Taking Punches is NOT a Talent...Proven By Margarita

I know that I have heard SO many endearing statements about fighters that "can take a punch" and so much hatred for those that are viewed that cannot. What I would like to see is for true boxing fans to acknowledge that "taking a punch" is NOT a talent and should not be confused as talent.


First, you have to know the difference between good defense and taking a punch. Good defense is something like PBF of Toney uses with that shoulder roll or great head movement. In some defenses, like Winky Wright, he "takes" a lot of punches, but on the guard. That is good defense. That is FAR different than getting hit in the face and not flinching. Good defense is a talent and is learned, while some of it is a true fighters instinct. Taking punches in the face or being tough is NOT a skill. It is certainly valuable in boxing, but it is not learned. It is a physical strength if you want to call it that. Its merely a physical attribute that allows someone to handle blunt force to the head better than others.

I think that a good defense can help a fighter know how to take a punch so that it lessens the impact, eg like better angles. I think a skilled, experienced fighter knows how to handle getting hit when they are more tired and how to remain calm. That is a skill and experience thing. However, Margarita has been praised for being the "best" or "so good" , etc, but in reality he has never been that good. I am not just saying this after this fight, I have been saying it all along. Margarita's best so-called "skill" has been his ability to take a punch and keep coming. That is not a skill.

Skill is what Sugar Shane showed him last night in many different ways.

This is not just something that deals with Margarita, but he is a prime example of it. Taking a punch is not a skill. It is handy in fighting, but its not a talent. So when really tough guys like Margarita come along, please dont talk about them like they are so skillful and elite because they are not. They may be tough guys, which deserves respect, but not revered as skillful artists. That they are not.

Last night was a very solid set of proof for this theory. Shane Moseley outclassed Margo on every level possible. He is a smarter, more talented fighter. There is nothing more to be said. Margo may be able to beat some good guys at WW, but he will never be an elite fighter like Sugar Shane or PBF.

Margo does have heart and is tough, so I repect the hell out of him for that. I am not a fan of his, but he gets my respect.

I just think that true fans either do know or should recognize that taking punishment is not a talent, as was shown yet again last night.

 

Thanks for the support guys.

I just think that the durability or ones chin is a physical gift of having a hard head...LOL. It is not a skill that deserves praise like someone that is a student of the sport or has learned things.

Like I said, defense and making punches not hurt nearly as bad is a skill, and a very good one. The ones like Margo has is not a hell of a lot more than a hard head and a lot of heart. The man got his ass handed to him and he refused to quit. Thats a man in my book, like him or not.

Guys like Sam Peter can learn a few things from guys like Margo, just as long as it is not boxing skills.

You guys raise a good point too. Guys like Toney, while at HW, have made most of their progress by being able to absorb punches. Thats not a skill. Now when Toney makes them miss or takes it in the shoulder, then thats skill. Toney and Holyfield both are living on mostly chin right now.