Counterpunching
Counter-punching is often categorised as a style of boxing. Though some boxers will counter-punch more than others, it’s a skill that every boxer should have.
So, what is counter-punching? I like to call it aggressive defence. Rather than passively defending attack after attack, you defuse punches and return fire. It blends together attacking and defending skills together. It achieves our aim: hitting without getting hit.
There is something compelling when a fight goes toe-to-toe and a tear-up ensues. The “I’ll take three of yours to land one of mine” mentality is a spectacle for fans. I still watch the three round war between Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns. It’s an eight-minute rollercoaster of mayhem. I enjoy it in all it's thrilling mayhem. But I get more satisfaction watching counterpunchers. Someone like Willie Pep or James Toney could stand in front of an opponent, make them miss then make them pay. To me, that is boxing.
As a coach I don’t want my boxer to take any punishment they don’t have to. There’s nothing cool about getting punched in the face.
Counter-punching doesn't need to be a two step process. There is no rule that dictates you must wait for your opponent to attack, then defend. Attacking at the same time as your opponent attacks can be much more impactful. This multiplies if an opponent commits with forward motion.
Floyd Mayweather’s win over Ricky Hatton provides a perfect example of this. In round 10 Hatton corners Mayweather and launches a lead hook. Mayweather throws his counter lead hook at the same time, and pivots across. The punch lands, sending Hatton stumbling into the turnbuckle and onto the canvas.
To pull this off, you have to have a good idea of what punch is coming. This uses a little amateur psychology. In poker, a tell is some physical tick or behaviour that gives an opponent an idea of the strength of their hand. Like poker players, boxers have tells. In Hatton’s case, it was a dip of his head to the left that gave the clue to what was coming next.
This is an advanced skill that takes hours of practice and excellent timing. I’d also guess that it was something Team Mayweather spotted in video from Hatton’s previous fights. This highlights the advantage of having footage of a future opponent.
Elite boxers will often use a skill called baiting. They use techniques to tempt opponents into a particular punch. For example, some boxers might drop a hand or place their head in a certain position.
If you know what punch your opponent is going to throw, you can have a defence and counter primed and ready to go.
Mastering these skills takes the battle of tactics to the next level. Every boxer should make countering a staple of their boxing training.
