Getting over Punch Shyness?

[rmz]

So I'm working on keeping my guard high with my palms turned inwards and my gloves pressed against my face like a peek-a-boo. My coach said it's an acceptable guard but he recommends pressing my hands against my face underneath the eyes. He says that the headgear pad on my forehead will absorb punches to the temple and everything below the eyes will be protected by the gloves. Thoughts? Does a fighter score points if they hit the top of the headgear?

[KostyaTszyu44]

i like to alternate between the winky style guard, or loosening up and slipping my head and parrying, depending on the style/build of the guy im in the ring with

[potatoes]

So here's the scoop:

I've been boxing for 1.5 years now and while I think I've learned a lot, I have one major problem. That problem is punch shyness (getting hit). I have a tendency to flinch a bit when I take a punch or if I start taking a few shots, I drop my hands and lose thought of what I am doing. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get over this? My gym has a show in a few months and I would really like to fight.

Also, what are the best defensive techniques? My coach pretty much focuses on rolling the punches off the gloves and countering. While I think it's a good technique, I don't think I'm ready for something like that. I think I'd be better off keeping my hands up, absorbing the punches and then come back with some shots when the guy has punched himself out or backed off. Kind of like Winky or Clottey does.

If you haven't been taught proper defense then you don't belong in the ring. The fact that you "start taking a few shots" is an indication that there something missing in your defensive repertoire.

[Oriachim]

So I'm working on keeping my guard high with my palms turned inwards and my gloves pressed against my face like a peek-a-boo. My coach said it's an acceptable guard but he recommends pressing my hands against my face underneath the eyes. He says that the headgear pad on my forehead will absorb punches to the temple and everything below the eyes will be protected by the gloves. Thoughts? Does a fighter score points if they hit the top of the headgear?

yes you score points if you hit the top of the headgear... you've been boxing for 1.5 years and didn't know this? also why would your coach advise that you take punches in a way the opponent scores points? is he trying to award your opponent points?

my advise spar, spar and spar... you'll find it easier as time gos by.