Aside from the four basic boxing styles which are pressure fighters, out-boxers, brawlers, and Boxer punchers. There are other Sub-Styles in boxing and in this article, we will be exploring sub-styles and categories in boxing.
This voyage will uncover the nuanced intricacies that underscore the essence of this noble art, presenting a vivid portrait of its ever-evolving and diverse dimensions.
Can I Learn a Boxing Style by Myself?
Achieving true mastery in boxing is a journey that can’t be fully undertaken in solitary home training.
Yet, in the digital age, there are online training programs that can certainly assist you in grasping the fundamental principles.
It’s advisable to invest some time in familiarizing yourself with the various boxing styles before committing to a particular one, as your choice should align not only with your physical attributes like natural strength, speed, and reach but also with your personality type.
Each style within boxing is uniquely tailored to specific traits, and understanding these nuances is crucial in determining the most suitable path for your boxing journey.
Sub-Styles and Categories in Boxing
Amid the myriad variations and subcategories in boxing styles, every fighter can ultimately be categorized into one of four primary styles: pressure fighters, out-boxers, brawlers, and boxer-punchers.
These overarching categories help classify and understand a boxer’s predominant approach in the ring.
1. Counterpuncher
The art of counterpunching hinges on a boxer’s ability to exploit the mistakes made by their opponent. It’s a technique that involves patiently waiting for the right moment and then capitalizing on the errors committed by the opposing fighter.
A skilled counterpuncher employs various tactics, such as winning rounds through a well-timed jab or using psychological strategies to goad their adversary into adopting an overly aggressive approach. This aggression can lead to exhaustion and, in turn, create openings for counterattacks.
Counterpunchers are vigilant in seeking opportunities to bait their opponents into recklessness, ultimately making them pay for their missteps.
Notably, counterpunching is not confined to a specific boxing style; it’s more about the mental game of making opponents miss and seize the chance to retaliate effectively.
In essence, counterpunchers occupy the middle ground between offense and defense.
Here’s the List of Counterpunching Boxers:
- Roberto Duran
- Bernard Hopkins
- Canelo Alvarez
- Julio Cesar Chavez Sr.
- Terence Crawford
- Floyd Mayweather Jr.
- Evander Holyfield
- James Toney
- Archie Moore
- Naoya Inoue
- Errol Spence Jr.
- Willie Pep
- Jersey Joe Walcott
- Shakur Stevenson
- Pernell Whitaker
- Juan Manuel Marquez
- Salvador Sanchez
- Charley Burley
- Roy Jones Jr.
- Ezzard Charles
2. Switch-hitter
A switch-hitter in boxing is a versatile fighter who intentionally alternates between adopting a right-handed (orthodox) stance and a left-handed (southpaw) stance during a bout.
To achieve this level of versatility, right-handed boxers undergo training in the left-handed (southpaw) stance, while southpaw fighters practice in the right-handed (orthodox) stance, allowing them to seamlessly switch between the two positions with practice.
However, a genuinely ambidextrous boxer possesses a unique ability to naturally employ the switch-hitter style without requiring extensive training, showcasing a remarkable adaptability in the ring.
This skill can be used strategically to confuse and outmaneuver opponents during a fight.
Here’s a List of Switch-hitting Boxers:
- Tyson Fury
- Naseem Hamed
- Marvelous Marvin Hagler
- Terence Crawford
- Jaron Ennis
3. Peek-a-boo
The Peekaboo Style is a distinctive boxing technique that gained prominence thanks to the legendary Mike Tyson.
This style revolves around a combination of evasive maneuvers and aggressive positioning.
Boxers employing the Peekaboo Style are adept at bobbing and weaving, which means they smoothly sway their upper bodies from side to side to avoid their opponent’s punches while simultaneously closing the distance between them.
This technique is particularly effective for generating potent inside punches.
By getting in close and staying within their opponent’s striking range, Peekaboo stylists aim to deliver powerful blows to the body and head.
