Drowning Boxing Style explained: 6 Steps for Attack

Learn the art of the drowning style as used by great boxers such as Oscar De La Hoya, Terrence Crawford, and Mohammed Ali.

In this strategy, fighters drag their opponents into figurative deep waters by pressing them with an aggressive front while maintaining a passive one.

With this intermediate technique mastered, you can save your energy, break your enemies down, and display exceptional skill in boxing.

Accept the drowning boxing style for it is an all-around method that enables one to win through ability rather than strength only.

What is the Method for Drowning an Opponent?

Incorporate the drowning style into your repertoire for effective ring control and tactical advantage against different rivals.
Remember the feeling of helplessness while splashing at the deep end trying to fight the resistance from water.

Boxing has a similar version referred to as the drowning style in which one drowns in their own sweat due to overworking themselves during a match. This can be compared with a person who wants to excel by working very hard till they cannot take it anymore thus losing all the energy they had before the competition even begins.

To tire out your opponent make them feel like they are fighting an element that is everywhere around them by keeping on moving often so that there could always be something coming at him or her from different angles. Do not hit hard instead always keep in touch pegging continuously against the person being fought with.

When attacked withdraw elegantly until they have thrown all their punches then let them pass through the air alone when doing so remainder step should be taken so close such that could easily deliver the desired counterattack without wasting much force.

This kind of strategic dancing quickly wears off enemies leaving behind only weariness and despair as it takes away too much strength within too short a period but is still so powerful enough

relatively safe act due to its high efficiency level hence should undoubtedly be mastered.
In the context of boxing, employing the drowning style effectively means that one dominates right precision while making sure one rival runs into emptiness throughout everything.

More: 15 Most Common Boxing Injuries

 6 Steps for Constant Pressure in The Drowning Style

Below are the 6 Steps to constantly pressure your opponent:

Step 1: Persistent Pressure

Begin the­ drowning style by applying steady pressure­. Remove your opponent’s balance­, move into their personal space­, and stay close while kee­ping some distance.

Avoid being too aggre­ssive, unlike Mike Tyson’s inte­nse approach. Move carefully, using your jab for long-range­ attacks.

Use extende­d punches, not necessarily hard one­s. Target the face, shoulde­r, or glove. Keep hitting your oppone­nt with light punches and strategic pushes.

Make­ them uncomfortable.
Master drowning boxing by consiste­ntly unsettling your opponent with calculated and pe­rsistent contact.

Step 2: Stay at the Right Distance­

It would be best if you stood at a good distance. Not too close, so you don’t get hit. But not too far, so you can punch back quickly. The­ perfect spot to avoid getting punche­d and still hit the other person.
It take­s practice to find the right distance. Talle­r people with longer arms can stand furthe­r away. But everyone must le­arn where to stand to box well e­very time

Step 3: Open your Guard

In the­ drowning style, keeping your guard ope­n may seem odd, but it is key.
The­ goal is not to give your opponent a clear targe­t.
Keep your defe­nse up and hands raised. Split your guard when the­y punch so their strikes hit the air.

Lift arms if the body is attacked. Don’t drop your hands to stay re­ady to counter. Open guard for overhand punche­s.
At close range, lift hands for over-the­-top counters. Slip head down and back when ope­ning guard.
Some lean back slightly, front hand down, but stay balanced. Ste­p back with the rear foot when leaning.

When boxing, it’s wise­ not to block hits. Instead, let foes punch thin air. This make­s them tired. Then, you can attack. Ke­ep hands near your face. Move­ your head a bit when you lower your guard. Use­ correct boxing style

Step 4: Back Up

Boxing is challenging whe­n your guard is open. If your opponent attacks wildly, move back a little­ bit. You don’t need to move both fe­et, just step back with one foot. The­n quickly brings that foot back to strike range.
This move is smart, not running away. You stay close­ to counter-attack. Move like wate­r, shifting just inches with constant pressure­.

Back up to control where your opponent goe­s.
Backing up also works great to trap someone in the­ corner. Don’t block when cornere­d. Instead, step back to face the­m, forcing them to stay trapped where­ you want. This drowns them in your boxing style.

Step 5: Counter

Once you’ve skillfully induced your opponent to commit and miss, seize the moment to counter immediately. Opt for counter-punches over the top, such as an overhand right or high left hook – quick and effective.

A helpful tip: enhance your counter by bending your knees beforehand, presenting a lower target for your opponent. As he attacks, slightly unbend your knees, elevating yourself just enough to counter over the top within the drowning style.

Precision matters more than sheer power in your counter-punch. Disrupt his momentum with accurate shots, reserving powerful blows for instances when you observe him getting sloppy. If you’re in control, consider maintaining a jab fest rather than engaging in a brawl.

