good uppercutor elbow is a fight finisher. You just have to learn proper technique and practice it. Just like we do in the Ultimate Punch DVD where I teach how to strike with all your body when you are engaged in a clinch. The best modern puncher in a clinch I'veseen recently is Houston Alexander where he rocked Keith Jardine's world withuppercuts in the clinch. Also look at Randy Couture's last fight where he systematically works his opponent over ina clicnch against the cage wall. Look at one of the most common street attacksbetween two men.One will hold the jacket of the other guy whileslamming his fist into his face.What's that but a clinch variation. What about a guy grabbing a girl, same thing,she's in a clinch. Botton line,it's one thing to practice on a bagor pads. But get used to hitting whensomeone is holding on to you, draggingyou around or trying to pull youto the floor and you'll be a whole lot more prepared. SlainteDermot McGrathPS if you want a great read check outUnforgivable Blackness, The biographyof Jack Johnson. One of the best bookson a boxer I have ever read. It covershis incredible life and times, always fascinating and very readable.
drop all the boxing bull****, people wont clinch but in real life fight 80% people clinch and you have to deal with it.
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