I notice I get smothered and hit with hooks on the inside. I was told to throw short or compact punches. Also how the hell do you get your head moving so well? Is that gonna take years to learn?
protect the body with your elbows, block uppercuts with your gloves and counter hook or uc with the same hand
Turn your left (lead) shoulder into his chest and pull in close. This blocks his right hand and uppercuts; keep your right glove next to your head to block hooks. Head movement requires purpose- moving to avoid one punch and to create an opening to counter.
He does work very well on the inside. but what I would say is you need to be confident in your ability to take a punch. It helps when avoiding punches if you are not scared to take a shot. I would also do atleast a round or so of straight movement, footwork, maybe the line you duck under. While sparring focus on a point you think you lack in. that has always helped me. I use to have a shitty right hook, I practiced it and practiced it and now it might be my best shot.
Thats what I was afraid of hearing. I DON'T fight on the inside. I don't like the chances there. I am fast and have good reach for my height...I will practice any tips against the pads or heavybag or in limited contact drills...
get used to it NOW and be comfortable on the inside. if you're a rangy fighter someone's gonna come along and ruffle your feathers, infighting isn't your thing, but be versatile.
I'm not contributing too much to thread but listen to scrap and find a sparring partner who wants to learn too and work together