I have a simple proposal. Stop breaking them. Most of the worst clinch fighters are outside fighters looking to shut down and spoil aggressive opponents. By breaking clinches, you are giving the outfighter free passage back to long range as a reward for clinching. Stopping the pressure fighters momentum, forcing him to reset. Putting a general annoying stop to the action. So stop breaking clinches. Give the inside fighters time to work. Let them work their hands free and do what they came to do. That said I think uppercutting with collar ties should be legal too.
Marquess of Queensberry rules Rule 2—No wrestling or hugging allowed. Is it true that earlier fights had little to no clinching because it was frowned upon, and that it only became a legitimate tactic after Willard used the strategy to beat Jack Johnson? Which was 40 odd years after the rules were developed?