Why do some fighters hold their lead hand higher?

you dont have to go as far to touch them... once you get to a high level its easier to see punches coming

 

easier to land a jab and blocks the opponents right hand. what you are describing is the textbook boxing style btw

 

:deal

its good to block like that after jab, opponent might hurt his hand on elbow.. some of the most technical fighters use that style - finito lopez, jmm, even floyd sometimes

 

lol.. yes the classic one, or the "textbook" style how StillWill described. i`m referring to block with lead hand, thats why is higher, to block opponents right hand.

btw, dont hold both hands at the same height cause you`ll be vulnerable to liver shots. lower your right hand enough to protect the chin and liver at the same time. duck higher headshots

 

no problem mate, but dont think that this is problem solved. There are situations when its necessary to have both hands high - f.e. on the ropes, your legs are parallel, opponent is hitting you. You bend in back so you can protect your body and head in same time and then roll with shots and search for counter.

You cant learn one stance and think it will work in every situation

 

The way it is supposed to work, your right hand does 80% or more of your defensive work. You keep your right elbow tight to your ribs; this protects your body. You use the right hand to catch the opponent's jab, you catch it in the palm of your hand or you parry it. You roll your body to your left and pick up your right glove to block the hook.
You keep your left hand lower to keep it out of the way so you can counter. Your left hand is closest to the target- your opponent- so you don't get it entangled blocking punches, you keep it free for punching. That is why you use the left shoulder to defend against the right hand, and you should start that from day one. You punch with the left hand; it does 80% of the punching work.

 

Could you post videos or give an example of what exactly you are talking about?