I believe it's a trap to "invite" him to throw punches, if he likes what he sees, he begins his combinations of counter punching. Mayweather walks you down and want you tired.
Another great example is Dimitry Bivol. He's so agile and well balanced despite being in a high guard, a stance that people say is "static." His ability to pressure fighters with his high guard and incorporate evasive footwork with it to be indestructible is fascinated.
Excellent video again, I see an immediate improvement in my sparring. My centre of gravity was too high and was easily losing balance. Thank you for the valuable content
Glad to hear it helped. I make this video looking to make it easy to apply the concepts in training. So I am glad that you were able to do the transition.🔥
@@Better_Boxing yeah I try to copy and pace with canelo I kinda mix a little peekaboo style In with my guard to but it’s very rare I do but my opponent really never see it coming
Glad to hear it was helpful. An extra consideration as a taller fighter is to lower your base a bit more and match your oponent's shoulder height if possible. Either by hinging a bit more or widening the base a bit more. This will get you defend punches in a straight line instead of from below. It will make it easier to protect the body too. Just something to consider
@@Better_Boxing just finished a training session and saw SIGNIFICANT improvement in my defense. It always felt like I had tunnel vision from having my hands too close and punches would slip through from me being too close to use it properly but it feels entirely diffent now. Felt like I could see straight punches coming from a mile away and parry easily, even tried lowering myself like you said and it work a treat. Much appreciation for your good advice 🙏
Amaaazing!! This completely changed my perception. Thank you very much. Especially the part where you talk about the centre of gravity, helped me to feel more comfortable with my stance.
something really useful its watching other arts guards, and mix them all, this lead to very intersting things, there are movements that you wouldnt imagine could be done, and work
Pulling back on the high guard was the key I missed. Since I've started doing that, it's made a huge change. Not only because it strengthens the guard up high, but also because it forces your elbows inwards. I am rather overweight and my elbows flare out if I keep my guard loose, it's very uncomfortable to hold my arms in front of my body in a relaxed posture. Pulling back tightens through my back and core and automatically brings in my arms, making it catch so many more punches. Thanks for this huge breakthrough.
Ive had a concussion that made me reconsider my ways. A simple high guard in the past was fine, i didnt care about the power that went past my guard into my brain coz i was young and stupid. Now, having to take care of my brain i have to learn how to use it without taking any damage almost. VERY difficult. Maybe the most difficult thing i did striking wise so far in my 13 years of training abd competitions
Thank you for sharing this. Is crazy how it is romanticized to take damage. At the end we all made of flesh and we must take care of ourselves. These sports are so rough as they are even with proper safety. Hope that you are fully recovered, and that you find success in your training journey.🔥🔥
amazing video sir!! thank you so much for this🔥 insanely underrated content as always ! thanks for giving us great advice and anaylsis on how to make our high guard more effective 💯💯💯
I am not an expert on Winky Wright but I doubt my video and him have the same approach. I am advising for a long range, nuanced and loose approach to the high guard. Winky Wright seems static and forces his way in to the midrange. Just saying this because the stuff covered on my video works best in long range. We must work our way in to the midrange to reduce damage.
Beautiful insights! Can you talk more about midrange and the best guard/strategy for fighting in there? As a shorter fighter, i was taught to muscle through with head movement/timing and double jab to get to the inside. But it would be nice to know if i can rely on my defense!
You definitively can rely on your defence more. Muscling through things is in my opinion a rough way to approach things. First, you want to keep your exchanges in the midrange short. There is no way to do a full fight in midrange and not get hit. It is messy. It is the source of many “split decisions” in the amateurs and short careers too. Check Boots vs Avanesian highlights. Boots won, but got chin checked a lot. As I mentioned in my video, once in the midrange, there are more openings you have to close, more punches coming your way and less time to react and defend. This is why all respectable short fighters work their way in, land their shots, and leave. This framework is simply the best. Second, how you get in the midrange? The first step is to be outside of their punching range, then you work your way in. I have some videos on this topic. First, check out “3 tips for shorter fighters”. Then check my 2 longer videos on Inoue. “Outbox taller fighters” “how to counter punch taller fighters”. Hope all this helps. Remember that all the best fighters fight on their terms, forcing things, muscling things up only works until you are not the stronger guy. But you can always outsmart them. The videos I recommended should give you an idea of where to start with this.
@@Better_Boxing I am now a huge fan! Thank you so much for the in-depth explanation, I honestly wasn’t expecting a response!! Been watching a lot of Roberto Duran, Tank and Mike Tyson, Qawi and James Green but it’s even better to hear an in-depth explanation will go ahead and watch the videos!! Thank you!! Looking forward to more!
when using a high guard, or any guard, the most important thing to manage is distance. if you are within range, you need to have earned that space. with punches. if you didnt earn the space, you are vulnerable there. every inch, every step is earned in the ring.
Excellent video. Only comment I’d make is that I’m surprised you didnt feature Bivol, he literally has the statistically best defense in boxing and uses the high guard.
Great question, Even though Bivol's defence is one of the best, I would say his High Guard is the weakest aspect of his defence. He just tightens and takes the shots. For the most part. I wanted to share a more nuanced, and versatile approach to the high guard. Is I said in the video, can go way beyond taking shots.
You should do a video on training vs execution. Cus if we go by training i like many look like world class fighters. But when its time to apply what i can do, more often than not i fall a bit short. I dont spar nearly as much as i should for sure. But getting good experience, good work. Its lowkey difficult
Thanks for your comment. Information like that is coming down the pipeline. I agree that in boxing there is a huge disconnection between training methods and application. That being said, this information when understood, already make the changes in training that will eventually show in sparring. I find that information is what most people miss.
