Different 'looks' will lower your opponent's punch output.

[Bozbay]

It is a really simple 'trick' I guess, but it works.

Just change up your look, a lot. Go into a high guard position for a few seconds, then maybe go into the Philly Shell, then maybe wave your jab slightly, then maybe drop levels. It's a matter of unpredictability. When your constantly changing your 'look' your opponent often thinks 'what is he setting up?'.

This is best done out of range, of course, in the middle of the ring. Now, I am not saying it will half your opponent's output, but it will make them think more, buying you an extra couple of seconds. Which helps if you need to get a bit of air back in your lungs. I wouldn't even call this a trick, but it's a great thing to add to your style if you're an outside boxer.

Floyd Mayweather, Ward and Hopkins do this well, those are the ones to watch if you want to see good examples.

[PsychoJim]

I don't think this "trick" is effective.

Going from high guard to Philly shell doesn't actually set up anything. Nothing that I'm aware of anyway.

If I run out of gas, personally I get more defensive and use the parry or block more. Parry then hard counter, block then hard counter. High guard at all times.

Feints and head movement make me think, not the position of your guard. I'll be looking for openings and punching no matter what.

[Bozbay]

I don't think this "trick" is effective.

Going from high guard to Philly shell doesn't actually set up anything. Nothing that I'm aware of anyway.

If I run out of gas, personally I get more defensive and use the parry or block more. Parry then hard counter, block then hard counter. High guard at all times.

Feints and head movement make me think, not the position of your guard. I'll be looking for openings and punching no matter what.

It’s not meant to ‘set anything up’. It’s used to give the perception that you’re going to set something up, which makes your opponent hesitate with their attacks slightly.

[PsychoJim]

It’s not meant to ‘set anything up’. It’s used to give the perception that you’re going to set something up, which makes your opponent hesitate with their attacks slightly.

If I were your opponent I wouldn't think you're setting something up. It all just seems like wasted energy.

I'll be honest I've never noticed anyone do this. Yes, they use different levels and yes they use different guards but going from one to another just to create the "perception" that you're going to set something up sounds silly.

Take Andre Ward - he feints with the jab, measures distance then comes in with another jab, left hooks etc. It's all about building off the jab. Simple stuff. When he gets hurt I notice he keeps his jab out and moves on the back foot.

Mayweather moves, defends, rolls with punches and uses single counter punches. That's an abbreviated analysis but I've never seen either of them do this "trick" where they change there "look" to make their opponent hesitate.

Of course if you show me samples of what you mean in fights where this has been effective then I'll apologise for my misunderstanding of what you mean. Otherwise I don't see how this is suppose to be a decent "trick".

*edit* to add, I've seen going from orthodox to southpaw, never high guard to Philly shell

[Rockin']

once you find that experienced fighters aren't focusing on your gloves you will realize that your trick is but childs play.................

[nivek535]

probably works... on beginners......
but what doesnt work on beginners?? ahhahaha

[PitbullParsons]

another thing you can do like this is take either hand and wave it way off to the side and say "hey look at this" and hit him with your other hand when he looks. I mean different methods but you'll get the same results.