What are the disadvantages of having ridiculously long reach?

If your reflexes aren't on point, and you fight with a high guard defense, then it could be a struggle to get your high guard back up in time for a big shot.

Plus you might fall in love with your reach advantage at times, and there are fighters who know how to deal with that.

 

there's also the issue of the power arc...just because a fighter has long reach does not mean that their shots will carry significant power at every point of it. Having a crazy long reach could also mean there's a larger safe zone where the opponent could smother the full power of the shots. The weaker area of the range of the longer limbed fighter could be the spot for perfect extension from the shorter-armed man.

 

Liston-Ali I is a great example of both of these points.

Sonny gets caught overextending as he attempts to establish his reach (leaving him open defensively), and his habit of dropping his left after jabs from time to time makes it harder for him to defend and counter Ali's flurries.

It's not because Liston couldn't jab, of course; I firmly believe it's because he was able to get away with those habits against fighters he enjoyed more physical advantages against, and he got frustrated that Ali was able to capitalize on the flaws other men might've noticed, but couldn't make Sonny pay for.

 

Perfect example given. Absolutely perfect.

 

Something that hasn't been mentioned is arm weariness. Long arms are heavy and put a lot of torque on the shoulder. Longer armed guys generally cannot maintain the volume of shorter armed fighters.

 

Thanks chief, the example wouldn't have fit if your theory wasn't on point. :good

 

:thumbsup

 

harder to throw hooks and uppercuts from close but a decent fighter with long reach will usually keep the fight at a reasonable distance and pump the jab. (Wlad vs Haye is a good example)

 

The main disadvantage is if you end up fighting someone quick with short arms they can be at a huge advantage on the inside. In general though, arm length is probably an advantage.

One thing to remember about reach is it doesn't really matter what it is vs your height. Its reach vs weight. So even if you 6 feet tall with arms that reach 5ft 9, you would probably be at an advantage in reach @ 135.

Even though Pac and Marquez reach is average for their heights, its pretty short for the 147 division. They only have a reach of 67 inches...(I would say average for that divison is probably around 69-70inches)

However you still see them able to outjab opponents with their superior skills.(and pac's speed, he recently out jabbed Bradley with a reach of 72 inches, and Marquez out jabbed Alvarado with a reach of 70 inches.)

Guess what I'm trying to say is reach is good, but skills/speed can close the gap.

 

:good