It is true. I haven't analyzed him in depth enough to say how it works. But his guard relies more on his strength. He bulldozes through shots in a way. Is a more physically dependent guard. I like Canelo's because his strength is not a factor to make it work. Deflecting shots requires positioning and timing. Things we all can learn. I also tend to not recommend blocks that require strength because, it hurts. Been there and done that. If you are weaker than your opponent you are in for a rough time. You can't always control being the strongest. But you can be the more skilled with proper deflection of shots. Blocking shots as a shield has its value. Is just something I would not recommend/ teach through a a youtube video. Hope this makes sense.
People have asked for Bivol's defence a lot. But personally I think his guard didn't shine against Canelo. It was more passive in my opinion. Other fights show it better. But I agree that Bivol's guard is really good.
Interesting to point out is that potentially the shorter you are, the more useful this guard is. Your center of gravity is naturally lower and you're more balanced, and it's just awkward trying to hit a short fighter in the high guard that knows how to move, parry, roll with the force of the punches, etc. punches just ding off the guard of shorter guys because of their center of gravity
Great observation, A tall guy just asked if it was a good fit for him and I gave him similar observations. What I would say is: In general having a high center of gravity in comparison to your opponent makes it harder to defend the punches at range. That is blocking, slipping, rolling etc. punches coming from below. This happens on almost any stance. With the high guard your hands have to travel extra going down. And is a bit awkward as you say. My take has always been to tell taller fighters to lower themselves and match their shoulder height with their opponents. Usually this is posible and the "disadvantages" are neutralized while we still keep the arm length advantage.
@@2gunzup07 the oposite. He is not physically strong enough, but he has not learn how to out smart people who are way stronger than him. Like, every guy he fought before canelo was fine. He was out smarting them and he was at least at the same level athletically. Then with canelo he fought a guy who I believe was about as smart as him but was way stronger. And then benavidez was even stronger. I feel like he had no build up for this. He is one of my favourites though.
@@Better_Boxing Mayweather is weak physically but one of if not the goat strength don't win fights I think caleb can't take a punch if you can't take a hit no matter how smart or fast amir khan you'll get beat
@@Better_Boxing you have good insight ok how about this one mike tyson lost all his biggest fights and to me is the most overrated heavyweight ever he has short with no reach bad stamina I think even if he never went to jail he wasn't beating holifield and Lewis or prime bowe people just love kos tyson biggest hype job ever give me your take
@Better_Boxing Hello, just wanted to ask if you would do a great favor to novice and intermediate boxers by creating a series of videos breaking down boxing fundamentals like this to learn from when someone first starts boxing Day 1 to when they are preparing for their first spar and maybe later on to when they’re preparing for their first fight. You have amazing IQ/insight into the sweet science of boxing. Im sure im not the only one, but i have to practice at home right now and with my buddies in a homemade garage gym because boxing gyms are way too expensive in Los Angeles right now, and these videos are a massive advantage when learning the science.
Thanks for your request. I am working on a project of that nature but I find that it will take a minute to make it concise and practical as this video. More than mechanical techniques, it will cover the techniques in context. Meaning: What the technique does, why we use it that way and how to use it. I find that once we know these answers the mechanical technique is easier to follow. Let me know if this is something that you are interested in.
Shout out to wide bases 😂 Ppl don’t talk about triangles enough. Something important you didn’t mention here was how much the direction, the line of the triangle relative to opp matters. Even with a wide base, someone can u push over your heels if they position themselves perpendicular to your base. In some cases Mathias’ base was wide enough but because Paro was taking angles, he still able to bully him. Btw, regarding the base, do you promote quite straight legs/slight bend of the knee or considerably bent knees?
That is true, how squared I am also plays a part. And yes, if they square you up, no stance will help to be honest. The video is mostly focused on why the high guard would fail. In this case, is a fail on the protection of the center line and positioning. Was worth the mention for sure though. For wideness and knee bent depends on the athlete. Your center of gravity is grounded and stronger when it is at the level or lower than your opponent's. I personally bent my knees and hinged a bit more with shorter people and teach this to my athletes with good success. I have seen short athletes (like usyk vs fury) where a more modest hinge worked just fine. Since he was already low and stable in comparison to fury. The bare minimum is to be low enough to feel stable. As I mentioned in the video. The best scenario is to be at the level or lower than your opponent without sacrificing stability and mobility. If you have to choose always go for stability and mobility (this is point 2 in the video) Hope all this makes sense
To be honest, I don't like that lean back. Leaning back like that is to court disaster. Because, he is on the same spot exposing his torso and chin. He gets away with it, the same way I would get away with it with my little brother. Hope that makes sense. Now the mechanics themselves is: he leans in, so munguia aims close. He leans back and munguia falls short. But again, that lean is dangerous. I teach it by using the feet. Like Bivol. Is safer.
Hi, so if we fight at the short distance, high guard not effectrive? What u recommended if i fight in the short range for defence? Coz head movement it difficult for short range
This is a great question. What I was saying is that, it is harder to close openings in midrange. That is for every stance. All of them have openings. I just explained where the openings were placed on the high guard. Now, what I recommend? As I mentioned in the video, work your way in to the mid range. 1-Create or find openings. 2- Step in and Land your shots 3- Leave as soon as you can. This is the basic template for most fighters.
Hello, thanks for the question. Usually people go for a feel that you get through experience. I go for that and a formula. Your opponent's punching range= their arms length+ how deep they step+ their speed + your own speed. This means, that you should at least be outside their arms length. But if they are quick and step deep with their punches then you should be even further back. And if on top of that you are pretty slow, then you stand even further back. We are talking of adding inches to the distance. An example can be seen in Canelo compared on how he fought Kovalev and Saunders. Kovalev is slower so canelo stayed just outside of his arms lenght. Because that was kovalev's punching range. With saunders he stayed easily 1foot away added to the arms length. Because Saunders lunges in and is quick. Hope all this helps
even before watching the video , ican say that canelo doesnt block shots , hhe catches parries sometimes even slight pulls back which takes the heat off those punches
Great observation, That is why the video cover the high guard not blocking. I cover the stance and how to make it work. I explain how to block and also how to go beyond that.
