Quote Originally Posted by greynotsoold
I don't mean to insult or denigrate anybody, but I don't put much store in the rope strung across the ring. When Eddie Futch did that to train frazier to fight Ali, it suited THAT fighter for THAT fight. It has no relevance at all for many fighters. In my experience, it comes in most handy with a hym gull of secretaries looking to get in shape. They've seen the Rocky movies and it makes them feel like they are participating. Again, depending on your style, it may work for you.
But if you are tall, or even average, for your weight, then you need to do something else. To me, it is very simple, at least for a start. Don't ever hit the heavy bag or any bag, unless you first envision, and then elude, a punch thrown at you. Never just hit the bag and stop: you also have to avoid his return. If you practice "slip the lab, left hook right hand left hook, pivot out", you'll build habits that will help you avoid punches.
That's excellent advice about the heavy bag and something I've been trying to lately. I'm just back after a long layoff and I'm with a new coach who more focused on defense and and countering.

As far as dipping under the rope and punching, for me it really helps my balance and footwork, in addition to the leg workout. I don't think it can hurt anyfighter, even a tall fighter, to spend a few rounds ducking the rope and punching from time to time. Of course, I'm a novice, but I feel like I'm getting a lot of benefit from it.