Is punching power the most overrated attribute in boxing and are devastating punchers a myth?

The same can be said for power. If you know a guy has insane power then you 100% pay him more respect.

I love watching guys with speed though. Speed vs power is the age old debate and is what makes the sport great.

 

If what you’re saying is true, Paulie Malignaggi would have had a much better career.

 

It's a resounding NO from me.

 

Yes and no.

If a Marciano type where combined with chin, heart and stamina, it is an indomitable force. .
49-0

 

Yes. Most fighters have shaky chins of one degree or another, and the shattering of these fragile mandibles is often erroneously attributed to the "power" of the other fighter.

If most fighters had chins like Oliver McCall, George Chuvalo or Marvin Hagler, this would be more widely recognized.

 

Good point, while speed with pillow fists does leave you with speed only. Pualie was tough and fast; true enough.

 

Your right, been there.

 

Power is fairly necessary at the high levels. Atleast enough power to earn a level of respect. Especially vs the Mexican fighters.

 

Its not over rated because some guys have granite chins even if they are journeymen. It is over rated in the way that power is only good if you can land.

 

Interestingly enough, Tyson himself said it wasn’t his punching power but his hand speed that did the damage. He didn’t consider himself that big of a puncher. Again, his words, not mine.

 

Speed of blows or heavy hands doesnt matter. Its always power.

 

It becomes a real problem when the power guy has to chase a loveable hugger all night

Becomes tom n Jerry all over while the nerds praise the runner while the crowd boos him the same rinse n repeat

 

Power is the #1 equalizer in any combat sport. You can literally be winning every round, absolutely schooling your opponent making them look stupid and get caught by a devastating shot losing the fight in the blink of an eye.

Wilder is the poster boy for this. If he had average of even above average punching power, he probably wouldn't have made it as a fringe contender let alone a champion with multiple defenses. He's tall and athletic but has terrible fundamentals, leaky defense, and low ring IQ. His power bailed him out against his best opponents (Ortiz) both fights and managed to get a draw with Fury solely because of his power. The only time he didn't rely on his devastating power to win a fight against a world class foe was when he won the title against Stiverne primarily jabbing at him. But Stiverne was by far one of the worst belt holders ever and wasn't in good condition.

Hand speed is probably the single most overrated quality. It can impress the judges and casuals, but if the boxer is sorely lacking in multiple areas it'll just be a matter of time before someone picks them apart patiently analyzing them and breaking their rhythm. The best example of this was Danny Garcia vs Amir Khan. Height is another incredibly overrated quality. We still have people in 2023 who think height is some sort of skill that automatically gives a distinct advantage and it doesn't unless you train specifically to take advantage of your height.