Rolling your head with the punch...?

I guess this is a pretty advanced technique. Sounds simple, which it is - in theory, but can also be misused. Probably why I don't see it done in the amateurs, and why I don't plan on trying this out anytime soon myself.

Brilliant thread - great topic!

 

Edited Below...

 

The amatuer scoring system is very different. They are basically just counting punches landed. Do a google search for "amatuer boxing gloves" and you will see this

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If you are touching a scoring part with the white part of the glove, it's a scored blow. Even when your opponent rolls the shot, chances are you touched his face and "scored"

 

I remember Canelo use it (can't remember opponent) and Manny Stewart called it the Mexican head roll used by fighters like Duran (who I have seen use it many times).

 

Manny's broadcasting partner, I believe it was Lampley actually thought Canelo got hit flush so I could see how some judges and fans might come to the same conclusion.

 

You guys have to keep in mind that judges can typically call a roll when they see it happen in real time. Although we like to assume that judges that have differing opinions than ours are "blind", they've typically seen enough fights to know when a punch is rolled. Furthermore, Straight hands are rolled the most frequently, followed by hooks. Some cats can roll uppercuts well, but that is less common. As a judge, you should have a pretty solid understanding of what kind of attacks/techniques are going to be used in the sport. I think that successful rolls are judged accordingly, and remember, judges aren't generally sitting there counting punches, as much as they are (or should be) looking for criteria that meets their specific definition of winning the round.

In regards to whether or not a rolled punch is scored as a power punch or not, well, that is on a case by case basis. If a straight right hand is slipped, and it is slipped correctly, meaning it just passes, or ideally, literally grazes over your right shoulder/right ear, is that considered a landed power shot? It shouldn't be,the hand technically made contact (in the most minimal sense), but was in reality, was masterfully slipped. I think that rolling/riding a punch should be treated as such. If you botch a slip attempt, you eat the full shot, similarly, if you botch a roll, you eat the shot, which is why off beat timing of punches can cause a fighter that utilizes the roll fits.

Alternatively, if rolls/grazing slips are scored as landed shots/power shots, then the responsibility of capitalizing on the slightly larger counter punching window created by the technique is on the shoulders of the user. He is in turn, sacrificing the value of the attack in points to increase the likely hood of landing a successful counter attack at the most perfect time. (The user of the roll is actually placing himself at perfect counter punching timing as the attacker is generally at full extension and possibly reaching Etc.) This is similar to how fighters (JMM) use their forehead to catch a shot to launch a counter punch hoping to land at the most opportune time. They approach this situation understanding that the forehead block is going to count as a landed shot for their opponent, but they sacrifice that to land a shot that could possibly lead to more points, better positioning, or a possible fight ending counter shot. This is master level boxing, placing the boxers focus on winning exchanges, which is what boxing is all about.

KO King: That is a freaking great observation. I think that sometimes people don't pay enough attention to the affect fatigue has on a fighter. Having to pass through a target you assumed you were going to hit, catch yourself, square up, pivot and re-post is a lot of energy spent. Meanwhile, the opponent has cartblanche. He has all kinds of options and targets to attack. In addition, catching/blocking shots has an affect on the defender, arm fatigue is a real thing, and rolling shots can really mitigate some of those effects... Good stuff man...

This is an interesting thread...

 

Very savvy 'n clearly explained, MEM

 

slick

 

they have changed that to the 10 points must system, I believe, also more recently its not any punch that lands with correct part, its any significant punch with enough force behind it that counts

 

I'd say just about most Philly fighters are taught this. even today. the guy in my avatar did it pretty well, Jirov.
i mean in general rolling with a punch. but I heard I think on HBO maybe Emanuel Steward say that a lot of Mexicans just turn their head from the punch

 

when you roll with the punch it takes the power off of it and leaves them open for counters..it can be the last line of defense or as a trap to open up your counters

 

that was it

 

Mccallum, Duran, Toney do it the best at least that I've seen.

 

Exactly so. Excellent post.


What non-boxers probably don't realize is that you don't "roll" exactly. The head makes that movement, but what the boxer actually does is to "simply" keep his neck & shoulders loose. OK, not relly so "simple," but if you understand this concept, then you can see how it's possible to do this so quickly. You are not MAKING the movement, so much as you are ALLOWING the movement.

Like a sapling in the wind, grasshopper.