Biggest difference you noticed when sparring pros?

Power.

 

Why is there such a big difference..?

 

Everything. Better power, better perceived speed, fitter and tougher.

Power because pro's have a massively different emphasis in their sport. They sit on every punch, and don't do the amateur punching and moving as much.

Whilst I doubt many of the pro's I sparred had better raw handspeed than me, they often beat me to the punch. And, I found it hard to slip them. Reason being, 10+ yrs in the sport yields a good sense at when you will punch and also an excellent technique. So they won't be telegraphing punches at all.

Tougher! This one will probably be contentious. But, there is no doubt in my mind pro's took shots better and showed far less reaction to punches.

Sparring pro's and amateurs are worlds apart! A pro without great talent can, and probably will, give you fits as an amateur.

 

Pro's plant their feet and look for the big shot ams pit pat. :good

 

I friend of mine once, described amatuer boxing as

"A voilent game of tick"

 

Toughness and that's pretty much it from my experience.

 

I've only sparred one pro and there wasn't much of a difference, some of the amateurs I've sparred hit harder and were technically more sound. He did load up on many punches though, he was a bit power hungry.

 

They take their time, when I spar other amateurs it turns into a fight

 

yeah I think this is a big difference even when you watch amateurs fight they go all out instead of thinking and trying different things

 

Yeah that's why I hate the amateurs

 

Hand speed, Technique, Style, Stamina...need I go on?

 

defence!

 

Yeah hand speed and technique as in lacking it.