I'm New to Boxing and I really like Winky wright's style of defense, If I want to incorporate the High Guard in my style, should I always keep It up when im in punching range or can I keep a regular guard and lift Its up to block incoming punches?
It all depends on your style and temperament. You use and adopt what works for you. The results will come out in the ring. There is no one rule. Its best to keep your hands high when in the pocket trading or inside fighting because both you and your opponent can hit their targets. The high guard requires strong arms to hold the guard up and take lots on punishments to the biceps and forearms. The high guard is not usually associated with power punches with the first names coming to mind like Winky, Clottey and Mickey Ward. Its a style that prioritizes defense and is used well with fighter that have very long arms that can effectively cover their torso so no target is available. Fighters like Arthur Abaham got plenty of KOs, his fight vs Miranda is a good example of using the high guard to cover and counter. Baby Bull Diaz was a rapid fire flurry puncher when he came out of his high guard.
Winky was an awesome boxer. I remember him taking a few brits apart some years ago. His jab was a destructive weapon.
Too get the most out of the high guard it's best to be a fighter that works from range and throws primarily straight punches. On the inside the high guard is a liability because hooks will land around the guard. When you think of the best fighter's that used the high guard like Winky and Ike Quartey, they both had outstanding jabs and did not fight on the inside if they could help it. I'm assuming you have a good trainer?
