Okay, so I’ve been meaning to get better at boxing, specifically defensive boxing. I’m not trying to be a pro or anything, just wanted to improve my skills. So I started looking into the “best defensive boxers” to see what I could learn. Here’s how it went:
First Steps: Watching the Greats
First thing I did was hit up YouTube. I mean, where else do you go to learn stuff these days? I searched for “best defensive boxers” and, man, did I get a lot of results. Lots of videos about Pernell Whitaker, Willie Pep, and of course, Floyd Mayweather Jr. I spent a good few hours just watching these guys. It’s mesmerizing, honestly. The way they move, the way they slip punches… it’s like they’re not even there.
Trying to Copy Them (and Failing)
So, feeling all inspired, I went to my local gym. I have this heavy bag in the corner that I usually just wail on. This time, I tried to be all smooth and slick like those guys I watched. Yeah, that didn’t work out so well. I tried to roll with the punches, tried to use my shoulder, all that stuff. I ended up looking like a confused baby giraffe, I’m pretty sure. The bag was definitely winning.
Breaking It Down: The Basics
After that humbling experience, I realized I needed to slow down. I couldn’t just jump in and expect to be Mayweather. I went back to the videos, but this time I focused on specific moves. Like, just the shoulder roll, or just the footwork. I started to notice the little things:
- Stance: They’re not just standing there square. They’re angled, making themselves a smaller target.
- Head Movement: It’s not just random bobbing and weaving. It’s calculated, anticipating the punches.
- Footwork: This is huge. They’re constantly shifting their weight, making it hard to predict where they’ll be.
- Parrying: Using their gloves to deflect, not just block, punches.
- The use of shoulder to do the Shoulder Roll.
Practice, Practice, Practice (and Getting Punched)
I started working on these things individually. Just the stance at first. Then, I’d add in some head movement. I even got my buddy to throw some slow, soft punches at me (emphasis on soft). It was awkward at first, and I definitely got tagged a few times, but it started to click. Slowly.
Sparring (Lightly!)
After a few weeks of this, I felt brave enough to try some light sparring. Key word: light. No one’s trying to knock anyone out here. It was a whole different ballgame compared to the heavy bag. Real punches, real reactions. I got hit. A lot. But I also started to see some of those defensive moves working. A slipped jab here, a parried cross there. It was progress!
Still a Long Way to Go
I’m still nowhere near as good as those guys I watched online. I’ve got a long, long way to go. But I’m definitely better than I was. I’m moving better, I’m seeing punches coming, and I’m not getting hit as much. It’s a process, and it’s definitely not easy, but it’s rewarding. I’m learning something new, and I’m getting a good workout in. Plus, it’s kind of cool to feel like you’re actually learning how to defend yourself, even if it’s just the basics.
I think i will still keep practicing and keep learning.
