Clenching: Under Rated Technique Or Cowards Way Out

Or Hopkins vs Calzaghe.

 

If you really wanna break it down, it's a coward's way out...

Because you only clinch if you can't handle what the guy is dishin out...

It's really what seperates boxing from two guys rollin around on the ground with their panties on...

But, if it's used minimally maybe just to shut a guys offense down on the inside, it's a good technique, for especially a taller man to use...

But I wouldn't be praising people for it from the perspective of a viewer because it's not asthetically pleasing...

I prefer fights without it...

But if you're good enough you can prevent your man from doing it, see Haye vs Valuev...

 

A clench is an excellent tool to be used if in trouble, disrupt your opponents rhythm and give you a breather if you are tired.

 

Mosley did a fantastic job of using this technique to slowdown Margarito and eventually Ko'ed him. It's great when used the right way but when used in the wrong manner it's a different story!!

 

The clinch is Margarito's kryptonite!

 

Well there is effective clinching, when you clinch to set something up or to survive a round when your hurt.

And there is coward clinching, when you clinch excessively because your catching a beatdown or your gassed.

 

To be used only when neccessary

 

Clinching isn't that bad, though the less the better IMO.

Of course, if my favourite fighter were on the verge of being stopped, I'd gladly allow him to clinch all he likes until he clears his head.

But holding is wrong, and illegal - especially holding the opponents arm with yours and hitting him with the other..... Hatton (ahem!)

 

When Ruiz does it, he's literally hugging because he's afraid to fight.

When someone like Hopkin's does it, it's a technique advantage to dirty box on the inside, leverage his opponent. Lay on his opponent, weaken the legs etc.

 

Hey, as long as there are punches thrown, right? More than you can say for Huggybear Ruiz; whose fights look more like greco-roman wrestling than boxing. At least Hatton hits his opponents!

 

Clinching is justified as long as it's not over used.

 

Call it what you want, but it's still Hopkins' fault that the Calzaghe fight sucked. Thank God he didn't win!

 

Its ok as long as it isn't overused.

 

i agree with this. as much as i love seeing guys just throw down every minute of every round, it is a part of the sport.

 

Never said it was fun to watch. :yep