Too small for the weight class or too small for the X guy.

This is a two part question.

I was going to toss this in the "Ask a Trainer" section, but I figured it would be just as suitable here. What do coaches and analyst mean exactly when they say "he's too small for this class" or "he's too small for X guy"?

Also, when there is a significant disparity in height (first thing that comes to mind is Margarito v Pacquiao) what are the advantages/disadvantages for the shorter fighter? Vice versa for the taller fighter.

What are the disadvantages exactly? Is it obvious?

Thank you for your time!

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Originally Posted by Peter Som

This is a two part question.

I was going to toss this in the "Ask a Trainer" section, but I figured it would be just as suitable here. What do coaches and analyst mean exactly when they say "he's too small for this class" or "he's too small for X guy"?

What fights did you watch when you heard them say that? If you had same day weigh ins you would most likely hear those phrases much less. From an individuals stand point just look at Chavez jr. Sure he gets down to 160 a day before the fight but by fight time he's pretty much a full light heavyweight.
So in all his fights at 160 they are to small for that guy. Another example of X would Adrien Broner, Fought all over the place when he started and mainly in the 135 area but as high as 140 and then seemed to settle in at 126 for a time. At fight time the mans a freakin welter. Add that hand speed and is it really any wonder why he's destroying people? Same with Morales at 122. I have never seen anyone look that terrible at a weigh in. On fight night he was a lightweight.

To small for a class is rare not including the new hev division which one could easily argue is dominated by super heavyweights. You will see that more often from straw to fly where a pound is huge.

Also, when there is a significant disparity in height (first thing that comes to mind is Margarito v Pacquiao) what are the advantages/disadvantages for the shorter fighter? Vice versa for the taller fighter.

What are the disadvantages exactly? Is it obvious?

Thank you for your time!

Height is not an advantage unless one is skilled and uses it but even then a shorter guy could get in.
The reverse is also the case. Look at Wlad prior to knowing how to clinch. Look at Tyson in a division of taller men or Dempsey. Consider Paul Williams in the evaluation. Longest wing span in boxing history and fights like he has Marcianos.

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On the contrary thank you for your time and reading my diatribe above. Respect big time from me for being a new fan and for posing questions in the way that you do. New fans like you that take a fundamental interest in the sport renew my faith a bit after getting a little cynical over the years.

What fights did you watch when you heard them say that?

Besides the ones listed above, also hear it a lot when people talk about Marquez v Mayweather Jr.

The second question I asked for myself. I'm 5'4'' and weigh a hefty athletic 175. I was in track in high school for 4 years, I was also in my high school's military program and joined their after school "special forces". That worked the shit out of me! Did a lot of push-ups, sit ups, pull ups and ups in general.

I'm working on getting to a more ideal weight to fight for me. I haven't tried, but at this point I'm not sure if I could get down lower than 140. But then again, I'm no health expert.

One of my goals is to compete on an amateur level. Possibly participate in the golden gloves. Wont go pro unless I have a real talent for it.

I've grown to really love boxing. I've always had an interest, but it was a passing interest. Now I'm almost obsessed with it. There are actually a lot more questions I'd love to ask but have been meek about it. So I more or less lurk in these forums and read all of what you guys have to say.

I would also like to write for boxing in some form, as well. Because the drama is always there, so boxing should be easy to right, right? Haha

Besides that man, I'm just a student of the game, I want to learn as much as I can about the sport and hopefully contribute to it in some way.

Taller fighters do have an advantage in height and reach, if they know how to use it. However there are other factors such as boxing skill, speed, punch power, composure, chin etc Margarito was slow in comparison to Manny who dominated him in an excellent fight.