Origins of the Shoulder Roll Defense

did jack Johnson use it?...I think its a natural thing for fighters to do if they can pull it off.

 

New name for old moves. Able used it on Cain. And lost!

Used to be called the "half guard" because only one hand is up. Also called "crab defence" because of the side on nature of its use.

 

His arch-rival Joe Gans was a Fitz admirer, so it's a good bet that Holly took a cue from Gans and watched Fitz closely. From all the newspaper reports I've gathered, Holly fought out of a shell, similar to Marlon Starling or Winky Wright, but a bit more crouched forward. He was as strong as hell and a handful for anyone. Gans said Holly was harder to beat than Battling Nelson.

 

Sherriff demonstrated the triple roll before a top hat and tails crowd in Small Hills, NJ but alas it was not used in actual combat. There was talk of him incorporating it into future bouts but alas he expired after the Welch bout, which some estimate was his 400th fight. A great.

 

Oh, I meant if Gans took it from Fitz (because of Joe's admiration for Bob like you mentioned). As for Holly, I've read about his style in an article of yours I believe? Sounds like an exciting fighter. The article was great BTW. It's what got me interested in the guy, actually.

You know, it's funny you mentioned Starling, cause I've always wondered if Elbows McFadden, which also gave Gans a hard time, fought in a style close to Marlon's. You know, elbows to the ribcage, hands up, dynamic blocking...

 

Was that Mexican Jack Welch or Young Soldier Welch?

 

Do not scoff or belittle or condescend. This Jack Welch, who had 218 bouts besides these two with Sherriff.

http://boxrec.com/list_bouts.php?human_id=168633&cat=boxer

 

Thanks. Glad you liked the article Took me about 6 months to research that one.

Funny you should mention Elbows. In the latest issue of the IBRO journal there is an article on him written by Bob Collins. You should check it out

 

Will do :good

 

Bert Gilroy created it, but was denied his rightful recognition by biased English boxing authority and thief americans stealing it.

 

I think it's probably as old as boxing itself, Marquis of Queensberry that is.

 

It is the natural reaction. Throw- or feint- a right hand at somebody that knows nothing about boxing, and they will draw back behind their left shoulder. Dropping the hands while you do it- so you can punch back- is the leap of faith.