When you are in a position to always have to go into your rival you are in an unenviable spot; knowing you are going to take punches no matter what. (by the way. 5'8" is about perfect for a welterweight) The key to the whole thing is to always be a counterpuncher. Going forward straightaway will find you facing an opponent waiting for you, both hands ready. But you study him early on and wok off his jab, if he commits (ie steps with it) to it. Or ride the jab up and out off the crown of your head-lean in to make him think he got a bit of you- to make him throw the right. Then slip or whatever but work poff of that. Its in being smart- always be thinking 'what is he trying to do to me'- and in never being in range. Just barely out of reach, pressing him, to make him punch, but so that you can evade it and counter.