What makes tall, rangy southpaws such a hard match-up? Is it because the strategy to beating a southpaw, which is to stay outside of their front foot, and thus out of his range, isn't as effective against them?
same thing as what makes lefthanded pitchers or tennis players effective. on top of their given skills, everything comes from a different angle. one which most don't see often.
Good post. I'll give you a serious answer. I think in a mirror match up, (orthodox vs southpaw, you look like you are fighting a reflection) the person who is taller has a signifcant advantage in the jab game. Because both your jabs are on the same line, the southpaw can throw his jab over the orthodox... Also the southpaw is very specialized in doing this to every opponent since he is so rangy. Also I think the angle of the traditional get your lead foot to the outside is hard when you are signficantly shorter because by the time you are stepping forward and over, it gives the rangy guy enough time to see it and adjust... Also you would be further away from him than normal since his punches reach further. It is a nightmare I think for any entry level and even a lot of world class fighters.
