Sparring - Holding the centre

[Al3x]

Hey guys not been on here in a while been busy with a new job and training and passing my driving test and whatnot.

Ive been training at my gym for about 3-4 months now and last Thursday, as a club we went to another gym to spar.

I am a SHW and got put in with a LHW he was around 14 stone and I'm 18.5.

He was alot faster than me and as this was my first open spar he knocked me around the ring at times. Ive been told by my trainer to try and hold the centre of the ring more. This is something I worked on in a sparring session on Friday, against someone a similar height to the guy I fought at the other gym. When I got it right he couldnt touch me and I was picking shots whenever I wanted.

The only problem is when they rush in with their head down and push it into my chest (like the guy at the other gym did all the time) Im unsure how the hell to stop that. Ive been told a long uppercut as he comes in.

Would really appreciate any guidance.

In short for anyone who cba to read - help me hold the centre of the ring im 6ft5 and need to fight to my advantages.

[Pugilist King]

move your head and side step. stay balanced and land a shot to the body

[Al3x]

All good tips the only issue I have with side stepping is that I always tend to end up circling.. Which is a bad problem imo and once the opponent works it out you can end up walking onto a bomb.

Alex

[1moreround]

Hey guys not been on here in a while been busy with a new job and training and passing my driving test and whatnot.

Ive been training at my gym for about 3-4 months now and last Thursday, as a club we went to another gym to spar.

I am a SHW and got put in with a LHW he was around 14 stone and I'm 18.5.

He was alot faster than me and as this was my first open spar he knocked me around the ring at times. Ive been told by my trainer to try and hold the centre of the ring more. This is something I worked on in a sparring session on Friday, against someone a similar height to the guy I fought at the other gym. When I got it right he couldnt touch me and I was picking shots whenever I wanted.

The only problem is when they rush in with their head down and push it into my chest (like the guy at the other gym did all the time) Im unsure how the hell to stop that. Ive been told a long uppercut as he comes in.

Would really appreciate any guidance.

In short for anyone who cba to read - help me hold the centre of the ring im 6ft5 and need to fight to my advantages.

I would suggest either a short uppercut...you may need to step back and throw it. Aim for his forehead and keep your other hand up to block an overhand counter (most shorter fighters will try and throw that at you when their head is resting on your chest). You can also try and throw a quick "check" hook as their coming in with their head and turn out as your throwing it. Follow it up with a jab or 2 to keep him off balance. Last, kind of a cheap move, but used often by pros, is to press the back of his head down using your hands or elbow until you break. Makes the person go off balance and after a while, they will get really tired. But again, kind of a cheap move. Hope this helps!

[Al3x]

Cheers lads I will try some of them out in sparring this week.

Alex

[greynotsoold]

Circling, in boxing, is not a bad habit. Actually, it is about the only way to hold the center of the ring. "Side-to-side" movement takes you to the ropes and into corners.
If he's bulling in with his head down, side-step to the right and throw the right uppercut- under his left arm, as you'll be outside it. Or get yourself real sideways to him, then get your left shoulder into his chest, pulling him in with your left arm. Then, with your right glove on his left elbow, turn him and pivot out.

[Layzie Kidd]

Just plant your ass and counter them.

Absolutely dont move, throw yours or wait for them to throw theirs then fire back after slipping or parrying. Soon theyll notice they cant do anything and start backing off or thinking twice.

Same with circling around them. Step in, defend or attack first, wait for them to throw theirs, side step to avoid their nonsense then go on the attack again.

You'll be controlling them. It'll get in the habit of not moving pointlessly, thats how they time you.

[Rockin']

if youre the boxer than you should be circling the ring with him in the center. if youre going to be the aggressor than you'll want to push him into corners to work him over.

why try to control the epicenter of the ring, it's completely off in boxing theory. Never just let a guy box circles while you stand your ground in the center of the ring. Either use the ring to keep him in the center or force him against the ropes if youre in the center..........Rockin'

[Al3x]

Thanks guys appreciate all of the tips will give it a try in the next sparring session and let you know how it goes.

Alex