Block punches or slip them?

[Rockin']

slipping will come with experience. keep your gaurd up for the time being and let your eyes adjust so that you will begin to pick up on little 'tell tale' signs of what the opponent is doing and then you'll be able to work the slips.

but essentially you will want to not only block, but slp, counter and the easiest thing to do is just take a step back when the guy starts throwing.

find a buddy in the gym and work together on all 4 of those actions. do it in half motion and you will begin to find the rythme of the fight. It takes time and it will take eating some shots.

if you want to see EVERYTHING that you need to to do these moves then look directly into the you opponents solar plex. You'll see everything that you need to. Looking into your opponents eyes won't show you much at all. the defensive geniuses of the ring arent geniuses because they can use these moves, anybody can use these moves. They are considered geniuses because they trained their eyes and with that training will come instinctive action that you don't even have to think about yet you will be slipping, blocking, etc. Get those eyes acclamated.

get a friend at the gym and on the side practice slipping, catching, etc. working at half speed. Have him throw 1-2 hooks, double jabs, 1-2's. Slip some, block some but don't worry about countering yet, that will come next. Again this is at half speed, it will help get you and your eyes aquainted to the rythme of the fight.

The only rule here: never do the same thing twice in a row, mix it up. Good luck..........Rockin'

[Feint]

If you’re a tall fighter, blocking by way of a good parry is effective, as your opponent will tend to lean in too much and get him off balance. Slipping punches is great if you can do it efficiently as it gives you the best opportunity for a counter. (However, if you rely on slipping punches too much it also makes you susceptible to a feint.)

[Marcos Avellan]

I think both skills are important because they each have their unique timing and purposes. For instance, if you are facing a faster opponent, blocks can be more reliable... however, when you have the ability to slip, counter striking is definitely more available. Both are important skills.

[magik10]

Slip only if you're setting up for a counter. Otherwise, you're putting yourself in harms way for no real benefit.