Former bantamweight champ Rodolfo Martinez was a pretty good switch-hitter. Naturally left-handed, he was converted to an orthodox stance at an early age (which is something that was done back in the day). He got where he was fighting orthodox beating Rogelio Lara, Famoso Gomez, Raul Cruz, Yoshio Nakane, Kaz Kanazawa and Rafael Herrera for the title. In a defense against Venice Borkorsor, the Thai looked like he was going to run away with it. He dropped Martinez early and won the first 4 rounds before Martinez went back to his southpaw style and for some reason, the southpaw Borkorsor couldn't cope with it and was outpointed the remainder of the 15 round bout. When Martinez lost his title to Carlos Zarate - I think it was about the 3rd round - he switched to southpaw seamlessly and wobbled Zarate badly before finally succumbing himself in the 9th. When it looked like his career was done after 2 stoppage losses in a row, he was brought in as the opponent to one of the hottest prospects around in Mike Ayala. Well apparently, Martinez switch-hitted throughout their contest and the kid didn't know which angle he was getting hit from before the fight was stopped in Martinez' favor in the 7th. So I would give Martinez a thumbs-up as one of the best switch-hitters.
Though not known as a "Switch Hitter'. Watch prime Mike Tyson close. Focus on his feet when he's on attack mode.
He definitely stepped into southpaw during some attacks. He's also a natural lefty -- due to that, I'm actually surprised he didn't end up more of a true switch hitter.
Great video Mark. I don't know who the trainer is, or have ever seen this video, But his point is right in line with a much older trainer I knew in the 80's. When this curious novice asked him what made Tyson so effective. That's what his answer was to me, a perfect lesson on how the feet are just as or more important than the fist. Thank you for the research for the video.
Hagler was the greatest southpaw and switch hitter ever the "dream on" video is another of my favorites
1980s flyweight Gabriel Bernal is one of the most natural switchers I've ever seen. In his second fight against Sot Chitalada, he scored two knockdowns, one from each stance.
