Interesting suggestion. I think it would be fair to say that 12 rounders aren't the same as 15 rounders in that sense, but do you think it altered tactics? Has the general mentality changed from 'Do whatever you can to break an opponent down' to 'Box the guy for 12 rounds'. Following on from that point, do you think it hurts boxing that we don't see as many wars of attrition?
I think body-punching is still used effectively and remains very important. I mean, look how many terrific body-punchers fought in none, or few, scheduled 15 round fights. Chavez, Tyson, McCallum, Ward, Mosley, Montiel, Barrera, Hatton, Margarito, Cotto, Jones, etc...12 rounds is still plenty of time to wear down opponents to the body even if there is 3 less rounds. It's the pacing that has changed, you obviously are going to fight a little different if there are less rounds available.