Good question, In the video I talk about the midrange in 2 occasions : 1- When I talk about not rushing your way in the midrange. I recommended to work your way in the midrange. You can do this by dodging a punch as you step in, otherwise by using a set up. 2- I talk about the midrange to explain that in this range, more punches are available for our opponent. And this means, that is harder for our guard (or any stance) to cover all openings. So, what I recommend in the midrange is. Find your way in, land your shots, and leave. Whatever defence you feel comfortable with and works is fine. If you over stay in the midrange, no defence or stance would be good enough. This pattern is seen in all the great fighters. They punch and leave, or punch and smother. They don't punch and stay there. Hope all this makes sense.
I am just watching winky wright for the first time. I think his stance is more stable than matias. Not as compact as canelo's but he is absorbing the shots well. Seems to me that he takes a lot of unnecessary damage. He is really strong, and that allows him to operate with the high guard taking shots like that. But I wouldn't recommend people to immitate that. My approach to coaching is to recommend the techniques with least resistance and impact. Only working on engaging when is truly necessary.
Yes he did. I was actually rooting for him. Was eye opening to see the difference between his combinations and his guard compared to canelo. And then the strength difference. I think it mostly came down to that. Canelo was physically stronger.
Actually this video is very informative however Jamie had a amazing high guard the only difference is that Canelo would parry punches with his high guard and Jamie did not! That’s why canelo barely gets hit with his high guard vs jamie! I wish you would have added this information it would clear all misconception
Exaclty, it is the position of the body/guard. The main reason why I defined it is to make a point that, just because yoou have a high guard does not mean you must take shots on the guard. You can, but not necesarily. I want people to know they have their options open.
Great question. I said I like teaching the High Guard in Long range. To get their feet wet without many exchanges. The High Guard is a tool, so it can be used anywhere it does it work. That is: Allow you to see Lets you punch and move Covers immediate openings Having this in mind, you can use the high guard in the midrange but would not be the same one as you use in the long range. You will be lower, and compact. You will be ready to block (if that is what you want to do) or roll. Ready to shot and leave. What I am saying is: Any guard works if it gets the job done. How you know it gets the job done? It does the 3 points I explain in the video. What ever you can adjust to achieve this, will work. Hope all this makes sense.
That is true. We think footwork is a lot of movement. But just needs to move you where you need to be to punch or make them miss. Sometimes that requires small steps.
Yes, but, at the right distance you can see them coming, react and defend. The demos with Canelo showed that, because he keeps adjusting distance and moving, he can see Munguia's set ups and punches coming. If he just stands still, then yes, hooks and many other punches are an issue. Going back to point 3. Blocking Immediate openings- hooks are not a concern because I would need to set them up before I can throw it. It would take 2 steps to throw it. A straight would take 1, so is an immediate opening to handle. A thought process is, why a single hook without a set up thrown by me would not land on Canelo, Bivol, Usyk? I believe their first move would be to pull. But they can only pull if they see it coming. And they will see it coming in long range. Now with a set up, then yes my chances increase. Hope this all makes sense.
In summary, what I am trying to say is that, if you are worried about hooks, you are not in long range. You are in midrange. The punching range is the arms length and the distance you can cover punching. I may be taller than Pacquiao, but I am sure the only distance I would be somewhat safe is about 1foot away of the end of his punch. Just because he steps in deep and quick. I am truly at long range when I can see him coming.
Anybody who has tried to go toe to toe with canelo always gets the bad end of the stick. Why do you think Mayweather and Bivol didn’t try to engage and trade with canelo they were smart enough to box rather than go punch for punch not to mention both of them are extremely defensive
That is an interesting take. And even though is true these guys did dodged a lot of shots, they also traded with canelo. And stood their ground at times.(more than you may remember if rewatch) Bivol started to catch and shoot in the second half of the fight. he was too big and was able to take the heat. He also threw up to 8-9 punch combos. I would call this going toe to toe. And mayweather stood his ground against canelo even working him on the ropes at some times. He exchanged shots aswell. He also catch and shoot and worked sneakily in the pocket. Mayweather was just way to proactive and crafty and stayed 1 step ahead of caneo in their exchanges. GGG stood his ground too, and took "minimal" damage compared to most. Munguia was just weaker and has less skills than canelo, that is why he got the short end of the stick. He would do things like taking turns with canelo. And let him punch back at him in the mid range. Most of his damage happened in moments like these.
Problem with the high guard is it tires your arms because gravity is pulling it down and punching, movement feels awkward. In Western boxing high guard is the last resort like if your getting your ass beat . Long guard and phillyshell is better
Under your explanation the Long Guards will tire your arms and worse. Since the arm is stretched the leverage of gravity on your shoulders is "heavier". That being said, there is no better and worse tools. There is what you want to accomplish, and what tool is correct for the job. All techniques have their time and place. If the high guard tires you out and affects the path of your punches it comes down to practice. And training with your arms in these positions. Hope this makes sense.
That is a distance issue I have seen many people eating hooks trying yo control the jab. And people being controlled. The issue is not the tool. Is context, positioning. We go back to finding the right tool for the job. Blaming the high guard is like blaming a screwdriver. Just a tool. We have to know how to use it.
I like to use the high guard when pressuring the opponent while leaning forward so that I block my body as well while entering their striking range. I don't have fast reflexes, so what offensive stance should I practice transitioning into when attacking from the high guard?
I notice Canelo often drops his hands from the high guard to head slip and counter when attacking, but I don't have fast reflexes. Do you think I should attack from the high guard or switch to the traditional guard when attacking?
