Fundamentals.

[VG_Addict]

We talk about how a fighter is fundamentally sound.

Well, what do you consider to be the fundamentals of boxing?

[littlepug]

jab, footwork and defence are the things that are hammered into newcomers of the sport, master those and your well on your way

[palooka]

A good boxer needs to be drilled in the mechanics of each punch, footwork that does not trip them up, a good guard, held in and out of range, non telegraphed punches, the ability to party and block, slip and roll. Those elementary skills need to be mastered on their own, when on the bags or pads and when sparring with boxers with different styles. The boxer would then be fundamentally sound IMO.

[palooka]

I like trees too, but not as much as you

[Stevieb8006]

the ability to party and block,

YES!! The coach I've been searching for, when can I start?

[palooka]

the ability to party and block,

YES!! The coach I've been searching for, when can I start?

well spotted! Gym times, 6 - 8, bring some cans and a fancy shirt.

[Kalan]

jab, footwork and defence are the things that are hammered into newcomers of the sport, master those and your well on your way

That's true... Those 3 are big... Then a straight right, left hook, right hook, uppercuts, combinations, body shots, feints, patience, and boxing instead of brawling. Not throwing when you don't have a target. Let the other kid throw big and pick him off with smoother, more accurate, better timed shots.

[Kalan]

Also the stance... That's number one. You're screwed if your stance is messed up.

[Emmseegee]

Far from being the fundamentals but when I see people hitting a bag the first thing I often judge them on is their jab and lead hook. (Hook with their weaker hand depending on their stance)

People with no proper training or appreciation for boxing can very rarely deliver they two most basic punches well.

[Kalan]

People without training can rarely ski-jump well... People without training can rarely do a gymnastics pommel horse routine well... People without training can rarely do a front 4 and a half dive off a 10 meter platform well... People without training can rarely sculpt marble well... People without training can rarely beat grand master chess players... People without training can rarely pole vault well... People without training can rarely do brain surgery well... People without training can rarely blow glass well... People without training can rarely swim competitively

The thing is, anybody who teaches you the above skills is usually very good at them -- or they were very good at them at one time... A lot of coaches who teach boxers never fought...or never fought at a highly competitive level.. They have no idea what they're talking about.. That's why, when you watch a lot of amateurs fight, it's a swing fest -- and when you watch some professionals fighters fight, it's a swing fest.. It's the blind leading the blind.

[Mr.DW]

Pretty much what comes to mind when you think about Joe Louis.

[Kalan]

Joe Louis had one of the greatest trainers in Boxing History... Jack Blackburn took a raw amateur in Louis and had him boxing, jabbing, and fighting the pants off Max Baer 14 months later... Baer, who was bigger, taller, and longer limbed then Louis had never been stopped.., He was gone in 4...

[Scrap]

Fundamentals, understanding what moves you, and Newtons law Helps.