Boxing a Tall Opponent

Posted on April 15, 2011

Boxing a taller opponent has some unique challenges. An opponent who is taller than you will usually have a significant reach advantage and longer legs while also having a target area that is not where you are used to hitting…..So what to do?

Tall fighters can get used to standing back and picking off their opponents from the outside simply because they can. If possible, make him come to you.  If they do not come to you, you have no choice but to go to them. That means you are going to have to counter to get inside. Once you are there, tighten your defense – do not expose any vital areas. Keep working and when you can’t work anymore, either clinch or explode out of danger.

It is absolutely necessary that when you do decide to go to the taller opponent that you do it with authority and decisiveness. Do not hesitantly walk towards him — explode into him, push him back, corner him and punish him. Do not go in on a straight line, but rather duck, slip or whatever else you can do to give him a fast moving target.

Specific Drills to Practice for a Taller Opponent

• All forms of defence against the jab – parrying, slipping, ducking
• Body work – (For Green Gloves and Higher) hooks and uppercuts that are short, controlled and fierce. Each one must be delivered from within. Inside you are relatively safe against a taller opponent because you use the length of his arms against him.
• Leg work. You need explosive power in your legs in order to get in and out. Work the plyometrics and practise any type of explosive leg movement such as jumping squats, burpees, calf raises, Runners Lunges and so on.