"Protect yourself at all times"

The 5 most misunderstood words in boxing.....
Fans today don't seem to understand what exactly does this mean.
What are the limits?

Is it a 100% free pass to attack the opponent at all times up to the point the referee formally stops the fight...as many fans nowadays seem to assume?

Or, as I believe, just a caution to a boxer to be constantly on his guard, to take some responsibility for his own safety! etc, since for any number of reasons the ref may not be in a position to protect him 100% of the time.

 

On the contrary...I DID learn. I learned that there seems to have been a 'shift' over time in the interpretation by fans and boxers alike of one of the core rules of boxing.

This is what I am attempting to explore here. Is that OK with you?

 

Let me explain my understanding of the rule.

I believe it was intended to protect naive boxers who might make an innocent, dangerous move. To stop guys from suddenly stopping to adjust their gum shield, hitch up their shorts, talk to the ref, wave to someone in the audience etc etc

I believe it applied ONLY to those times when the fight is underway. When the two boxers are squared up to one another, within punching range. THATS what "protect yourself at all times" should mean IMO.

(For example when jack sharkey turned to complain to the ref, Dempsey ko'd him with a left hook). THAT sort of situation. Heat of the moment, heat of battle etc etc In such a situation, with punches flying, it is too harsh to blame the other guy for taking advantage.


I do NOT feel the obligation to "protect yourself at all times" extends to a situation where the fighters are well outside punching range. Several feet/metres apart.

For example. If, during a natural break in combat...such as following a knockdown, with the boxers some distance apart, a boxer CLEARLY and unambiguously indicates that he is surrendering, it is NOT acceptable for the opponent to rush across the open space between them, go around, or through, the ref, and attack the surrendering guy.

 

It's an ok post...maybe not "very good".

We're talking about an organised sports event here ...not a streetfight. A boxer IS entitled to the protection of rules and officials. I don't get this "you gets paid your money and you take your chances" attitude. That attitude implies complete barbarism...and we are still some little bit civilised after all. There are rules.

Of course the best way to opt out is to take a knee, but we don't live in a perfect world.

 

I agree he should have taken a knee.


But he did CLEARLY signal that he was finished. I never for a second doubted what he meant. I don't think you did watching, did you? I don't think taylor did either.
Who's to say taylor wouldn't have hit him on one knee?

 

Davie was awful really. He "boxed" ..if you could call it boxing...like a complete novice. He had zero amateur career, right? It showed. In the wpearly rounds he was blatantly and illegall,leading with the elbow, yet the ref, foster never stopped him. He took a severe beating, particularly to the body...either he is particularly brave and tough, or Taylor has no power.
I think people need to bear in mind that Taylor only really beat a non-boxer in there. For me, the jury is still out on taylor..id need to see him in with a real boxer before getting too excited about him.

 

I know...the "playing possum" ambush situation...

Well, for starters there is several feet between them...so as long as you don't move I. You can't be sucker punched by a guy playing possum.

Secondly, within a second or two the ref will (should) accept his surender ( so the guy pulling a fast one will only be hurting himself).

Hope this answers your question.