why the 50 rep of crunches???

[grubbogoppoly]

Sercuerdas,
I agree with you, sort of. In boxing you have to be able to take a full on hit straight to the gut. That includes nothing but abdominal strength. So you are going to say you don't want to do something that concentrates on the abs? I would have to disagree.
Yes, you need compound exercises. BUT, in a sport such as boxing you need that isolation as well.

[sercuerdas]

agreed, but i feel all the crunches in the world won't matter. the only way my abs get use to taking hits is to take them. it's more of a breathing thing than a crunching move.