Educate me on the importance of getting the centre of the ring

Exactly. It means you are not playing the defensive game. Center control isnt because you want to hold the middle, its simply because you are pacing your opponent with a superior offense, and if you pursue his escape tactically you will move laterally to block the corners and seal him in. It has a lot to do with who is the more dangerous one when it comes to trading. You can make a comparison by viewing past fights (who is running away and who keeps advancing pacvscotto foremanvsali). Truth be told the better infighter will stand their ground without backing up, and naturally he will be be one holding center ring cause for every one step you take side ways, the one on the outside has to take two (just to get away from being sealed off). You can outbox them and refuse to budge, but that simply means it is your strong game, it may not necessarily win you the fight.

 

Exactly, the key is to be the first to establish a shot.