Lewis' Power Jab

The trouble with rating jabs is you can't evaluate the punch in isolation, you have to look at what the fighter does with it and how effectively he implements it into his overall strategy. Tons of guys had very powerful, jolting jabs but weren't able to use it in the way that would help them win the fight. Lots of guys had quick, flicking jabs, but aren't noteworthy for the same reason.

Lennox had both a hard jolting jab and a fast flicking jab and could switch between them seamlessly, utilising a third pawing jab to keep the opponent from getting settled. In terms of versatility he was up there with the very best. My only criticism is his consistency, but that was a result of his occasional lapses of concentration, and was a factor in both his losses.

 

Good idea. Maybe I'll make one.

 

I think if you have a power jab you need to be a certain type of fighter, heavy handed, stocky, maybe a bit plodding, a stalker who uses their jab to physically drive the opponents onto the backfoot so that you can corner them and blast them against the ropes. Obvious examples would be Liston and Foreman, but also fighters like Mercer, Peter, Bruno, Mason etc. The jab doesn't tend to be very versatile, and derives its power from its consistent and bludgeoning force that physically damages the opponent as much as it disrupts their rhythm and mentally batters them down.

If you have a sharp, rapier-like jab you tend to be taller and rangier, using your speed, agility and footwork to stab and slash at the opponent before they can get their own punches off. You're more likely to utilise feints, pawing shots and variations in speed and angle to blind and frustrate the opponent. Obvious examples would be Holmes and Ali, but also fighters like Wlad, Fury, Usyk, Donald.

Lennox is kind of a hybrid in that he had both a huge power jab (look at the jab that he rocked Vitali to his boots with) and a sharp stinging jab (countless fights). I'd argue that his jab is one of the best the HW division has ever seen, and potentially the best if you take into account his dominance with it.

 

Make what , a clinch reel? lol

 

No... a jab reel?