Guest post by John Marshall
Boxing is as much a tactical chess match, as it is a brute force brawl. That is after all why they call it the sweet science. It is long said that styles make fights, and each boxer is unique in some small way, all the way to huge differences that stretch long beyond the weight class they fight in.
One of the most basic differences is between an outside fighter, and an inside fighter. A fighter who likes the inside usually has a tight defence and looks to damage in close. They use their hooks, uppercuts and a good chin to do battle up close. Sitting on an opponent’s chest making it hard for them to unload their own offence. An outside fighter does the opposite. They use a keen jab, strong straight punches to stick and move. Doing damage from range, and looking to stay out of the opponents reach.
Being on the outside is a tricky balance. You need to be just the right distance to hit but not be hit. Get it wrong and the opponent will be in a good range to do damage. Usually this will mean the boxer has the reach advantage on their opponent, but what are the specific strengths of this style?
Well, as we suggested it can mean the outside fighter has a long time to see punches coming, and use superior reflexes to avoid them. Also using good foot movement to keep the range constant and never let his opponent get on the inside. The jab is a great punch that can be used both defensively and offensively to slowly wear down the opposition, and using the best boxing equipment such as shoes and gloves, find the range and timing for a big straight right hand.
The outside also gives the perfect basis for a counter puncher. The more frustrated an opponent becomes at being unable to conquer the reach advantage, or the speed and skill of an outside fighter, means they are more likely to get aggressive. Lunging in with punches, and not setting a proper base to launch their attacks. An opponent off balance is more likely to miss, less likely to have power from their punch. And easier to hit. You can make them miss, and make them pay to devastating effect.
As we elaborated on, it is great defensively, and if you are wary of somebody’s power. It allows you to feel your way into the fight and be wary of any one-punch knockout artists. This is why it especially effective in the Heavyweight divisions. Not only do these men have the physical attributes such as height and reach to make the most of an outside fighting style, they also have the biggest threat in terms of one punch knockout power from their opponents.
Some of the all time greats have been able to fight both on the outside and inside, but as a basis for going all the way to the top, having a strong outside fighting skill set is an invaluable attribute. All styles can be undone by superior execution, but being able to box at range is a great weapon to have in your arsenal.
