When Max Baer fought Tony Galento, it was rumored that 'two tons' had not bathed for days. What other 'legitimate' cheating tactics could you think of? And would you approve of such tactics today?
If there is no rule against it, it’s permitted. Marvin Johnson did it too but I understand the spirit of thread - “hitting then holding” is something Liston did a fair bit, Duran and Mayweather too. Arguello used to throw a right whilst expecting a roll, the right was to steer and keep you still, he would trap you with his weight on top whilst the guys weight was now on his left foot, simultaneously he would hit you with a left to the body.
Foreman forearm blocking, extension. You are technically not allowed to extend your arms in an offensive, non punching manner. He did it all the time, always, against everyone. Hopkins/Ward headbutts, Holyfield too. FMJ elbow strikes. I still teach people a cross foot step (trip) as you drive a punch into their chest and put them on their ass. Or if I see someone try to step on my foot, I know it's on. A guy tried to act like he was looking at the clock on the wall then haul off with an overhand right.
Lewis put his trunks up to his chest in the Holyfield fights, especially in the 1st bout, it was ridiculously high. Other things were illegal but Lennox did them in numerous fights - like holding his opponent and hitting him at the same time. Or pushing down opponent's head and hitting him. I actually like Lennox, but he was very dirty fighter.
Yep. Lewis KO'd Grant by holding him behind the head and hitting him with an uppercut. He also held the palm of his glove in Bruno's face to blind him before unloading an uppercut, a tactic Holmes used with Marvis Frazier. Also saw Lewis blast Levi Billups in the head with an elbow. Lewis was indeed a dirty fighter at times.
You also get mathematical fouls. You do it blatantly, but is just a warning the first time, so you play it like a card.
We really need Fritzie Zivic as a poster here. Fouling is a second sweet science in its own right. There are all manner of nasty things that you can do in close, that would be hard to detect.
I think coming into a fight as a Middleweight, while weighing three weight classes higher, as a Cruiserweight, is a "legitimate cheating tactic" but I realize I am in the minority on that view.
He was really effective at holding the back of the guy’s neck with his left hand and hitting them with a right uppercut. Sometimes it was more blatant (Grant) but other times he was quicker and sneakier with it.
Show me a boxer who keeps to the rules and has his belt below his navel. Marvin Hagler was one of the worst offenders, but nearly everyone does it.
Power shot below the belt until cautioned, which take it out of a fighter. Follow through elbow as in Fury against Ngannou. Wrestling to stop a puncher throwing. Headbutts. All dependent on the referee doing the right thing.
