A question of style

[Newport Daz]

A quick question for the boxers on here.

Over the years of going to shows and watching on TV, I've wondered about the lack of bodywork from heavyweights. It seems to me heavies use very much less body punching than those fighters at lower weights where lots of guys have made their names/reputations becasue of it. Heavies seem to head hunt a lot more, obviously becasue they have the power to KO guys, but surely a well placed body shot could also do the trick, especially with some of these flabby out of shape guys?

So the questions are :-

1. Are heavies coached/taught differently to those at lower weights with a different emphasis on certain aspects of technique?
2. Are there/were there any notable heavyweight body punchers?

Thanks.

[canonball1234]

I find wen I spar the heavyweights in gym to the body they can take them body shots all day even the fat ones it must be that flab, but tyson was a good body puncher

[Mooresy]

I just watched Tua V Ibeabuchi on ESPN classics and they both worked the body really well, especially Ibeabuchi. But your right, don't see too many heavy's going downstairs. Anyone who's not seen the fight, try to. What a wasted talent Ibeabuchi is.

[GAV]

What a wasted talent Ibeabuchi is.

Couldnt agree more. Maybe if he hadn't gone absolutely fruit loop on us then we wouldn't of had to endure as much Heavyweight mediocrity as we have.

[Deserter]

When you have reached maturity it is far more difficult to learn a new skill than when you are a child.

Is this actually scientifically proven Macho? It's one I'm genuinely curious about - because it's physically more challenging or is it a mental issue? I know that any sports I've taken up post-school i've found frustrating at first because I'm far more conscious of what I'm trying to do, whereas as a child I'd just operate instinctively, but that's a mental issue rather than it being related to my physical ability to adapt.

[yiddo14]

I imagine it differs from person to person. There are great fighters that didn't take it up until late. The heavies have a bit more, well a lot more leeway in this respect too.

Athletic people of heavyweight size are a rarity hence the lack if quality in the division compared to every other weight class. Think about it, how many 6'3+ 220lb+ athletic guys you know. Bet it's a lot less than 5'9 160lb guys you know.