BoxRec

I would assume that the larger the person then generally the larger the skeletal mass. A thicker skull, as well as thicker set neck and neck muscles are likely to increase ability to absorb the effects of a shot.

However, I don't think there's been any real tests done on this area. There are number of different factors at play which cause a knockout, and it's pretty complex.

Truth is, there isn't really likely to be a simple conclusive answer to your question.

Stronger legs, stronger neck, stronger back all keep the chin/head supported and balanced. Wlad Klitchko has a weak chin because his legs are very weak and skinny, they dont give him support and balance to take big shots. Tua has huge legs, thick neck, strong back he takes a solid shot

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:Stronger legs, stronger neck, stronger back all keep the chin/head supported and balanced. Wlad Klitchko has a weak chin because his legs are very weak and skinny, they dont give him support and balance to take big shots. Tua has huge legs, thick neck, strong back he takes a solid shot

How do you explain Wayne McCullough and Mickey Ward?

They are both fighting people of the same build, I wouldn't say McCulloch was an especially skinny fighter for the weight class he is in.

Some fighters have thicker jawbones than others, which supposedly helps absorb the impact of the shot.

Knockouts are ususally either caused by sudden rotation of the neck sideways upwards, which eithr causes the spinal cord to be pinched or the region of the brain at the base of the brain at the back (hypothalamus is it?) to be compressed. However, a ko can also be caused by a blow to the nerve bundles at the temple, or by the brain being smashed into the cranium.

A thick neck would protect against the first two, but no the last, although thick neck muscles would perhaps dampen the impact a little.

Mattyp151 wrote:

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:Stronger legs, stronger neck, stronger back all keep the chin/head supported and balanced. Wlad Klitchko has a weak chin because his legs are very weak and skinny, they dont give him support and balance to take big shots. Tua has huge legs, thick neck, strong back he takes a solid shot

How do you explain Wayne McCullough and Mickey Ward?

They're strong in those areas still - strength does not equal size. Big Skeletons also help

Does physical conditioning have any bearing on a fighters ability to take a punch?

dr_devious wrote:Does physical conditioning have any bearing on a fighters ability to take a punch?

Yea concentration and balance is needed, when you lose concentration/balance you'll go down very easily - also leg/neck/back strength is not the same when your fatigued. I think Judah getting hurt in fights is more due to his lack of concentration/composure than a terrible chin.