Boxing Styles

In boxing, it is very seldom that two fighters' styles are identical. A boxer's style is evolved as he applies what he has been taught in practice, and performs it in such a way as to suit himself and to neutralize his opponent. Nonetheless, many terms are used which broadly describe a boxer's style, namely:

OUT-FIGHTER - A classic "boxer" (also known as an "out-fighter") is one who seeks to maintain distance between himself and his opponent, generally fighting with faster, longer range punches, most notably the jab. Usually, these boxers tend to win by decision on points because they rely too much on weaker punches such as the jab. They are often regarded as the best boxing strategists due to their ability to control the pace of the fight and lead their opponent, wearing him down gradually, and exhibiting more skill and finesse than a brawler.

BOXER-PUNCHER - A boxer-puncher is an out-fighter who has heavy fire power in his punches. These boxers use the same hit-and-move tactics of an out-fighter, but instead of winning by decision, they tend to wear their opponents down before scoring the knockout. For a fighter who uses this style to be effective, they need to have good footwork, stamina and endurance. Likewise, good jabs and/or leads, and good speed and power is a necessity.

BRAWLER/SLUGGER - A brawler lacks finesse in the ring, but often makes up for it by volume of punches. Many brawlers tend to lack mobility in the ring and have difficulty pursuing out-fighters. They prefer a more stable stance from which they may throw the harder, slower punches and tend to ignore combination punching. Their slowness and predictable punching patterns often leaves them open for counterpunching.

IN-FIGHTER - In-fighters or stay close to an opponent, throwing intense flurries and combinations of hooks and uppercuts. A fighter who operates best at close range is generally shorter and has less reach than his opponents and thus is most effective at a distance where the longer arms of his opponents' make punching awkward.

BOB-AND-WEAVE FIGHTER – Many short in-fighters utilize their stature to their advantage, employing a bob-and-weave defense by bending at the waist to slip underneath or to the sides of incoming punches. Unlike blocking, causing an opponent to miss a punch disrupts his balance, permits forward movement past the opponents extended arm and keeps the hands free to counter.

PUNCHER - The term 'puncher' refers to a fighter with a powerful punch, but is not a true descriptor of boxing style. Punchers are capable of knocking out their opponents with few punches if given the opportunity to land them cleanly, and in some cases, scoring a KO with only a single blow.