it is when a boxer throws a punch and catches the opponent at the time when the punch is at its most powerful. If you catch someone as you have just throw it then it wont have the full weight behind it, if it takes too long before connecting then it will lose power as the puncher would have over extended the punch
I'd describe timing as, 'landing a punch (or punches) at the optimum moment'. Yes, 'moment' is an ambiguous term, but obviously in this context it is about body position (feet mainly, as they ultimately control where everything else is). You can have all the speed in the world, but if you're falling short with your punches, overreaching etc...they won't be anywhere near as effective. Same with power, but tpower is a bit more forgiving as you don't always have to land cleanly and/or at the optimum moment to reap the rewards from that particular asset.
In this context (i.e "timing beats speed"), timing is simply throwing your punch (usually a counter) at the correct time. A couple of examples: Countering a right hand by throwing a check hook. The opponents speed can be negated simply by anticipating their right hand (reading the opponent) and throwing your hook at the right TIME. Countering a jab with an overhand right. Again you would anticipate the opponents jab and slip whilst throwing the right hand over the jab. Really, the word timing refers to predicting the opponents attack through: Body language - reading subtle clues. Giving the opponent a particular shot deliberatley - if you know what punch he is most likely to throw, it is much easier to counter at the right time e.g when moving to the left, I sometime deliberately square up knowing I'm "walking onto" my opponents right hand - deliberately giving him the option to throw it. Obviously, I'm aware of this and ready to throw as soon as I see the cues. In these examples, you can see that it makes no difference how fast the opponent is if you throw your counter at the right time. This is my interpretation of timing in this context.
:deal This guy wins. It's about knowing when to throw based on your opponents body cues. Timing the shot so that it lands flush and solid.
[quote name="RichCarne" post=16732685]In this context (i.e "timing beats speed"), timing is simply throwing your punch (usually a counter) at the correct time. <br /> <br /> A couple of examples:<br /> <br /> Countering a right hand by throwing a check hook. The opponents speed can be negated simply by anticipating their right hand (reading the opponent) and throwing your hook at the right TIME.<br /> <br /> Countering a jab with an overhand right. Again you would anticipate the opponents jab and slip whilst throwing the right hand over the jab.<br /> <br /> Really, the word timing refers to predicting the opponents attack through:<br /> <br /> Body language - reading subtle clues.<br /> <br /> Giving the opponent a particular shot deliberatley - if you know what punch he is most likely to throw, it is much easier to counter at the right time e.g when moving to the left, I sometime deliberately square up knowing I'm "walking onto" my opponents right hand - deliberately giving him the option to throw it. Obviously, I'm aware of this and ready to throw as soon as I see the cues.<br /> <br /> In these examples, you can see that it makes no difference how fast the opponent is if you throw your counter at the right time.<br /> <br /> This is my interpretation of timing in this context.[/QUOTE]<br /> :deal<br /> <br /> This guy wins.<br /> <br /> It's about knowing when to throw based on your opponents body cues. Timing the shot so that it lands flush and solid.<br/> This
Floyd v Mosely/Marquez are good examples that I recall from recent years. Brook from a UK perspective.
"Timing" can only really be defined as good/bad in respect of the effect of ones 'timing' ON an opponent.... therefore I would define good timing as: the ability to land with a shots in the most efficient way such that damage on the opponent is maximised, the opponent is left off balance and unable to get meaningful shots off - and the art of 'good timing' is to achieve these things repeatedly and often. A la Mayweather. To HAVE good timing you need certain attributes, such as speed, reflexes, ringsmanship etc... but these things are not themselves 'timing'. Mayweather domination of Marquez is as good an example I have seen of raw, consistent, precise (unwasted) sheer 'quality timing' of (in that case) a world class opponent. Every aspect of defence and attack was timed brilliantly and a world class Marquez was made to look out of his depth.
Knowing the correct time to throw your shot so that 1. it lands and 2. it lands at a point when the shot is carrying the most power. It has a lot to do with being able to read your opponent.