Hi.. Heres my stats: 5"11 200Lb Age 24 I've boxed for 15-16 months, I train every day. Just started sparring and I have some basic questions (the trainers in my gym aren't helpful, they just say 'Jab' 'Yeah baby use that jab' etc.) I know you guys will say "Find a new gym" but its not possible right now so I gotta make do. I've been told that I got very heavy hands and I should not focus on hitting hard but hitting fast, as my "normal" shots will hurt my opponent. So i've sparred a few times now, twice vs. pros and once vs. someone my level. Against the guy my level heres what happened: He is taller and a little quicker, he had better movement (slipped most of my jabs and sometimes came with a right hand). But he wouldn't engage, he was always circiling me jabbing my guard, I ducked a few and slipped a few and he rarely landed. When I was able to get in and mix it up on the inside I really shook him up and he said I almost KO'd him at one point. So how can I fight a guy who is circling and jabbing me, how can I get in close - is it a case of taking a hit to get in range or should I wait for him to unload on me? How can I counter his jab? I like to go forward and box rather than sit and wait. I figure if I can't get in close and get the accuracy to hit his head then I should go for body shots? Also whenever I was in range he would duck down below my waist and step out, was almost impossible to make him engage with me. I figure if I came in with some body shots next time I'll connect much more. But how can I get in range and what should my first punch be in an ideal situation?
