Is blocking really that bad??

[Chris Nagel]

I just don't like the idea of having your gloves right on your cheekbones/temples the whole time. As far as defense and countering is concerned, I feel that it's of the greatest importance to see the punches. Even some fighters who are proponents of the peek-a-boo guard or high guard need to see what's coming. Take Winky Wright for example, he has both of his gloves right on his chin which allows him to see clearly, he'll bring his gloves up when it calls for it. When his gloves are by his chin he can see the punches as they're beginning to form, and he can react quickly and efficiently.

I think that it's better to bring your hands up when needed, there's no need to block punches that haven't been thrown, and limiting your vision means you're going to be getting caught with punches that you shouldn't be getting hit with otherwise.

Yes, it's harder to see the punches, but you can counter with feel.

This could lead to some nifty counters too. For example blocking a jab, and then immediately following it back with your own punch. It could work against you if you rely too much on this way of countering, say if your opponent hits your gloves with quick non-committal punches just to draw you to punch back.

I agree with what's been posted so far. Andre gives some ideas too.

Remember that your defense should be flexible and allow you to adapt to different situations. Don't get into the mentality that you can just use your arms/gloves as a shield to absorb punches with, be ready for anything!

[Andre]

Deflection or disruption is the key to countering as is making them miss totally too.

Like Adam said in different words: blocking is a whole one count wasted.

Thats why to block and counter can be done if you deflect and counter thats the reason i said you could catch one close to your chin with your rear glove while launching your jab simultaniously :

Im not by any means saying fight with it up there the whole time thats not good I agree with Chris's comment there.
But to be relaxed enough to pop that rear hand up sometimes to not stop but check the ending of a hit gets you into the timing to be able to follow it back home as well.