You can attack from the high guard. But if you have problems reacting, keep your space. Until you get their timing. If you watch Canelo vs Munguia. Canelo started outside of Munguia's punching range to be able to see him coming. As he got the timing he got closer. This means, it is fine if you can't see punches coming. Just get more space so you don't give away easy points. Keep your space at a distance where you can see them coming. Then you punch. Canelo punches off parries. To knock the punch out of the way. But you can do slip jabs as GGG did. To go around the punch. What you choose will come down to how you practice punching and defending of the high guard. These 2 videos below can help you get a better grasp of these ideas For more offensive tips. Check my video on "Bivol's Long Combinations" But if you are more concerned about the defence and counter check the one on How to counter "Taller Fighters with Inoue" Hope all this helps
I’m sorry what have you won in the sport of boxing and what have you accomplished to say the high guard is trash or even give tips on boxing period. The high guard is fundamental to eastern euro boxing loma, usyk, Bivol, and beterbiev use the high guard. Who are you to say the stance that every boxer is taught the first day they walk into the gym is trash.
I am sorry, Did you even watch the video? Or even read the title correctly? The whole video is on how to improve the high guard. I personally enjoy using the high guard. And never called anyone's high guard "Trash". Just did a comparison on 2 fighters who use it. If what I say on the video is not sound advice I am happy to address your questions. But watch it first 😘
this is gold, today in sparring i did good cause of this. I'm goin to master it
Thanks for sharing this. I am happy to hear that you where able to apply these concepts successfully 🔥🔥
Keep it up!
You taught me things that would taken anyone else decades to learn thinks for sharing the knowledge
I happy to hear this. Is the whole point of the channel to bring useful stuff to people🔥
This is a thorough breakdown.. Floyd used the high guard stance with clear vision against Canelo for some strong counters
Nice observation. Many of the best fighters use the high guard to create different looks.
I believe it's a trap to "invite" him to throw punches, if he likes what he sees, he begins his combinations of counter punching. Mayweather walks you down and want you tired.
That triangle tip is gold, and not just for high guard. I'll def be working on it
Definitively. The triangle is for almost every scenario and stance.
And another no brainer to adopt for sure.💪
Your fight sequence breakdowns are the best on youtube. For this reason I love this channel.
Thank you, I appreciate the comment🔥
The deep knowledge you have and how easily you transmit it is impressive.
Thank you for noticing💪
Bro this channel is one of the few that has some good advice and observations. Please never decrease the quality of your vids.
Will do haha
Thanks for the comment 🔥
Thank you I have been practicing using my high guard as my stance this helps.
I am happy to hear it was helpful. Remember start using it at long range. Specially at the beginning for better results.
Another great example is Dimitry Bivol. He's so agile and well balanced despite being in a high guard, a stance that people say is "static." His ability to pressure fighters with his high guard and incorporate evasive footwork with it to be indestructible is fascinated.
Nice take.
A lot of soviet style fighters use the high guard and are move great.
Excellent video again, I see an immediate improvement in my sparring. My centre of gravity was too high and was easily losing balance. Thank you for the valuable content
Glad to hear it helped.
I make this video looking to make it easy to apply the concepts in training. So I am glad that you were able to do the transition.🔥
Really appreciate your extremely logical and helpful videos. As another commenter already said, this is gold
Thank you. I appreciate your comment and I am happy to hear that the videos are helpful. At the end is the point of the channel 🔥
I feel like high guard is the best just don’t forget you can’t block and Perry every punch you have to roll and dodge to it works for me
Exactly, not one move will defend all the shots. A good guard should allow us to do any move we want.
Similar to canelo mixing parries, pulls, etc
@@Better_Boxing yeah I try to copy and pace with canelo I kinda mix a little peekaboo style In with my guard to but it’s very rare I do but my opponent really never see it coming
I struggle with high guard, especially as a taller fighter i think this will be extremely valuable and was eye opening to understand why. Well done ❤
Glad to hear it was helpful.
An extra consideration as a taller fighter is to lower your base a bit more and match your oponent's shoulder height if possible. Either by hinging a bit more or widening the base a bit more.
This will get you defend punches in a straight line instead of from below.
It will make it easier to protect the body too.
Just something to consider
@@Better_Boxing just finished a training session and saw SIGNIFICANT improvement in my defense. It always felt like I had tunnel vision from having my hands too close and punches would slip through from me being too close to use it properly but it feels entirely diffent now. Felt like I could see straight punches coming from a mile away and parry easily, even tried lowering myself like you said and it work a treat. Much appreciation for your good advice 🙏
this is great for fans as well as boxers
Great information. You taught these concepts brilliantly.
Thank you. I am glad it was helpful💪
I used the knowledge of this video today at the gym (Mex). I JUST WANNA SAY: THANK YOU!!
Glad to hear it was helpful and the video was clear enough to help you apply the concepts.
Thanks for your thrust and keep it up🔥
This is one of your best
Thank you
Amaaazing!! This completely changed my perception. Thank you very much. Especially the part where you talk about the centre of gravity, helped me to feel more comfortable with my stance.
Glad to hear it helpful.
Its crazy how a little detail makes a huge difference
your breakdown using the triangle is simple but brilliant! great channel and very good audio quality!
Thanks for noticing.
Glad the triangle made sense🔥🔥
Great video mate👍🏻
Thank you💪
something really useful its watching other arts guards, and mix them all, this lead to very intersting things, there are movements that you wouldnt imagine could be done, and work
Nice take, I agree, there is no “one stance does it all”.
Bro i love this channel, super underrated. This has been the most helpful video by far for me.
Thank you!!!
Thanks man,
Happy to hear it was helpful🔥
Amazing info. Triangle description, thank you I am training!
