Fighting taller opponents?

**Rocky Balboa** · 04-16-2009 06:43 PM

I just boxed a guy with 6 in reach on me. I wasnt able to fight all relaxed like I typically do. I usually just walk in slipping and sliding the punches off then counterpunch. Not with this guy. Seldom had I ever been this tired in my life. It was only for two rounds (he stopped). I had to slip inside and bang away at his body then get out in a flash. I had to be constantly in and out, in and out, hit and not get hit. In other words, I had to apply relentless pressure. Make sure to slip his punches then travel down them and unleash body shots then go for the head. He will probably push you out and you have to start all over. I'm not that experienced though so just my two cents.

**Nameless** · 04-17-2009 09:06 AM

If a guy has a bigger and significant reach advantage, one thing's for sure: you can't box from the outside or he'll mash you eventually; Either you try to make him come to you and while he's "unbalanced" because of the forward movement, you close the distance and you bang, while he's in movement you have a small window to do. Another strategy woud be willing to eat perhaps a punch or two, close the distance and as it has been mentioned before, put relentless pressure and force him to switch from offense to defense. If you can keep him on the heels by constant pressure, he won't have as much power in his fists because he won't have the proper stance to transfer weight. Try to avoid the ropes as much as possible as it is kinda deadly if you're against them and if the guy has a bigger reach, trying to pivot a lot around the middle is something to do as much as possible too.

**BMN** · 05-08-2009 12:49 AM

Interesting information. being a tall fighter (6'1) helps to know what to watch for.

**Andre** · 05-09-2009 04:26 AM

Think of two different distances so you use your feet and re distance as he comes forward so you can deal with his arms first then move into strike range once they are checked.

If you can check the jab and move under it to the outside of his elbow all the better for you.

A different (not popular) way to do this is to pull your front foot back behind your rear foot,as he come with the left jab switch your feet around his jab so you then check it with your rear arm and move in around the outside of it or go under it; firing a straight left under it to bring his arm down as he retracts it then over the top of it with a bomb with your right hand.
Switch, check with right rear arm, move in and hit low with your left under his arm, turn in and bomb with an over hand right.

Takes practice and impeccable timing, but made easier by large plodding blokes with long arms who hold a jab out or telegraph with the front foot that they are coming now.

If you do the action on bended joints the shots you give him are backed by a lower center of gravity and your thigh muscles,foot and big toe,he'll catch the whole lot.