European Guard?

Someone who I have been working out with decribed a way of holding his hands as a 'European Guard'. Basically, the hands are held almost palms out and much closer to the oppoenent and away from your face than a regular (or the guard I was taught). At first, I was sketical about the guard, since it seems like you would be a sucker for the hook, and the hands are higher than where I normall keep them (chin level).

BUT, as I sparred with it, I found it VERY effective. Parrying punches were easier, when I used to just block. And it seemed like my opponent had to 'punch through' my guard to try to reach me. Plus, the punches were shorter and quicker since my hands were closer to my opponent. He said this is how Joe Calzaghe would box at range. Here is a clip of Jeff Fenech, and he is using this style. My question is, I really like it. What should I know about using this guard, and is this in fact the real traditional guard of the Golden Age of boxing??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLZaRoJgjt8&NR=1

anyone?

I guess Lennox Lewis is another example?

I read the thread yesterday, but didn't respond because didn't really have much to help you with. I do experiment with guards all the time though, and there is a reason there are so many different styles. That being, we are all built differently, with various assets and deficiencies. So different styles and guards will work better for some then others. So try em out, lots out, find what works and it comfortable for you.

meh, that's all i gotz. :-X

Thanks YB. I think sometimes I get too fixed on fundemental/traditional method of doing something and dont experient enough with other variations. We are all built differntly and I guess the most important thing is what is most effective and comfortable. I know that since I was taught a certain way, everytime I experiment with something different, I feel like I'm doing something wrong.

I guess it's something I will have to break and keep experimenting. Because even if I had a new coach, he might totally change the way I have been doing things!

I favor holding the hands away from you head at range. One of the reason I dont like some of the High-and-Tight guards (guards that have both gloves high touching the headgear/face) is that:

1. You hands dont move, and its difficult to get a rhythm with your hands this way.

2. If you opponent is strong, he can just blast through your guard

3. You are more commited to blocking, which is the worse (but easiest) form of defense.

The thing is if you are blocking with the Glove, you arnt Punching with it. If the guy youre Fighting is working the angles youre F**ked ;D.

Also your vision is impaired when you hold your hands this way. You may be able to see straight ahead- through an opening in the gloves- but like Scrap said, you have NO vision 45 degrees on either side.

When I see someone like this, I like to:

1. Step in with the jab.

2. Inside slip

3. L hook to the liver

4. Step/pivot out

repeat as needed