Glad you liked it🔥
Pulling back on the high guard was the key I missed. Since I've started doing that, it's made a huge change. Not only because it strengthens the guard up high, but also because it forces your elbows inwards. I am rather overweight and my elbows flare out if I keep my guard loose, it's very uncomfortable to hold my arms in front of my body in a relaxed posture. Pulling back tightens through my back and core and automatically brings in my arms, making it catch so many more punches. Thanks for this huge breakthrough.
Your welcome, glad to hear the video was helpful 🔥
Thank you sir. Gonna implement this in my high guard
Glad it was helpful🔥
Wow I learned so much!! Gracia papi!!! Good brain my friend 😊
Thank you🔥 glad to hear it was helpful
coach is out here dropping facts
Thanks 🙏
this feels like a game changer
Glad it was helpful
great video, Bivol used the high guard very well against Beterbiev.
Yeah,
Crazy how well he blocked most of those punches. And even crazier that he is still marked his face.
Fantastic content!
🙏 thank you
This is a brilliant video brother thank you for the explanation
Thank. Glad it was helpful
Excellent content 👍🏾 Please keep producing these videos
Will do
Wow, this video is amazing. I need more advanced boxing tips videos that go deep into details like this one. Subscribed!
Thank you for your comment and subscribing. I am glad the video is helpful 🔥
Great video. More of this please
Will do🔥
Ive had a concussion that made me reconsider my ways. A simple high guard in the past was fine, i didnt care about the power that went past my guard into my brain coz i was young and stupid.
Now, having to take care of my brain i have to learn how to use it without taking any damage almost. VERY difficult. Maybe the most difficult thing i did striking wise so far in my 13 years of training abd competitions
Thank you for sharing this.
Is crazy how it is romanticized to take damage. At the end we all made of flesh and we must take care of ourselves.
These sports are so rough as they are even with proper safety.
Hope that you are fully recovered, and that you find success in your training journey.🔥🔥
amazing thanks so much G! 💯
Your welcome🙏
amazing video sir!! thank you so much for this🔥 insanely underrated content as always ! thanks for giving us great advice and anaylsis on how to make our high guard more effective 💯💯💯
My pleasure. I am happy that is helpful🥊
I'm gonna go to the gym and watch this and some Winky Wright footage on the treadmill before trying this out in sparring.
I am not an expert on Winky Wright but I doubt my video and him have the same approach.
I am advising for a long range, nuanced and loose approach to the high guard.
Winky Wright seems static and forces his way in to the midrange.
Just saying this because the stuff covered on my video works best in long range. We must work our way in to the midrange to reduce damage.
great stuff mate
Thank you 🥊
Beautiful insights! Can you talk more about midrange and the best guard/strategy for fighting in there? As a shorter fighter, i was taught to muscle through with head movement/timing and double jab to get to the inside. But it would be nice to know if i can rely on my defense!
You definitively can rely on your defence more. Muscling through things is in my opinion a rough way to approach things.
First, you want to keep your exchanges in the midrange short. There is no way to do a full fight in midrange and not get hit. It is messy. It is the source of many “split decisions” in the amateurs and short careers too. Check Boots vs Avanesian highlights. Boots won, but got chin checked a lot. As I mentioned in my video, once in the midrange, there are more openings you have to close, more punches coming your way and less time to react and defend. This is why all respectable short fighters work their way in, land their shots, and leave. This framework is simply the best.
Second, how you get in the midrange? The first step is to be outside of their punching range, then you work your way in. I have some videos on this topic. First, check out “3 tips for shorter fighters”. Then check my 2 longer videos on Inoue. “Outbox taller fighters” “how to counter punch taller fighters”.
Hope all this helps. Remember that all the best fighters fight on their terms, forcing things, muscling things up only works until you are not the stronger guy. But you can always outsmart them. The videos I recommended should give you an idea of where to start with this.
@@Better_Boxing I am now a huge fan! Thank you so much for the in-depth explanation, I honestly wasn’t expecting a response!! Been watching a lot of Roberto Duran, Tank and Mike Tyson, Qawi and James Green but it’s even better to hear an in-depth explanation will go ahead and watch the videos!! Thank you!! Looking forward to more!
@@MarkReyesCayabyabglad it helped. And yes stay tuned for more
when using a high guard, or any guard, the most important thing to manage is distance. if you are within range, you need to have earned that space. with punches. if you didnt earn the space, you are vulnerable there. every inch, every step is earned in the ring.
Nice way to put it🔥
You sound a lot like BDA boxing 🥊 Good video
Thanks 🙏
Excellent video. Only comment I’d make is that I’m surprised you didnt feature Bivol, he literally has the statistically best defense in boxing and uses the high guard.
Yup
Great question,
Even though Bivol's defence is one of the best, I would say his High Guard is the weakest aspect of his defence.
He just tightens and takes the shots. For the most part.
I wanted to share a more nuanced, and versatile approach to the high guard.
Is I said in the video, can go way beyond taking shots.
It's for Footwork the rasson for the good defender of Bivol
@@pedromendozaaristegui5974 he combines the two
No he doesn’t NOT have the best defense in boxing, Shakur Stevenson gets hit less than ANYONE in the sport and at a lower % than anyone in the sport
Winky Wright had a pretty stiff guard. Great video btw
Awesome video and production. Thank you.
thank you
Naoya inoue is also another good example of the high gaurd
True, he also uses the high guard
You should do a video on training vs execution. Cus if we go by training i like many look like world class fighters. But when its time to apply what i can do, more often than not i fall a bit short. I dont spar nearly as much as i should for sure. But getting good experience, good work. Its lowkey difficult
Thanks for your comment.
Information like that is coming down the pipeline.
I agree that in boxing there is a huge disconnection between training methods and application.