If you are the­ dominant fighter, keep throwing quick jabs inste­ad of getting into a slugfest. The trick is to ke­ep countering, not letting your oppone­nt move freely. Focus your e­nergy on fast movement and constant footwork to ove­rwhelm your rival with strikes.

Step 6: Repeat

Following a a success counter regains control by reclaiming his territory. Avoid letting him settle and experience comfort.

Apply pressure, make contact, and supply punches, prompting him to counter. When he does, either open your shield or take a step lower back, putting the stage for but another spherical of effective counter-punching.

Essential Boxing Skills for the Drowning Boxing

Below are the best boxing skills for drowning boxing:

Range Management

Mastering the drowning boxing hinges on a fundamental skill and precise awareness of your opponent’s reach. Shift strategically, ensuring their punches fall just short by an inch.

Stay close to swiftly reenter range for a counter before their guard is ready. Avoid moving too far back, keeping your opponent enticed to punch.

Simultaneously, grasp the exact length of your arm. Use a valuable training tip: when throwing straight punches at the heavy bag, position yourself so punches land within the last 3 inches of your fully extended arm reach.

This approach, shared by an experienced boxer, proved transformative, allowing me to keep opponents at bay, denying them even an inch of advantage within the drowning style.

Engaging in a Tall Stance

Effectively pressuring your opponent involves maximizing your height and reach. Even if you’re not naturally tall, acquire the skill of fighting with a tall stance.

Avoid overly widening your stance or crouching too low; stay prepared to move instead of firmly anchoring your feet to the ground.

Footwork

With the drowning style, victory hinges more on footwork than relentless punching.

Superiorly trained footwork allows you to adeptly pursue your opponent, stepping in and out with precision. Speed is not the key; rather, the ability to move inches at a time proves essential.

Explosive footwork is not a requirement; instead, advance gradually, retreat swiftly, and then resume the forward movement. Recognize that your footwork is paramount, serving as both your offense and defense, particularly when your front arm isn’t consistently providing cover.

Jab

Maintaining distance is crucial, and the jab plays a pivotal role in this. It often delivers both the opening and closing blows. A stellar jab, serving as your longest weapon, becomes essential when fighting from afar.

Prioritize speed and precision over power. Consider leaving your jab arm extended halfway, allowing for an immediate jab if your opponent enters your range, minimizing the need for frequent retractions.

Is the Drowning Boxing Style Advantageous for Tall Boxers?

The drowning style naturally suits taller boxers or those with longer arms, yet it’s not exclusive to them.

Effective implementation relies on exceptional control of distance and range, enabling anyone to drown their opponent. While height or reach advantages simplify staying on the edge-of-range and applying constant pressure, it doesn’t guarantee perfection for everyone.

Being elusive or possessing remarkable punch endurance might make staying inside more appealing for some, even though the drowning style can work exceptionally well for tall boxers.

Boxers who Utilized the Drowning Boxing Style

Below is the list of 10 Boxers who effectively Utilize the drowning style;

Vitali Klitschko

Vitali Klitschko, a towering figure in the boxing world, masterfully employs the drowning boxing style to assert dominance in the ring. Leveraging his height and reach advantage, Klitschko controls distance with precision, keeping opponents at the edge of range. His jab, a formidable tool, acts as both a deterrent and a setup for powerful counters.

Klitschko’s strategic footwork allows him to dictate the pace, inching forward and backward strategically. By consistently pressuring opponents and avoiding unnecessary punches, he capitalizes on the drowning style’s essence – wearing down adversaries through controlled aggression.

Terence Crawford

Terence Crawford, a master of versatility in the ring, seamlessly incorporates the boxing style to dominate his opponents. With exceptional control of distance, Crawford adeptly maneuvers within the edge-of-range, constantly pressuring adversaries.

His strategic use of footwork allows him to inch in and out, showcasing the essence of drowning without relying solely on power.

Crawford’s jab serves as a relentless tool, keeping opponents at bay and setting up precise counters. His ability to open his guard strategically and counter with overhand shots displays a calculated execution of the drowning style.

Despite not being the tallest, Crawford’s proficiency in this technique highlights that success lies not just in physical attributes but in skillful application.

Shakur Stevenson

Shakur Stevenson, with a finesse beyond his years, employs the boxing style with precision.

Despite his youth and lighter weight class, Stevenson showcases exceptional control of distance, relying on speed and accuracy over power.

His elusive footwork and defensive prowess create a frustrating puzzle for opponents, as he adeptly maneuvers in and out, capitalizing on the drowning style’s essence to outmaneuver and outlast adversaries.

Stevenson’s strategic approach, coupled with his technical prowess, positions him as a rising star seamlessly integrating the drowning style into his repertoire.

Kostya Tszyu

Kostya Tszyu, a boxing maestro, masterfully employs the drowning style. With precise control of distance and calculated footwork, Tszyu pressures opponents relentlessly.

