Boxing defense questions

[Tom Yum]

The people that I spar with are very helpfull and come from both boxing and MT backgrounds. We rarely go all out, because I don't want to get seriously injured while training, but we use a moderate amount of contact...just enough to stun/feel the impact.

I can slip/parry straight punches at a satisfactory level while sparring. In our MT class, we do lots of straight punch sensitivty drills (i.e. catching the jab, while simultaneously firing; parry and countering; slipping inside/outside jab and cross)

When I get inside and I am head to head, I have dificulty reading when the left hook (orthodox) is coming, so I usually end up covering with my right, but still absorbing some of the punch. I was wondering if any of the experienced guys could tell me how to develop my sensitivty to this?

Also, some MT guys are really good at throwing deceptive right cross/rear round house kicks. What I mean is that they snap hips and shoulders at the end of firing a combo at you and you think they are throwing a r. cross but instead they throw a rear round kick. So I think I'm going to slip/get inside a r.cross, but I catch a round house (thank God I've learned to keep my hands up). Any suggestions?

[yenhoi]

More sparring and more focus gloves and more thai pads and more rounds.

[Tom Yum]

Thanks. Do you train at a MT camp in Nevada? I've heard there are some awesome coaches like Master Toddy there.

[Wheats]

I cover with the right and absorb the left also. It's preferable to circling under and eating a knee. You might try rolling left with it just a little to take some of the sting off. That would have you essentially loading up to throw a counter left of your own.

Are you talking about R cross - then L roundhouse?

[Tom Yum]

R cross, R round house - they move as if they are throwing a r corss but instead, a r roundhouse pops up. Its elusive.

[Wheats]

If he is truly in a legitimate striking range and seriously commits to the R cross.....have you tried slipping outside and countering with a R hook/overhand off your rear leg - whichever you call it?

In a legitimate striking range I'll bet you can pull off your counter before the kick lands. If you step in solid, he'll re-think trying to set up a kick off the same side.