Clinching isn't 1 thing.
Sometimes it's being too close to work so you make sure he's not hitting you while you wait for the ref to create space.
Other time, it's because the opponent has trapped an arm or something to that extent and you need to keep him form hitting you.
You might be stalling the action because you're hurt.
Or, you just got in a shot and want to nullify his response (Hopkins, Wlad).
Sometimes you are working inside, tying the opponent up in a grappling sort of way and struggling with him to see who can create and opening and get shots in (Andre Ward style).
So, obviously, it's a complex subject and that's why it's left up to the ref to decide when it's sporting and when it's a foul.
Personally, I think that using it repeatedly to stifle the action should be a punishable foul. Simply defending yourself from cheapshots and headbuts, or using an offensive clinch is fair game.
Sometimes it's being too close to work so you make sure he's not hitting you while you wait for the ref to create space.
Other time, it's because the opponent has trapped an arm or something to that extent and you need to keep him form hitting you.
You might be stalling the action because you're hurt.
Or, you just got in a shot and want to nullify his response (Hopkins, Wlad).
Sometimes you are working inside, tying the opponent up in a grappling sort of way and struggling with him to see who can create and opening and get shots in (Andre Ward style).
So, obviously, it's a complex subject and that's why it's left up to the ref to decide when it's sporting and when it's a foul.
Personally, I think that using it repeatedly to stifle the action should be a punishable foul. Simply defending yourself from cheapshots and headbuts, or using an offensive clinch is fair game.
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