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Here’s a great European vs American fight style q/a I pulled off of the boxingperformance.com forum. Wise and talented UK boxing trainer John Houston breaks both fight styles down and discusses the pros and cons.

John Houston in the US you always hear trainers talk about the classic European _style_, when an American fights over seas. What is the biggest difference between the two, what makes up the European _style_ and what _style_ do you feel is better when matched up with one another? I know skill prevails with both _style_s but I’m curious to know advantages of one over another. Thanks, Stephen

Stephen, I think the differences in _style_ between American and European boxers are diminishing, a consequence of communication and ideas being easier to disseminate these days.

I suppose the old definition would have been that European boxers box from a more stand up straight position with a tight closed guard, while American boxers employ more fluid waist movement, often with hands held lower. The other difference from these respective stances is the punches thrown. From the straight up; close-guard more straight punches flow, while the American _style_ can favor hooks.

Historically it has to be said, the American _style_ seems to have prevailed when they are matched up. As you say, skills prevail, but all things being equal the American _style_ seems to have come out on top more often, at least in professional boxing. This is really borne out by the fact that the differences between the _style_s are diminishing mainly due to the European adoption of American _style_s. I remember being taught a “British” jab (thrown with the thumb facing up) and an American Jab (palm down) by an old trainer when I started boxing. Now it is only the palm down jab taught as routine. The hook over in the UK is in a transition period, with a lot of amateur trainers still teaching it as thrown with the palm facing down, while most pro’s over here, and an increasing number of amateurs throw it in the American _style_ of thumb facing up.

The growing amalgamation of the _style_s can be seen in the variety of _style_s Europe now exports. Our own Ricky Hatton has taken to calling himself The Manchester Mexican, to reflect his aggressive, pressure fighting _style_. I think the trend will continue as trainers are able to watch different _style_s and swap ideas more freely.

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Muhammad Ali turned 70 years young today. Happy birthday champ!

I have Ali as the #1 best heavyweight champion that has lived thus far. Here’s my reason why.

Ali fought in the golden era of the heavyweight division. Fighting everyone from Archie Moore,Sonny Liston, Floyd Patterson, Joe Frazier, Ken Norton, George Foreman, Ron Lyle, Ernie Shavers, Leon Spinks, Ali fought them all.

Ali’s true greatness may never be truly defined since he was robbed of 2.5 years of his career due to not fighting in Vietnam. Ali was the first 3 time Heavyweight Champion.

His reflexes were beyond quick. He would often make fighters angry by fighting in the pocket and then dance away out of danger before they could get off. His ring generalship is legendary. Muhammad Ali was known to admire and idolize Sugar Ray Robinson and calling him “The King” ” The Master” “His Idol” Ali often looked like a heavyweight version of Sugar Ray Robinson with the way he fought. Just like his idol, nobody did it like Ali.

Now watch the “Greatest at his best!

Rob, You mention Marciano being a very undersized but extremely powerful heavy weight. Jack Dempsey said Marciano was the biggest puncher he ever saw. Being that Marciano seemed to lack hand speed, where did that power come from?

It came from his stance and his excellent punching technique off that stance. Rocky’s trainer Charley Goldman turned Marciano into the devastating force he was. Watch this video to learn how.

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If I had to only have one bag in my gym it would be the double end bag. The heavy bag is very good for conditioning and developing punching power but it is not as near as versatile as the double end bag. I mean you can training offense and defense very effectively with the double end bag and you can’t get lazy with it. It teaches you to be present and sharp.

Watch this clip to learn wht the double double end bag is another great training option as well.

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