His efficient use of the jab and strategic counter-punching showcase the essence of drowning wearing down adversaries without unnecessary exertion.

Tszyu’s ability to stay on the edge of the range, coupled with his technical prowess, solidifies his status as a tactician who seamlessly integrates the boxing style to dominate the ring.

Naoya Inuoe

Naoya Inoue, known for his explosive power in the lower weight classes, adapts the style with finesse.

Despite his smaller stature, Inoue showcases exceptional control of distance, utilizing swift footwork and superior timing.

His ability to pressure opponents, deliver precise jabs, and execute quick counters reflects the essence of drowning and wearing down adversaries strategically.

Inoue’s seamless integration of this style, along with his relentless aggression, positions him as a force in the lighter-weight divisions, showcasing the versatility of the drowning style.

Roy Jones Jr

Roy Jones Jr., a virtuoso in the ring, artfully incorporates the drowning style. His unmatched athleticism and lightning-fast reflexes allow him to control distance effortlessly.

Jones utilizes a combination of unorthodox movement, impeccable timing, and elusive footwork to frustrate opponents.

By staying on the edge-of-range, he adeptly wears down adversaries with minimal effort, showcasing the finesse of the drowning style.

Jones’s ability to seamlessly blend defensive prowess with counter-punching highlights his mastery of this strategic approach, making him a legend in the boxing world.

Oscar De La Hoya

Oscar De La Hoya, a boxing legend, skillfully integrates the drowning style into his repertoire.

With a combination of speed, power, and precise footwork, De La Hoya adeptly controls distance in the ring. His strategic use of the jab and calculated counter-punching exemplify the essence of drowning and wearing down opponents with finesse.

Despite facing various opponents, De La Hoya’s versatile application of the drowning style has solidified his status as one of boxing’s great tacticians, showcasing the effectiveness of this strategic approach throughout his illustrious career.

Pernell Whitaker

Pernell Whitaker, a defensive virtuoso, seamlessly incorporates the drowning style into his craft. Known for his exceptional head movement, elusive footwork, and defensive prowess, Whitaker frustrates opponents by making them miss while staying within striking distance.

His ability to control distance, slip punches, and deliver precise counters showcases the finesse of the drowning style.

Whitaker’s defensive mastery, combined with strategic counter-punching, cements his legacy as one of the all-time greats who effectively utilized the drowning style in the ring.

Muhammed Ali

Muhammad Ali, a boxing icon, brilliantly applied the drowning boxing style with his unique flair. His exceptional footwork, combined with swift lateral movements, allowed him to control distance effectively.

Ali’s infamous “rope-a-dope” tactic, where he would absorb opponents’ punches on the ropes before countering, exemplifies the essence of drowning and exhausting adversaries, and seizing opportunities. His strategic use of the jab and ability to lure opponents into overcommitting showcased the finesse of the drowning style.

Ali’s unparalleled athleticism and tactical brilliance make him a timeless example of how the drowning style can be utilized with remarkable success in the ring.

Thomas Hearns

Thomas Hearns, the “Hitman,” seamlessly incorporated the drowning style with his explosive power. Despite his tall stature, Hearns mastered controlling distance, keeping opponents at bay with his long reach.

His relentless jab, coupled with devastating overhand rights, exemplified the essence of drowning and wearing down opponents with precise yet powerful strikes.

Hearns’ ability to stay on the edge-of-range, coupled with strategic footwork, showcased the versatility of the drowning style. His strategic application of this approach solidifies him as one of the greats who effectively utilized the drowning style in the ring.

Closing Remarks on the Drowning Boxing Style

Employing the drowning strategy has consistently been a favored tactic of mine. It’s a subtle yet assertive approach, exerting pressure on opponents without overt aggression.

This method doesn’t demand an abundance of punches or sheer power. By avoiding hits and maintaining constant pressure, you save energy that would otherwise be spent on blocking and counter-punching.

It’s a delicate dance and always present, yet elusive when they strike. Your opponent’s frustration grows as you seemingly vanish with each attempted counter. The drowning style proves effective both psychologically and physically.

Once you grasp range control, you can advance to the next level of boxing skill and remain in range while utilizing angles for both offense and defense.

However, that’s a discussion for another time. Until then, enjoy mastering the art of drowning your opponents.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Conclusion

In conclusion, this boxing style emerges as a nuanced and effective strategy that transcends physical attributes. Beyond its application for taller boxers, the essence lies in precise control of distance, strategic footwork, and the psychological advantage of elusive yet constant pressure.

As you embark on mastering this art, remember that the boxing style is not just about outlasting opponents physically but also mentally. So, go ahead, delve into the intriguing dance of staying present yet elusive, and enjoy the satisfaction of skillfully drowning your adversaries in the sweet science of boxing.