That being said, this information when understood, already make the changes in training that will eventually show in sparring.
I find that information is what most people miss.
Great videos please keep the quality up and keep posting your videos helped me a lot
Glad to hear they are helpful💪
thank you happy to learn .
You are welcome!🙏
Super buen video, gracias!
Que bueno que te gusto 🔥
Amazing video
Thanks!
wish i saw this before my fight
Thanks,
Hope that the video still helps you to prepare for your next fight
Can you then explain how isaac cruz's high guard works? Cause his high guard is almost the exact opposite of what you said in the video
It is true.
I haven't analyzed him in depth enough to say how it works.
But his guard relies more on his strength. He bulldozes through shots in a way. Is a more physically dependent guard.
I like Canelo's because his strength is not a factor to make it work. Deflecting shots requires positioning and timing. Things we all can learn.
I also tend to not recommend blocks that require strength because, it hurts. Been there and done that. If you are weaker than your opponent you are in for a rough time.
You can't always control being the strongest. But you can be the more skilled with proper deflection of shots.
Blocking shots as a shield has its value. Is just something I would not recommend/ teach through a a youtube video.
Hope this makes sense.
@@Better_Boxing okay thank you
Can you make a defence technique breakdown on Bivol`s tight guard vs Canelo???
People have asked for Bivol's defence a lot. But personally I think his guard didn't shine against Canelo. It was more passive in my opinion. Other fights show it better.
But I agree that Bivol's guard is really good.
Need to master the High guard im so scared to take punches using high guard cause my it makes my brain shakes so bad .
Haha yep, catching punches flush hurts.
This is why deflecting is a better plan A. Only blocking the full force as a plan B.
Interesting to point out is that potentially the shorter you are, the more useful this guard is. Your center of gravity is naturally lower and you're more balanced, and it's just awkward trying to hit a short fighter in the high guard that knows how to move, parry, roll with the force of the punches, etc. punches just ding off the guard of shorter guys because of their center of gravity
Great observation,
A tall guy just asked if it was a good fit for him and I gave him similar observations.
What I would say is:
In general having a high center of gravity in comparison to your opponent makes it harder to defend the punches at range. That is blocking, slipping, rolling etc. punches coming from below. This happens on almost any stance.
With the high guard your hands have to travel extra going down. And is a bit awkward as you say.
My take has always been to tell taller fighters to lower themselves and match their shoulder height with their opponents. Usually this is posible and the "disadvantages" are neutralized while we still keep the arm length advantage.
@@Better_Boxing Thank you for your comment! I agree.
Good work here thank you
Thank you, I am goad it was helpful
Call me crazy but Mungia would benefit from an American style of fighting than the more squared up high guard Mexican style
Probably yes.
His main problem is that he has been relying on being bigger and stronger. So he has no tools for people that he can't bully
@Better_Boxing ...hmm you have strong point he's young I think he can change or learn tho. What do you think is caleb plants problems
@@2gunzup07 the oposite. He is not physically strong enough, but he has not learn how to out smart people who are way stronger than him.
Like, every guy he fought before canelo was fine. He was out smarting them and he was at least at the same level athletically. Then with canelo he fought a guy who I believe was about as smart as him but was way stronger.
And then benavidez was even stronger.
I feel like he had no build up for this.
He is one of my favourites though.
@@Better_Boxing Mayweather is weak physically but one of if not the goat strength don't win fights I think caleb can't take a punch if you can't take a hit no matter how smart or fast amir khan you'll get beat
@@Better_Boxing you have good insight ok how about this one mike tyson lost all his biggest fights and to me is the most overrated heavyweight ever he has short with no reach bad stamina I think even if he never went to jail he wasn't beating holifield and Lewis or prime bowe people just love kos tyson biggest hype job ever give me your take
@Better_Boxing Hello, just wanted to ask if you would do a great favor to novice and intermediate boxers by creating a series of videos breaking down boxing fundamentals like this to learn from when someone first starts boxing Day 1 to when they are preparing for their first spar and maybe later on to when they’re preparing for their first fight. You have amazing IQ/insight into the sweet science of boxing. Im sure im not the only one, but i have to practice at home right now and with my buddies in a homemade garage gym because boxing gyms are way too expensive in Los Angeles right now, and these videos are a massive advantage when learning the science.
Thanks for your request.
I am working on a project of that nature but I find that it will take a minute to make it concise and practical as this video.
More than mechanical techniques, it will cover the techniques in context. Meaning:
What the technique does, why we use it that way and how to use it.
I find that once we know these answers the mechanical technique is easier to follow.
Let me know if this is something that you are interested in.
@@Better_Boxing Yes sounds awesome! Looking forward to viewing more of your videos in the future!
Shout out to wide bases 😂 Ppl don’t talk about triangles enough.
Something important you didn’t mention here was how much the direction, the line of the triangle relative to opp matters. Even with a wide base, someone can u push over your heels if they position themselves perpendicular to your base.
In some cases Mathias’ base was wide enough but because Paro was taking angles, he still able to bully him.
Btw, regarding the base, do you promote quite straight legs/slight bend of the knee or considerably bent knees?
That is true, how squared I am also plays a part.
And yes, if they square you up, no stance will help to be honest.
The video is mostly focused on why the high guard would fail. In this case, is a fail on the protection of the center line and positioning.
Was worth the mention for sure though.
For wideness and knee bent depends on the athlete.
Your center of gravity is grounded and stronger when it is at the level or lower than your opponent's.
I personally bent my knees and hinged a bit more with shorter people and teach this to my athletes with good success.
I have seen short athletes (like usyk vs fury) where a more modest hinge worked just fine. Since he was already low and stable in comparison to fury.
The bare minimum is to be low enough to feel stable. As I mentioned in the video.
The best scenario is to be at the level or lower than your opponent without sacrificing stability and mobility.
