Defending body shots

[Eastbound]

feels like I’m pretty good at defending head shots and lower body. At times I end up getting whacked in chest and upper body. It’s getting to be a problem as my upper rib cage then is sore from these. Took another one last night and then I’m over protective of the upper ribs and more open elsewhere. Something has to change. It’s weird, I’d think getting hit in the chest would be the least destructive but it’s become my least favorite spot to get hit. What defensive style should I use. How can I protect against these better while still keeping my overall defense in tact.

[ShoulderRoll]

Some general advice:

Keep your elbows in at all times, don't let them flare out.

Punches to your chest can be deflected with small movements of your forearms.

Also remember to use your feet for defense. By taking a half step back or moving laterally or pivoting you can constantly present a moving target that is never in the direct line of fire.

[Redd Foxx]

Your guard should be naturally protecting your up upper ribs. Reevaluate your stance/form. For an opponent to be choosing your upper ribs over your face is odd. If I was the opponent I would not risk getting countered just to punch someone in the chest. Are you sparring people who are more advanced than you are they're taking it easy on you by not hitting you in the face?

Something doesn't add up and I'm just trying to figure out why this is happening since it's an unusual problem.

[Eastbound]

I think they're aiming for the chest because they can't effectively hit my head. That part of my body is a bigger Target and moves less than my head.

[.!WAR MIKEY!.]

feels like I’m pretty good at defending head shots and lower body. At times I end up getting whacked in chest and upper body. It’s getting to be a problem as my upper rib cage then is sore from these. Took another one last night and then I’m over protective of the upper ribs and more open elsewhere. Something has to change. It’s weird, I’d think getting hit in the chest would be the least destructive but it’s become my least favorite spot to get hit. What defensive style should I use. How can I protect against these better while still keeping my overall defense in tact.

Parry the shots would be your best option or step out and reset.

You also shouldnt be getting into position (where you are able to get hit) without doing anything, you only should be in position to get your shots off and then GET OUT!

but to me it sounds like you have problem with controlling distance, knowing your distance, so should practice more on that.

[Lucky86]

I think you are standing too squared up . If you are standing with an angle they won’t realyy hit your chest.

[Warrior Scholar]

I had an old coach named d.c. who would do a hula hoop move and avoid them, but I never sparred him. i always told him no, but his crazy old ass was serious about sparring me one time. just to **** with him I said aight, lets get it and he started walkin to the ring lol. I said nah coach I can't , im too fkn strong for your ole ass. ida shut that bs down real quick, but i thought it was a cool old school move. I say I woulda shut it down, DC had a sick straight power punch counter even in his mid 60s. probably work against lighter punchers.

[OctoberRed]

I think they're aiming for the chest because they can't effectively hit my head. That part of my body is a bigger Target and moves less than my head.

^^^^^ this.

[Warrior Scholar]

I think they're aiming for the chest because they can't effectively hit my head. That part of my body is a bigger Target and moves less than my head.

sounds like your boxing is good.

[tcbender]

Utilize a highguard more. Keep the knees bent and your torso bent slightly forward. Your elbows should be tight to your side, you forearms will be covering the chest and your gloves will be blocking your face. The gloves should be touching your cheeks palms inward, with your chin tucked. You should still have good vision.

Then you really only have to worry about the distance. If you are at a good range they will only be able to hit you with straight punches, which will automatically be blocked by your guard.