What is that guard?

[Duch]

I'm not a boxer or trainer but I didn't know where to open that topic.

Larry Holmes vs. Ken Norton (in the circle)
http://images34.fotosik.pl/714/8bf8bf7ec37c47e5med.jpg

Joe Frazier (in the circle) vs. Muhammad Ali
http://images44.fotosik.pl/751/209c463e7de46f13med.jpg

I heard from one of Polish commentators that it's "a famous Philadelphian guard".
Is it really how it's called? And if that's true, then why it's called "a Philadelphian guard"? Do boxers use that guard today or it's rather just a reminiscence of past? And what are advantages and disadvantages?

For me it looks strange when two hands are crossed.

[stevieb_8006]

The cross arm defence. Sometimes known as the armadillo or the crab defence. It's similar to the Philly shell, but doesn't really serve the same purpose. it's more of a defensive guard used by fighters that want to swarm and close the range on their adversary (or so i believe, I'm know expert).

It protects the head from incoming shots, and the fighter usually bends or crouches to protect their body.

[pablothunder]

Archie Moore used it a lot. He's the best example I can think of.

[stevieb_8006]

yeah and the second coming of George foreman.

[Poncey]

It's called the Philly Shell

[boxbible]

Philly Shell or Cross Arm.

Its great for hard punching, offensive fighters and left hookers. You can stay in punching position as you advance while picking off head shots with the right hand only.

The downside is that when you meet a combination puncher that mixes to the body well, it's weak.

[scallum]

Don't think that guard is really effective. I think it is better to do the Jamesw Toney / Mayweather guard

[scallum]

The one Norton and Frazier uses allows you to be more offensive but also puts you in to much open to be hit imo