If you have to choose always go for stability and mobility (this is point 2 in the video)
Hope all this makes sense
can you explain how canelo properly leans back when evading a punch like when he drops his hands
To be honest, I don't like that lean back. Leaning back like that is to court disaster. Because, he is on the same spot exposing his torso and chin.
He gets away with it, the same way I would get away with it with my little brother. Hope that makes sense.
Now the mechanics themselves is: he leans in, so munguia aims close. He leans back and munguia falls short.
But again, that lean is dangerous. I teach it by using the feet. Like Bivol. Is safer.
@@Better_Boxing thanks 🙏
Hi, so if we fight at the short distance, high guard not effectrive? What u recommended if i fight in the short range for defence? Coz head movement it difficult for short range
This is a great question.
What I was saying is that, it is harder to close openings in midrange. That is for every stance. All of them have openings.
I just explained where the openings were placed on the high guard.
Now, what I recommend? As I mentioned in the video, work your way in to the mid range.
1-Create or find openings.
2- Step in and Land your shots 3- Leave as soon as you can.
This is the basic template for most fighters.
Hi i m new to boxing
How do i know my opponents range
Is it just a feeling that i ll get when i spar? Or is there some technique behind it
Hello, thanks for the question.
Usually people go for a feel that you get through experience.
I go for that and a formula.
Your opponent's punching range= their arms length+ how deep they step+ their speed + your own speed.
This means, that you should at least be outside their arms length. But if they are quick and step deep with their punches then you should be even further back. And if on top of that you are pretty slow, then you stand even further back.
We are talking of adding inches to the distance.
An example can be seen in Canelo compared on how he fought Kovalev and Saunders.
Kovalev is slower so canelo stayed just outside of his arms lenght. Because that was kovalev's punching range. With saunders he stayed easily 1foot away added to the arms length. Because Saunders lunges in and is quick.
Hope all this helps
@@Better_Boxing Thank you very much
even before watching the video , ican say that canelo doesnt block shots , hhe catches parries sometimes even slight pulls back which takes the heat off those punches
Great observation,
That is why the video cover the high guard not blocking.
I cover the stance and how to make it work. I explain how to block and also how to go beyond that.
What defense do you recommend in mid range?
Good question,
In the video I talk about the midrange in 2 occasions :
1- When I talk about not rushing your way in the midrange. I recommended to work your way in the midrange. You can do this by dodging a punch as you step in, otherwise by using a set up.
2- I talk about the midrange to explain that in this range, more punches are available for our opponent. And this means, that is harder for our guard (or any stance) to cover all openings.
So, what I recommend in the midrange is.
Find your way in, land your shots, and leave. Whatever defence you feel comfortable with and works is fine.
If you over stay in the midrange, no defence or stance would be good enough.
This pattern is seen in all the great fighters. They punch and leave, or punch and smother. They don't punch and stay there.
Hope all this makes sense.
I use high guard and Philly shell should I just stick to Philly shell?
Is hard to tell. I haven't see you using neither.
What I can say is that there is no need to choose.
Both guards have uses and moments to shine.✨
Winky wright has similar stance than matias but he is good with it what do u think ab winky hes my favorite boxer
I am just watching winky wright for the first time.
I think his stance is more stable than matias. Not as compact as canelo's but he is absorbing the shots well.
Seems to me that he takes a lot of unnecessary damage. He is really strong, and that allows him to operate with the high guard taking shots like that.
But I wouldn't recommend people to immitate that.
My approach to coaching is to recommend the techniques with least resistance and impact. Only working on engaging when is truly necessary.
Mungia did way better in the fight than hes getting credit for. Theres nothing anyone can tell me. & yeah the high guard is trash
Yes he did.
I was actually rooting for him. Was eye opening to see the difference between his combinations and his guard compared to canelo.
And then the strength difference. I think it mostly came down to that. Canelo was physically stronger.
Tell that to Bivols
Tell that to winky wright
High guard is not for the weak 😂
Actually this video is very informative however Jamie had a amazing high guard the only difference is that Canelo would parry punches with his high guard and Jamie did not! That’s why canelo barely gets hit with his high guard vs jamie! I wish you would have added this information it would clear all misconception
Should have used the master of the high guard, winky wright
Will check him out.
@@Better_Boxing He had the best high guard in boxing.
Can you analyze Dimitry Bivol
I already did one on him. Its called "how to throw long combinations without getting countered"
High guard is wat the name implies. Its to Guard punches at a high position. Hence blocking and parrying.
Exaclty, it is the position of the body/guard.
The main reason why I defined it is to make a point that, just because yoou have a high guard does not mean you must take shots on the guard. You can, but not necesarily. I want people to know they have their options open.
if you preferred using high guard in long range, what you preferred in mid range?
Great question.
I said I like teaching the High Guard in Long range. To get their feet wet without many exchanges.
The High Guard is a tool, so it can be used anywhere it does it work.
That is:
Allow you to see
Lets you punch and move
Covers immediate openings
Having this in mind, you can use the high guard in the midrange but would not be the same one as you use in the long range.
You will be lower, and compact. You will be ready to block (if that is what you want to do) or roll.
Ready to shot and leave.
What I am saying is:
Any guard works if it gets the job done.
How you know it gets the job done? It does the 3 points I explain in the video.
What ever you can adjust to achieve this, will work.
Hope all this makes sense.
@@Better_Boxing thank you for the response and for this explanation 🤍
Winky Wright high guard.
you want to see great blocking high guard, look at Dimitri Bivol.
Canelo’s footwork is actually better than what most ppl give him credit for. A lot of ppl think canelo is just flat footed
That is true. We think footwork is a lot of movement. But just needs to move you where you need to be to punch or make them miss. Sometimes that requires small steps.
