Is "ring rust" even a real thing?

I never seen a fighter get a cut like that with headgear on. I have a feeling Virgil made Andre do some of his crazy methods.:verysad

 

Of course ring rust is a real thing. Think of any competitive contest where you have not practised enough and how your performances are below par. That's why Leonard had those "secret" fights before Hagler, to shake off the rust. It's what made Foreman / Vitali's comebacks all the more remarkable.

 

? You just got my curiosity. Tell me more.

 

Apparently:

"What Hagler was not to know was that Leonard had prepared not only with orthodox sparring but in full-on fights behind closed doors, complete with referee, time-keeper, 10-ounce gloves and no head-guards.
The ring rust had been shaken off. So much so that Leonard easily won the first two rounds."

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/bo...Leonard-v-Marvin-Hagler--Debate-rages-on.html

 

Ring rust is a real thing, boxers are sharper when they fight more fights. No doubt about it.

 

I guess, in sparring with bigger gloves and the ability to call off the action if and when you choose, and sparring partners boxing to order, everything feels more under control and easier to predict.

In a real fight with smaller gloves and no headgear and an opponent with a gameplan designed to beat your style, boxers who have been inactive for a good while, will struggle with timing. That moment's hesitation which comes from inactivity - even if it's a split second - is enough to make the difference between punches landing and missing. Ergo, ring rust.

 

Yes it is real but if it is still occurring in a fighters 3rd fight back then it's not ring rust they are just past it.

 

Nice info bro:thumbsup
Marvin won that fight IMOdeal

 

Hagler / Leonard is imho similar to Hopkins / Calzaghe where the guy who did the damage is not necessarily the guy who won. It sort of comes down to whether you rate lots of pitty pat punches over less, but harder shots.

 

:fencing:nod

 

Foh fat ass. Hagler lost.

 

Maybe he lost the official decision, but when people say the word "badass" they're talking about guys like Hagler, not Leonard