why don't boxers focus on building leg strength

Look at Wilder and tell me punching power comes mainly from leg strength lol, Myth Busted

There are many factors that make up a puncher, but punchers are born, not made!!!

 

It's not that they don't strengthen their legs, it's just that the ability to gain mass on the legs varies more due to genetics. A lot of big punchers have strong legs but they aren't as big as their upper body. Strength and mass don't necessarily correlate, especially when it comes to explosive strength.

 

Punching power comes from mainly torso/core. Leg strength is important in general but its the motion of the punch of turning into it that gives it power ,not the legs as most believe. Certainly you drive into the shots with good form from the bottom up,but ultimatly power is generated by the core because you are driving the actual punch from there.

Mike Tyson for example often had one foot off the ground because he had to punch guys well over 6'2 almost always. The way he drove shots from his hooks he had execellent torque on his shots.Im using tyson because hes a perfect example of how to throw a great power punch using leverage of everything while twisting into the punch.

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Power comes from putting your whole body into it. The arms play as much of a part as the legs. Everything has to be smooth and connected. No gaps or kinks in the movement. Most people only punch with upper body.

 

Who says punching power comes from leg strength? Does physics not apply to boxers?

"Give me a lever and I can move the world".

 

Exactly. Ive been involved with boxing for over 30 years and there is no explanation for power. Ive heard every single answer there is. Ive heard everything from the calves to the forearms, knuckle size etc. No one really knows. I remember mentioning here before about a guy i knew who was about 5`7 140lbs and i seen the guy drop 200lbs guys with a single punch! Sure he didnt have gloves on but at that size with that power fighting guys his weight he would be dangerous if he had the skills.

 

^^

Leg strength is part of the core. To have a strong torso means to have strong trunks with which to carry that torso. Look at Tyson's legs, they are thick. Check out Pacquiao's legs, especially calfs which are massive. You have to have a strong torso/legs with which to build your power from, all the way down to your toes.

"“When watching the one-inch punch, you can see that his leading and trailing legs straighten with a rapid, explosive knee extension,” Rose says. The quick preceding leg movement allows Lee to torque his hips with more power, and the hip twist allows him to turn his upper body that much faster."

http://nerdist.com/the-science-behind-bruce-lees-punching-power/

This, and it comes down to commitment to the punch thru. Guys like Tyson and Pac commit fully to the punch. They are punching thru their targets. If you don't commit like that you use less of your core strength...

 

Leg training builds muscle fast on most and if fighters started packing on lower body muscle they would find themselves out of their weight classes very quickly.

 

Wilder can't be bothered w that

 

Legs are not really the core...everything i posted is correct not everyone has strong legs just bc they have strong torso. wilder really is a great example of this,hes got by far the worst balance bc his legs dont match his core......

if you really want to get into detail beyond core...power is generated by forearm and wrist strength really,along with how much your ligaments can absorb of shock coming back into your body when you hit a solid object. You can only punch as hard as your hand can take and thats supported by the wrist /forearm...now go look at how many surgeries wilder has had bc of hand issues.

 

You need quick and agile legs for footwork and all that jumping around so I guess it isn't wise to bulk up some huge muscular legs and become a stiff plodder.

When it comes to power you have to understand that different muscles are involved in different types of punches. Not every punch requires the same muscles. Leg muscles work the most in specific types of hooks where you really shift your body weight on one leg and then trigger a short narrow power hook. Basically what Mike Tyson did a lot. Other muscles are involved in that specific hook too though like biceps (if you punch the hook with your thumb facing up) and lats and obviously the core. Tyson shifted entire weight on one leg a lot with his uppercuts too and used a lot of leg muscles there too. Those were the perfect punches for his physique because he really had those specific muscles that work the most in those punches developed really well.

With straight punches triceps is more important and the legs don't work that much, except if you really load up on the straight right.

I think this is the reason why in general lanky tall fighters known for power have powerful straight punches (jabs and straight rights) while shorter power punchers are generally known for their hooks, overhands and uppercuts.

 

punching power, cat like reflexes, elite timing fighters are born with these attributes. some have it some dont.
most fighters train to improve these areas but everyone can spot the naturals.