A Thought Experiment

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by cross_trainer, Apr 10, 2011.

  1. cross_trainer

    cross_trainer Liston was good, but no "Tire Iron" Jones Full Member

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    Semi-serious question.

    Imagine that ten young guys in their prime get isolated from the outside world for a decade or two. They have boxing gloves, headgear, jumpropes, heavy bags, and a lot of free time. They do NOT have any instructional material.

    Unfortunately, they don't know how to box. Yet.

    They start sparring. Obviously, they'll need to learn through trial and error. Maybe someone realizes that he needs to keep his chin down after somebody clocks him in sparring. Perhaps everybody learns to jab from some bright spark who notices that he can step into a lead-hand punch to keep his opponent off of him.

    My question is: after ten or twenty years of practice, do you think that the "style" that comes out of this experiment would look anything like real boxing?
     
  2. Swarmer

    Swarmer Patrick Full Member

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    do they have referees? a ring? modern nutrition?
     
  3. Pachilles

    Pachilles Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Absolutely nowhere near the variety of fights and styles of opponents for them to become well rounded proffessionally skilled boxers that we know
     
  4. cross_trainer

    cross_trainer Liston was good, but no "Tire Iron" Jones Full Member

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    Refs -- They all know the rules of boxing, so they ref for each other.

    A ring -- Yes. This desert island comes fully equipped with a modern training facility, sans trainer.

    Modern nutrition -- Yes. Slimfast bars and Xyience energy drinks drop from the trees like tropical fruit.