I remember when I first started training properly in boxing at 28 years old and reading a quote from frank now kelly Maloney that whenever he met a new fighter he would check the size of hands to see if he punched hard,the size of his feet to see how good his balance will be and also the length of his neck to see how his punch resistance is? Im now 31 and have had 17 Amatuer and White coller fights. When I read this article I thought **** if that's true im f****** as im 6ft 2 middleweight with small hands and average size feet and a really long neck hahaHaha. Im no puncher but one thing I seem to be able to do his take a shot Iv had like I say 17 fights been against some really good kids plus been in some brutal sparring with much bigger lads and never been knocked off my feet Iv never even been rocked I would say so im not sure the long neck theory for punch resistance is correct. What do you guys think about it?
Sounds like you proved it wrong. I have small hands a neck not too long but a little longer than average as well as average feet. My balance is pretty good and so is my power imo. I don't believe these myths about physical attributes dictating whether you are going to be a good fighter or not. Power is about the kinetic chain, technique, and speed. Taking a punch is about toughness, you got it or you don't. Balance is the only one I could see there being an argument for but not a good one since it is about the placement of weight.
It's rather the opposite, people with "no neck" who have naturally large traps are better built for boxing and combat sports in general (harder to submit in MMA). Easier to hide your chin and your head doesn't shake that much when you get hit. Think about Provodnikov for example.
When are ppl going to realize that boxing requires a certain build and if you don't have become a trainer.
I don't think that is necessarily true. If it was then there wouldn't be many styles. A good fighter plays to there strengths and weaknesses. The certain build you are talking about is being a natural. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work as hard. Hearns had a long neck but yet he is considered an ATG.
Point being that so many ppl are fascinated by defense of James Toney even though as George foreman pointed out Toney has a thick short neck. In final it's doesn't matter how good your head/torso movements are since at some point your going get hit.
Yes, but if you're good enough you can prevent yourself from getting hit clean like Mayweather who has only been hit clean a couple of times in his career. A shorter neck is always better than a longer neck I just think that neck length or things of that nature can prevent someone from becoming a great fighter. Have to know how to adapt.
Mayweather's got reflexes for those who don't pulling the shoulders backwards or forwards won't keep you from getting hit cleanly.