For the amateurs on here who have sparred with a few pros what was the biggest differences you noticed from sparring amateurs? First thing I noticed was the hand speed with what looks like a shot that would be too slow suddenly hits you at will (flicker jab) and hit a lot harder than other experienced ams I have sparred. What everyone else think?
They are obviously pulling there shots but feel so much more solid. Why? Probably from training like pros.
Everything. Better power, better perceived speed, fitter and tougher. Power because pro's have a massively different emphasis in their sport. They sit on every punch, and don't do the amateur punching and moving as much. Whilst I doubt many of the pro's I sparred had better raw handspeed than me, they often beat me to the punch. And, I found it hard to slip them. Reason being, 10+ yrs in the sport yields a good sense at when you will punch and also an excellent technique. So they won't be telegraphing punches at all. Tougher! This one will probably be contentious. But, there is no doubt in my mind pro's took shots better and showed far less reaction to punches. Sparring pro's and amateurs are worlds apart! A pro without great talent can, and probably will, give you fits as an amateur.
I've only sparred one pro and there wasn't much of a difference, some of the amateurs I've sparred hit harder and were technically more sound. He did load up on many punches though, he was a bit power hungry.
yeah I think this is a big difference even when you watch amateurs fight they go all out instead of thinking and trying different things