Boxing Defense List

Although boxing is considered to be an offensive and attacking sport, defense is still a major element of every fighter. When I write "defense" I don't mean only the hands of the boxer, but also his legs and reflexes. Defense doesn't only mean blocking punches, but also avoiding and parrying them. Taking hits on the gloves, ducking, bobbing and weaving - these are all essential parts of the boxer's defense line and his boxing capabilities. I'll try to list most of the defensive styles and maybe find some real-life examples.

• Peek-a-boo

Peek-a-boo defensive style was invented by legendary trainer Cus D'Amato and was efectively aplied on Mike Tyson. Most Peek-a-boo boxers count on fast feet and reflexes, as this defensive style requires more footwork rather than using the hands as a protective shield. The hands are put in front of the face so that they can take jabs as the boxer uses his hips to lift his upper body up and down and move left and right to duck punches, get on the inside and use rising hooks and uppercuts to finish his opponent. One of the best Peek-a-boo examples is Mike Tyson.

• Crossed Arms

Crossed armes is not a widely used defensive technique and it's not very popular among boxers, because it is ment to give 100% head protection, but the body is left open and is practicaly defenseless. The hands are placed in the form of the letter "X" in front of the face and cover all the surface from the top to the shoulders. Boxers aply this defense only when they are in serious trouble in order to avoid taking too much head damage until they survive the attack. One of the guys using this defense was George Foreman.

• Crab (Shell)

The Crab (Shell) is one of the most difficult defense styles to learn, because it resides on very quick reflexes, quick feet and great body movement. The shell includes using your armes and one shoulder as a protective shield. For the orthodox boxers you have to put your left hand around your stomach and the right elbow should be standing on your wrist. The right hand protects the mouth and the cheeks as you lift one of your shoulders and stick it next to your cheek. This way your shoulder takes the hit and you can always counter your opponents. Mix this style with bobbing, weaving and stepping back when you want to avoid punches. Probably the best example is Floyd Mayweather.