But why do we not have to care about hooks on long distance. Overhand rights and long hooks are still a concern
Yes, but, at the right distance you can see them coming, react and defend.
The demos with Canelo showed that, because he keeps adjusting distance and moving, he can see Munguia's set ups and punches coming.
If he just stands still, then yes, hooks and many other punches are an issue.
Going back to point 3. Blocking Immediate openings- hooks are not a concern because I would need to set them up before I can throw it.
It would take 2 steps to throw it. A straight would take 1, so is an immediate opening to handle.
A thought process is, why a single hook without a set up thrown by me would not land on Canelo, Bivol, Usyk?
I believe their first move would be to pull. But they can only pull if they see it coming.
And they will see it coming in long range.
Now with a set up, then yes my chances increase.
Hope this all makes sense.
In summary, what I am trying to say is that, if you are worried about hooks, you are not in long range. You are in midrange.
The punching range is the arms length and the distance you can cover punching.
I may be taller than Pacquiao, but I am sure the only distance I would be somewhat safe is about 1foot away of the end of his punch. Just because he steps in deep and quick.
I am truly at long range when I can see him coming.
💯💯
Anybody who has tried to go toe to toe with canelo always gets the bad end of the stick. Why do you think Mayweather and Bivol didn’t try to engage and trade with canelo they were smart enough to box rather than go punch for punch not to mention both of them are extremely defensive
That is an interesting take. And even though is true these guys did dodged a lot of shots, they also traded with canelo. And stood their ground at times.(more than you may remember if rewatch)
Bivol started to catch and shoot in the second half of the fight. he was too big and was able to take the heat. He also threw up to 8-9 punch combos. I would call this going toe to toe.
And mayweather stood his ground against canelo even working him on the ropes at some times. He exchanged shots aswell. He also catch and shoot and worked sneakily in the pocket. Mayweather was just way to proactive and crafty and stayed 1 step ahead of caneo in their exchanges.
GGG stood his ground too, and took "minimal" damage compared to most.
Munguia was just weaker and has less skills than canelo, that is why he got the short end of the stick. He would do things like taking turns with canelo. And let him punch back at him in the mid range. Most of his damage happened in moments like these.
Ponle subtítulos en español we
Haha paso a paso
Aun estoy dominando la edicion.
Eventualmente quiero sacarlos en español
Wassup
Problem with the high guard is it tires your arms because gravity is pulling it down and punching, movement feels awkward. In Western boxing high guard is the last resort like if your getting your ass beat . Long guard and phillyshell is better
Under your explanation the Long Guards will tire your arms and worse. Since the arm is stretched the leverage of gravity on your shoulders is "heavier".
That being said, there is no better and worse tools. There is what you want to accomplish, and what tool is correct for the job.
All techniques have their time and place.
If the high guard tires you out and affects the path of your punches it comes down to practice. And training with your arms in these positions.
Hope this makes sense.
@Better_Boxing yeah I get what you mean by practice
@@Better_Boxing high guard also you loose your jab control your opponent can just control you
That is a distance issue
I have seen many people eating hooks trying yo control the jab.
And people being controlled. The issue is not the tool. Is context, positioning.
We go back to finding the right tool for the job.
Blaming the high guard is like blaming a screwdriver.
Just a tool. We have to know how to use it.
@@Better_Boxing alright
I like to use the high guard when pressuring the opponent while leaning forward so that I block my body as well while entering their striking range.
I don't have fast reflexes, so what offensive stance should I practice transitioning into when attacking from the high guard?
I notice Canelo often drops his hands from the high guard to head slip and counter when attacking, but I don't have fast reflexes.
Do you think I should attack from the high guard or switch to the traditional guard when attacking?
You can attack from the high guard.
But if you have problems reacting, keep your space. Until you get their timing.
If you watch Canelo vs Munguia. Canelo started outside of Munguia's punching range to be able to see him coming. As he got the timing he got closer.
This means, it is fine if you can't see punches coming. Just get more space so you don't give away easy points.
Keep your space at a distance where you can see them coming.
Then you punch.
Canelo punches off parries. To knock the punch out of the way.
But you can do slip jabs as GGG did. To go around the punch.
What you choose will come down to how you practice punching and defending of the high guard.
These 2 videos below can help you get a better grasp of these ideas
For more offensive tips. Check my video on "Bivol's Long Combinations"
But if you are more concerned about the defence and counter check the one on How to counter "Taller Fighters with Inoue"
Hope all this helps
Canelo easily could’ve knocked him out, but he let Mungia spar the last 5 rounds.
QUE DIJO😂
It doesnt help that the sack of potatoes Munguia is does not move his head enough
Never shell up with your back hunched like an angry cat. You can’t absorb and defend punches properly. Keep your back straight.
I agree, it is better with a back straight. But canelo does bent his back that is why I focused on the low center of gravity haha
This is false you want to be as loose as possible standing up straight will only make you stiff
I meant to say back straight with a hinge. This combination gets your center of gravity low. And allows you to accomplish point 2 in the video
I’m sorry what have you won in the sport of boxing and what have you accomplished to say the high guard is trash or even give tips on boxing period. The high guard is fundamental to eastern euro boxing loma, usyk, Bivol, and beterbiev use the high guard. Who are you to say the stance that every boxer is taught the first day they walk into the gym is trash.
I am sorry,
Did you even watch the video?
Or even read the title correctly?
The whole video is on how to improve the high guard. I personally enjoy using the high guard.
And never called anyone's high guard "Trash". Just did a comparison on 2 fighters who use it.
If what I say on the video is not sound advice I am happy to address your questions.
But watch it first 😘
Man I can’t believe how useful this video is. Ty! 🫡
Glad to hear that🔥 thanks for the comment🥊
Great video
Thank you 🙏
Great video
Thanks 🙏