 Defense as Important as Offense
I myself have boxed for over 25 years and competed at the Olympic Games. I'm really shocked that the individual, "Michael Wright" says that defense is not really a boxing concept. People that don't understand the sport, think that boxing is just moving forward and throwing punches and it absolutely is not!
The art of boxing is to hit, while not getting hit. Defense is absolutely important and a good defense can create an effect offense. Some of the most effective boxers are known as counter punchers, essentially, those that wait for the opponent to throw their punch, either block, slip, paw and counterback with their own punch or punches.
As for defending a quick left jab, if you too are orthodox, simply palm it with your right hand. Anticipate the jab and palm it off, deflecting it away. That's probably one of the first things boxers learn. Work with a partner, jab yourself, have your partner palm your jab and then he jabs back at you, while you palm his jab.
You can also easily slip a jab with your head either left or right. It's all anticipation and with a little practice, you will get better.
If you are in close and want to defend punches thrown to your body or head, just tuck your arms and elbows in tight and ride the punch. If the punch is going to your body, lower your elbow and ride it. If you don't know what I mean by riding a punch, it's the following. If the opponent is throwing a left hook to your body, you will receive the punch on your right side. Just as you feel the punch hitting your elbow, ride it to the left and that deflects a lot of the punch.
Boxing is all about deflecting an opponents power and maximizing your own by making your opponent walk on to your punch!
Hope that helps! |