If clinching was more harshly punished, how does HW history change?

He was happy to clinch throughout his career, in fact he welcomed clinches. Tyson didn't have the stamina of a Joe Frazier so I believe he did it to catch a bit of rest. He had the potential to be a great inside fighter but was far from being one. It was either laziness or stamina issues that prevented him being a great inside fighter, he did it in spurts so the skills were there.

 

Smith for starters, Tyson was more than happy to clinch in that bout. I recall him clinching quite a bit in the Tillis fight as well. I'll have to watch his fights again to tell you more.

 

If you're going to ban it then why should it be allowed when hurt? If you're going to do something do it properly.

 

Wlad has a few more losses on his record due getting stopped or Dq'd . Ali doesn't carry on fighting as long and would of probably had better health in later life .

 

I still don't understand what you're trying to say. If you believe clinching is fouling then it should be punished the same as a foul. What's the point in allowing it if the only punishment is the loss of the round?

 

Johnson relied upon clinching, hitting while holding and sometimes fouling. If you take that away from him, he lose more often.


If clinching was somehow outlawed or factored in negatively to the scoring, we either see a lot more action and escape-oriented footwork.


Wlad has other options. If clinching was a high negative his power and skills would be shown more, just like they were on his way up.


Fighters would need to be in better shape in general.


There is such a thing as a thumbless glove. Most fighters don't like them, but this glove might limit clinching a bit.

 

So you don't think it should be disallowed or punished?

 

So what if a fighter like Wlad is prepared to lose a few rounds so he can clinch and lean on his opponents to wear them out and stop them?

 

Ruiz would need to look for another job...

 

Clinching was ok whenever Ali did it...he was praised for his defensive savvy whenever he did it.