Distance Control In Modern Day Boxing

When you look at much of the big fights in professional boxing these days distance control is still key at all levels of pro boxing.

This week’s big Jake Paul vs Anthony Joshua fight will surely need Paul to use distance control to close that range and distance down quickly with quicker footwork than Joshua to get on the inside to land his shots.

Often times the battle of footwork can be pivotal to who gains the upper hand in distance control, keeping a front foot outside of the front foot of that of the opponent.

To keep him where you want him to be, not where he wants you to be. It is what you want that counts at the end of the day.

Distance Control In Modern Day Boxing

There are three distance types new fans to boxing should be aware of mostly.

Close quarters, middle distance and long range on the outside.

Fighting up at close quarters sometimes suits more aggressive body puncher types or those that use dirty boxing and clinching in their fight games.

Mid range can suit a boxer or a puncher depending on what kind of punches he is looking to get off.

Long distance can suit taller opponents with long reaches who sometimes like to use the jab both as a distance and range finder and as a weapon to set up attacks.

Lennox Lewis the former heavyweight champion was a brilliant long range fighter but he could scrap on the inside as well when he needed to.

Distance control is still a key part of the sport and always will be.

With all that being said and done, styles still make fights in boxing.