First round, what to do?

[TheGreatAli]

Is it better to come out and let your hands go, let them feel your power and try your best to win the round (impose your will).

Or.. Go easy in the first round letting them fall in to the trap you can't punch then catch them off guard in the second?

[nedcmk1]

Try to win every round. There is only 3-5, and most likely 3. You can't afford to give away around.

[judge_jab]

I use the first round to test my opponent, to see how he reacts to my jab and feints. My top priority is to test how fast he is.

If it is clear that I am faster which is a lot of the time, the I'll often use the shoulder roll as I will be able to roll with his punches effectively. Depending on his reactions and speed I'll be able to determine whether i need to keep a tight guard of whether i can do things such as the lead right hand.


I always box very texbook and safely in the first round. Jab and move, feinting etc.

[TheTruthIs]

Is not scored by rounds, is scored on points. So my advice to you would be to make as many as possible.

[!! Shawn]

I have always liked to use the first round to figure out my opponents timing and let them spend a little energy. As long as you don't let them build some huge points lead, it puts you in a good position to win.

Sit back, punch with them when you need to, keep it close, but most importantly watch what they are doing. Look to see what kinds of openings they create when they punch, look for any repetitive mannerisms that you can time, watch for any movements they do before they punch.

Once you have seen all that, it is time to go to work. Some times it takes the whole first round, some times you will see everything you need to see in the first 30 seconds. It all really depends on the guy in front of you.

I have always felt that it is very foolish to not take the time to study your opponent, its like fighting blind.

Because the amateur system is based on points, you are not penalized in any way for doing it either. If they are not scoring punches, it doesn't matter that you are not either. But when you do start throwing, you will have the upper hand.

[!! Shawn]

I use the first round to test my opponent, to see how he reacts to my jab and feints. My top priority is to test how fast he is.

If it is clear that I am faster which is a lot of the time, the I'll often use the shoulder roll as I will be able to roll with his punches effectively. Depending on his reactions and speed I'll be able to determine whether i need to keep a tight guard of whether i can do things such as the lead right hand.


I always box very texbook and safely in the first round. Jab and move, feinting etc.

That is what I do. Use the first round to figure out what you can get away with.

[Trrmo]

big overhand right first punch sometimes works.

[Stormin' Norman]

Establish the jab, don't throw your best power punch or combination until the last 30 seconds of the round, (unless you get an opportunity by hurting him or catching him with his hands down) make sure to save stamina because the last 30 seconds of every round are the most important.

You don't wanna throw your best power shots unless you're given a surefire opportunity early on, especially if you got a good defensive guy on the receiving end, who will just identify the angle the shot is coming from and watch for it every time after you throw it the first 1-2 times...

Feint a cross and step in with hard jabs, but MAKE SURE you go downstairs... bodywork is essential early on in any kind of fight. Guys might have a good chin but I promise you they don't have a good liver. Nobody can take a good shot if you hit em square in the sweet spot with a left hook to the body.

Secret...develop a good left hook to the liver...Land it mid to late in the first round, ive had alot of guys quit after the 1st round when you send them to their corner after touchin up their liver...I treat the liver more valuable a target than the chin...When you disrupt their ability to effectively rest after the first round by working the body late, you'll definately have an advantage in the second round

[KostyaTszyu44]

i just come out and box cleanly, looking to get some points early on, but not just running forward and throwing wildly. i especially look at how they respond to a jab, then try and counter based on that response (eg: if they duck underneath it i try an uppercut next time) if they charge at you keep your cool, that bullrushing tactic is designed to unsettle you. just pivot off and move, keep them off with a hard jab or straight right and cover if you are in trouble. boxing 101: NEVER LOSE YOUR COOL everytime i have got angry and tried to knock my opponents head off i have been tagged and looked bad