An older guy who I see occassionally around the gym was watching me spar the other day. He told me I need to learn how to fight off my back foot. He just keep saying it over and over but when I asked a little about it... he began a profanity-laced tirade about fighters these days not fighting off their back foot.

I usually have less of a reach and prefer to fight inside. How can you work inside while standing upright with your weight on your back foot? I thought it was used for counterpunching. I know it helps stepping forward with the jab... but I try to move in under my opponents jab.

Any thoughts?