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How to Box | ExpertBoxing

Canelo Boxing Tricks

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My favorite boxing tricks from the incredible Mexican junior middleweight champion!

Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is one of the biggest and youngest champions in boxing. Only 27 years old and already the sport’s biggest PPV star. Today, I’ll break down the moves I’ve seen him do the most and release my own interpretation on how and when I think he does them.

Canelo’s a stocky pressure fighter with lots of speed and power but fights very differently from how you would expect. He’s patient instead of trying to overpower opponents with his strength. Throws very few punches and likes to box from the outside despite his shorter arms. Although he’s got all the physical attributes, he’s very much a thinking fighter and prefers to take his time.

On to the breakdowns, shall we?
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Why Do Pro Boxers Train Light on the Heavy Bag?

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Hi Johnny,

Just got a quick question, love your site and am always reading your articles and watching the videos…keep up the good work.

I noticed a lot of pro boxers train really light on the heavy bag, almost like they’re just practicing form and no power… is this the best way to use the heavy bag?

I’m currently saving to buy your power punching series, really interested in the counter punching and angles.

Look forward to hearing from you,

Andrew

Let’s start with this…PROS know what they’re doing!
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Vasyl Lomachenko – 7 Southpaw Boxing Footwork Tricks

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My favorite Vasyl Lomachenko boxing footwork tricks.

One of today’s most talented stars in boxing. With only 10 fights in his resume and already considered among TOP 5 on many fans’ pound-4-pound lists. And you wouldn’t expect anything less considering his amateur record of 396wins-1loss AND 2 Olympic gold medals. He has it all: the power, the skills, AND the aggression!

Among the things I admire most about him is the incredible footwork. It’s not that frantic darting in-and-out like Manny Pacquiao or neither the explosive pouncing quickness like a young Roy Jones jr. It’s also not that smooth walking style of Pernell Whitaker or flashy showoff style of Prince Naseem. Vasyl’s style of footwork isn’t overly flashy and athletic but it still looks just as impressive. I would say he’s like a “teleporter” (like “Nightcrawler). He goes from place to place but you never see how he gets there.

Lomachenko’s like a teleporter.
He moves from place to place but you never see how he gets there.

Let us delve into the magic behind Vasyl Lomachenko’s boxing footwork…
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Why do boxing coaches give short “compact” hooks on the mitts instead of full-range hooks?

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Dude Johnny it’s driving me nuts i need your opinion.

When somebody is mitting for me or I see ppl working the mitts the holder moves the left hook that follows a 1,2, inward. This means its always a short hook from a static position. The mitter actually reaches out and closes the distance for a fighter standing still.

First that only seems to make sense if the opponent slips in under the right and even then the striker has to usually shift. I cant think of reasons to drill a standing still long range 1,2, followed by a short hook.

Ive been seeing a lot of boxing “coaches” doing this and when i try to start the conversation about it i get an attitude of this is how it’s done son…

Dude I workout and spar hard with real fighters 4/5 times a week and cant see how that helps anywhere=
– John S

ANSWER: I wouldn’t know the origin either but from having hit the mitts myself as well as holding the mitts, the current practice makes the most sense to me. These are my thoughts:
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7 Advanced Counter-Punches for Southpaws

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Advanced Counter-Punches for Southpaws

SOUTHPAW FIGHTERS—I’ve made an advanced counter-punching guide just for you!

These southpaw counters require more skill to setup and execute than the basic southpaw combos and counters, but they also come with some huge payoffs. You’ll land harder punches with more impactful timing AND/OR get into better attacking positions.

And for those of you wondering, the answer YES—these tactics do work for orthodox fighters facing southpaws as well…if you practice enough.

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Recovering from a Knockout Loss (or knockdown)

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Dealing with the worst situation ever in boxing—GETTING KNOCKED OUT!

I think it’s the worst case scenario in life. Imagine getting knocked out by another man in front of your girlfriend, friends, family, and a loud screaming crowd of strangers. OH, HOW EMBARRASSING! Multiply that feeling times a hundred if your opponent’s a cocky jerk.

If losing your pride wasn’t enough, you’ll also have to deal with the hardest parts of getting knocked down:

  • staying calm
  • getting back up
  • fighting back
  • AND regaining your confidence!

The good news is that getting knocked out really isn’t that bad. It doesn’t hurt. It won’t change who you are, and you only grow from it anyway. It’s very common in boxing and happens to even the best fighters in the world.

Here’s how they overcome it:
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How to Throw More Punch Combinations

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Beginner fighters (and even advanced fighters) will often ask me: how do I throw more combinations?

I feel like I’m always relying on the jab. Could you give me tips for increasing the amount of combinations thrown during sparring and training overall?

It’s a common problem and you’ll often hear trainers screaming at their fighters in sparring, “LET YOUR HANDS GO!” Which they never do. Hahaha.

Here are some good tips to remedy your gun-shy ways…
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Best Boxing Gloves Review – UPDATED 2017

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boxing gloves review

The ultimate boxing glove review – from 10+ years experience!

I review over 60 brands, and hundreds of different gloves…explaining everything from materials, padding, and stitching to shape, comfort, and protection. I also cover the history of different brands and how they evolved or even copied one another over the years. 

Of the hundreds of “boxing glove reviews” out there, most are either a vomit of self-serving Amazon links or sponsored reviews advertisements hyping up gimmicky features. Even the honest reviews are written by guys who’ve tried only a few brands and never worn out a single glove in their entire life. I’ll say this…

The best glove reviews should compare the best gloves!

Discover the best boxing gloves for: serious fighters, women, beginners, and low budget!
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Tips for First Time Fight Coaches

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Helpful tips for new boxing trainers and fight coaches. I still think you should speak with (and learn from) a more experienced coach but these are some of the things I’ve figured out from my own experience.

Coaching a fight can actually be a lot of fun as you can be a part of the fight AND watch the fight. The hardest part is figuring out how to make the adjustments that matter. And how to give information without overloading your fighter.

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