It’s a high-pressure approach that demands exceptional agility and timing, as well as a strong commitment to offensive tactics, making it one of the more intriguing and aggressive styles in the world of boxing.
Here’s a List of Peek-a-Boo Boxers:
- Mike Tyson
- Joe Hadley
- Floyd Patterson
- Leon Spinks
- José Torres
4. Southpaw
A southpaw boxer employs a unique left-handed fighting stance in contrast to the orthodox fighter who favors a right-handed approach.
This distinct positioning has several key implications in the ring.
For orthodox fighters, their lead hand for jabs and the initial punch is the left, while for southpaw fighters, it’s the right.
Similarly, orthodox boxers tend to throw hooks more powerfully with their left hand and execute crosses more effectively with their right.
Southpaw fighters, conversely, rely on their right hand for hooks and their left for crosses.
Interestingly, some fighters who are naturally right-handed, like the notable examples of Marvin Hagler and Michael Moorer, have made the strategic choice to switch to a southpaw stance at times during their careers.
They do this to introduce an element of surprise and strategic advantage when facing opponents. This shift can confound their adversaries and capitalize on the unfamiliarity with a southpaw style, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in the ring.
Here is a List of Well Know Southpaw Boxers:
- Manny Pacquiao
- Pernell Whitaker
- Errol Spence Jr.
- Vasiliy Lomachenko
- Marvelous Marvin Hagler
- Oleksandr Usyk
- Hector Camacho
- Tiger Flowers
- Zab Judah
- Sergio Martinez
- Gervonta Davis
- Joe Calzaghe
- Shakur Stevenson
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Weight Categories are there in Boxing?
The landscape of professional boxing has witnessed the expansion of weight divisions, resulting in the recognition of a comprehensive total of 17 weight classes. These divisions and their current designations were officially standardized and established by the major boxing governing bodies in the year 2015.
This development aimed to bring greater clarity and uniformity to the sport by categorizing boxers more precisely based on their weight, ensuring equitable competition, and promoting fairness within the diverse realm of professional boxing.
What Kind of Boxing Style does Canelo Alvarez Use?
Canelo employs a pressure-fighting style where he methodically advances with a strong defense. He keeps moving forward, steadily building pressure to unsettle his opponents. At times, he quickens the pace to surprise and create opportunities when his rivals least expect it.
What is the Cuban Boxing Style?
In Cuban boxing, the focus is on counterattacks rather than going on the offensive. This style instructs boxers to utilize footwork to position themselves for effective counters. They also employ a “pawing jab” to gauge distance and disrupt their opponent’s vision, a key component of the Cuban approach.
Why was Cuba Banned from Boxing?
In 1962, Cuba effectively prohibited professional boxing within its borders. This decision was primarily influenced by the country’s then-leader, Fidel Castro, who viewed the sport as not only morally corrupt but also as something that had a corrupting influence on society.
The authorities in Cuba, under Castro’s regime, further justified this ban by expressing concerns about the inherent dangers and risks associated with professional boxing, deeming it too perilous and unsafe for Cuban citizens to engage in or witness.
As a result, this stringent measure essentially eradicated professional boxing as an officially recognized sport in Cuba for several decades.
What was Muhammad Ali’s Fighting Style Called?
Frequently employing this footwork with remarkable speed, he popularized a move known as the “Ali Shuffle.” At its core, the Ali Shuffle essentially harnessed Ali’s exceptional footwork skills, granting him an unparalleled ability to dodge opponents’ attacks, leading to widespread confusion and uncertainty among those who faced him in the ring.
Conclusion
The sub-styles and categories add layers of intrigue to the sweet science. From the elusive counterpuncher to the relentless pressure fighter, each style reveals a unique facet of pugilism. As fighters dance between these lines, they shape the sport’s legacy with every jab and hook.
It’s this fusion of skill and strategy that keeps us hooked, a testament to the enduring allure of the noble art.