Quote Originally Posted by Peter Som View Post
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.
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.