Are boxers neglecting there jab more?

depends on a fighter's personal style, some boxers (like Algieri) throw LOTS of jabs to score rounds, some use it as a range-finder (Vitali quite a lot) some use it as a power punch (Kovalev and his jab to the body), others still use it to set up the right hand

 

The jab is the most important punch, it's the first punch you're taught when you start boxing. You would know that if you actually bothered to try boxing out for yourself.

 

The jab is ok but I prefer the jolt

 

It's not always about neglecting, rather as chosing not to or not being able too.
It all depends on your style, physical attributes and of course on your opponent. If you're a t-rex that relies on hooks and uppercuts on the inside you might try to use the jab coming in, but that has a big chance of being countered by your opponent and also limits your offensive opportunities once you're inside. Not every boxer is capable of quickly following up a jab with a high hook or uppercut with the same arm and it doesn't take long for many opponents to pick up on that and thus exactly knowing how to react once the guy made it inside.

Just to point out the issue that the jab isn't always a good option for a fighter, we can always rely on good ol' Tex Cobb. When asked how he was going to fight Larry Holmes he answered sarcastically, "I think I'm going to stay outside and outjab him".

 

Most important punch in boxing. It sets up everything. It' keeps your opponent off balance. It's your measuring stick.

 

Mauricio Herrera comes to mind also. Sharp jabs with flawless technique

 

But what if your opponent can negate it

 

a good jab cant really be negated. You can do too many things with it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwJlDxuzTMI

 

I think too many fighters do neglect the jab but I think it is down to scoring and boxing fans perception lot of the time.

You only have to listen to any commentary these days and jabs are not valued or in some cases not even scored. We have "power punch stats" and they seem to determine rounds.

I think TV and many boxing fans want Gatti Ward type fights, exciting fights, so if somebody is on TV putting on a boxing clinic, just jabbing and moving it does not make entertaining viewing for many fans and boxers know they will not be "trending" positively after a jab fest and maybe not be on TV for a while.

Personally I love watching all styles. I like a mix, I can enjoy the art of boxing, moving and defensive skills but like nearly all fans I love a knockdown drag out war.

I do understand and appreciate the people on this thread explaining about technique and the importance of the jab, mine is just a different point of view, looking at it from a different perspective.

 

There are ways to negate a jab elite boxers will find a way through

 

Be creative.
ie. if your opponent has a good fast jab and long reach, the you can throw multiple quick jabs in succession . Now your inside. They dont always have to land to set up other shots. They have multiple purposes.
And there are 101 ways to use your jab.

 

This is a terrible post. There have been lots of skilled and athletic boxers with a good jab.

Ali
SRL
Hearns
Floyd
Holmes
Lewis
Kalambay

 

Ward's got the best jab in boxing for my money. Very accurate to the head and body. He also times it well and throws it nice and stiff as a very quick counter punch to disrupt his opponent's offense as they try to engage.