Boxing Defense - Shoulder Roll (Mayweather, Toney, Locche, Whitaker, Benton)

From my early days just starting out, I used to spar with a guy who was from the Midlands, Alan Edwards, an ex- boxer a couple of weights up from me. He was very good at shoulder roll technique and very frustrating to be in the ring with.

 

RC i incorporate this one with the cross arm when I was actively sparring.
Again for me its a comfort thing because of my back and it also let me shoot my rt hand much faster. Now when I get in close its more cross armed then at long range. Long range is where I like to keep it as much as possible. I guess its easier to say I combined the two to suite my physical limitations leaning more on the shoulder roll especially since I dont like to mix it up inside anymore. At 52 its hard enough boxing at long range lol!

 

I don't like Toney`s as much because I believe it was an exaggerated roll too often. It left him unable to counter and he almost seemed to take his eyes off his opponent. Mayweather is always in position to fireback.

 

The "give and take" defense. It looks like they are giving the opponents a big opening for right hands. then, they take it away once that punch is thrown. Even worse, it's there from the opening bell and the continue to try landing the big homerun shot. Rarely do and it takes some good radar and things deflect off that shoulder.


The other interesting thing is how it requires guys to never stand directly in front of opponents but a little off to the side. But an excellent defense to throw counters from & maybe none better.

 

Haha Problem is Red reflexes and timing!!
But you know my two biggest principles then and now are the best jab I could possible develope and experimenting with different defensive styles until I found a total comfort zone in combining Cross armed with shoulder roll. Its just so comfortable.
My older son was a Marine infantryman and hes the guy I still sometimes spar with. Man its something I really enjoy. Nothing heavy just a really good time.

 

Haha U and me both!! I stopped speaking to my ex last yr and my life is so much better!
Yes it is great sparring with him. I throw jabs and hook off it and rt hands to body none to his face because im bigger than him. I let him throw what he wants as my defense it still pretty tight. Really enjoy doing that my pal!

 

George Benton deserves some love even if he wasn't on these others guys level as a fighter, he was really damn good, and in a less deep more title happy era he probably would have been a champion. A hell of a trainer as well.

 

Toney was the best at it.Shoulder roll and then counter with own right hand.Actually Floyd often did not counter.I guess just a little less skilled than James

 

George is very much underappreciated. Bloody good technician and could have done more in other era's for sure.

 

One of my absolute favorite fighters of all time. Studied him for years. Amazing fighter who I think Floyd obviously studied alot but didnt give him any credit. Nor did the moronic announcers ever pick up on the similarities. Difference being George always stayed center ring and didnt have to retreat to the ropes or tie his man up every time things got heated. He was a great under appreciated fighter and one of the best trainers ever. Sweat Pea being his crowning student.
BTW when George had his own gym after the Frazier fall out he only used a 16 ft ring and kept his guys off the ropes. As he said he wanted his fighters to be able to fight on a dime without getting hit cleanly!!