Mixing it up in the ring

[b Murphington]

We are all creatures of habit. How do you break that cycle when in the ring? I'm talking about not becoming too repetitive. Is it just as simple as throwing different combinations at different times and different angles?

Like if you would normally start with a jab, every once and a while start with a lead hook?

[Redd Foxx]

Just my perspective; You must have intention behind everything you do. Every punch, step, even every feint should be for a purpose. If you're just fishing then you're not taking control of the fight. Leading with a left hook "just because" is dangerous.

Now, if you find yourself being repetitive and are worried about the opponent figuring you out, there's a lot of ways to get from point A to point B. Instead of just going for that jab, maybe slip to the right a little and throw it. Or, dip low and throw the same jab, but from a low angle up to his face. Knock his lead hand down and stick the jab immediately after. You see where I'm going with this.

As far as punch selection, you're either targeting openings or you're creating them. Do whatever the situation calls for. Guys that just go through predictable combo routines are suckers for getting countered. If you're not sure if he's really open for the left hook, feint and see if he has an answer or a counter. If he doesn't, go back to it a little later and catch him with it. If you're not sure what to do, the jab is typically safe so long as you're not lazy with it, dropping it, etc.

In training, don't get stuck in the 1, 2, 3 cycle. One of my favorites is something Kovalev does a lot, the 2, 1 (straight right, then jab). A couple saturdays ago, Ward had a brilliant combo when he threw a left hook followed by an immediate jab that snapped Kovalev's head back (you don't usually expect a jab after someone left hooks you).