Punch Power Myth.

Gaining weight properly surely increases the muscle mass, therefore the potential of that muscle. Maybe gaining from 225 lb to 260 (as with your example) won't give significant power increase, it's also related to the person's genetics. But here comes the physics: more mass however will generate at least slightly harder punch. But the punching power is a gift as well, so not everyone has it.

 

You can only do so much to increase a fighters power, because their nervous system is the key component.

I imagine that Holyfield did hit harder at heavyweight, because the sports science suggests that he would.

However I imagine that diminishing returns set in very rapidly, and that the principle advantage gained would be in his physical strength.

 

Mass increase will increase punching power but (imho) too much will reduce explosiveness. You still want speed and snap on those punches

 

It can work both ways I guess..in Wilfredo Gomez and Roberto Duran's cases going up in weight decreased their power at least a bit.

 

In theory, yes - increased body weight can increase punch power, but will only be realized, if the increase is effective in combination with the ability to generate instantaneous force and velocity.

Extra weight will not help if it diminishes mobility, timing, speed and technique and might even produce negative returns, where these facets are impaired.

 

I don't think there's many fighters whose KO% increased as They were moving up in weight. Even if You can increase power as You put on more muscle mass, You're also fighting opponents who are naturally bigger, thus physically more "sturdy" and capable of absorbing that power better, so effectively even if You punch harder, your power will be less impactful against bigger men.

I believe that this is true as well, particulary for certain type of fighters who generate power more like high-jumpers rather than Olympic weight-lifters - so Tommy Hearns vs Mike Tyson for example.

Tyson's power probably increased with all of the heavy lifting He was doing (While it might've hurt his conditioning), but the same kind of approach would've only hurt Tommy, in my opinion, slowing him down and taking away some of that natural fluidity and sharpness.

So different strokes for different folks.

 

Relative to their bigger opponents punch resistance it did. In absolute terms I doubt it reduced their power.

 

You have a ceiling of potential and I don’t think bodyweight plays a part once you’re at a healthy weight. I think your form is on point and you are sharp that’s all there is to it, if you’re a natural 135lbs guy I personally don’t think you’ll hit harder at 220lbs.

 

Total truth though, Evander Holyfield would never be stopped by anything short of “Big” James Toney.