Advice for the Amateur Fighter
Preparation- There are several things to consider when thinking about fighting in an organized event. These would include your goals, your preparation and your management. Of these three, preparation is probably the most important. You must consider how hard you trained and how mentally and emotionally prepared you are. You should be able to trust your handlers and the decisions they make and the guidance they give you, just because your friends tell you what a great fighter you are, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to step into the ring. Competition is a lot of fun, but getting your head handed to you, can be very discouraging. Make sure you’re going in against someone your level; weight class and style (don’t fight Muay Thai rules if all you trained for is kickboxing or boxing). Remember to never use new techniques or combinations that are you’re unfamiliar or uncomfortable with; the ring is not testing area, so it would be wise to stay clear of flashy kicks or punches that you have not yet mastered.
Styles and Strategies- Here’s some advice that made you may be able to use who against a particular type of fighter.
Against a Taller Fighter:
Slip or catch taller opponent’s straight punches while moving in behind your own jab and follow-up with punch and kick combinations.
To offset their reach advantage, try to make them come to you.
Use multiple leg kicks to destroy their foundation; remember, it is better to land 10 kicks at 50% power than one kick at 100%
Try to cut the ring off by backing a taller opponent into the ropes and staying in his face.
Punch to the liver when close (left hook to the body against a conventional fighter). This is good for taking away an opponents power and will.
Against a Rushing Fighter:
Use the lead leg kick to the inside by to disrupt his balance and for momentum.
If the opponent seems to be a better boxer; clinch them to stop their punches or sidestep to their weak side to offset their power hand.
Do not hesitate to throw the jab and right cross hard at a rushing opponent.
Don’t move straight back; use your angles, sidestep and work the right cross or low round kick.
Against the Shorter Opponent:
a shorter fighter will have to get close to hit you so make sure you use your jab and cross often.
Don’t just step forward but sidestep and keep the fighter at a distance.
Use good punching combinations and finish off with a mid-to low kicks.
Even though it may seem easier for head shots with a kick on a shorter person; a savvy fighter will take your legs out from under you if you throw too many high kicks so use them sparingly.
Against the Jabber:
Use the right hand to catch or brush away jabs.
Drive your leg kicks very hard to disrupt their power from their lead hand.
Try to force them into the ropes and muscle them more with your body, while staying close to them.
Try to cut off the ring and do not allow them to get their range on you so that they can pepper you with their jabs.
Against the Slugger or Brawler:
Always stay moving and do not get your feet planted.
Move in and out quickly while throwing combinations
Do not get into a brawl with them. Remember to outbox and out kick using style and technique.
Fighting a Southpaw:
· Make your opponent come to you.
· Circle to your left and keep your right hand up to catch his powerful jab
· use your lead hook more often and follow-up with a powerful right cross or uppercut
· Utilize your lead leg with more power.
By: Aaron Mendoza
