Slugger Boxing Style: Boxing fans hold the “slugger” boxing style in high regard since it frequently results in dramatic knockouts. Boxing greats like as George Foreman, Sonny Liston, and Deontay Wilder rose to prominence by perfecting this technique. They had a reputation for getting closer to their opponents so they could land powerful blows. A slugger-style boxer usually doesn’t mind absorbing a few blows to finish the fight.
Even though they may not seem as technically skilled as deft or defensive counterpunchers, sluggers are difficult to master. If you’re not naturally heavy-handed, you’ll need to gain tremendous power in both hands, which is no small task. Sluggers must also bulk up physically to maximise their striking force.
Recognising The Slugger Boxing Style
Fundamentals like footwork are less of a concern for sluggers than for other types, like out-boxers. Since their battles don’t last very long, they also don’t need to have very high stamina. Being able to take a blow and having devastating punch power are the two major requirements for success as a slugger. Since they frequently initiate the tempo of fights, sluggers must also possess aggression. To be able to attack their opponents at the correct moment, they must possess exceptional skills at stopping the ring.
Technical boxing and grace are not prioritised in the slugger fighting style. Its goal is to overpower opponents with a torrent of precise power blows. The style depends on overwhelming opponents with physical force, iron chins, and raw striking power in the hopes of a knockout.
Sluggerdom has drawbacks as well. For example, boxers frequently commit to their blows to strike them with maximum force, which frequently exposes them to counterpunches and rapid outside jabs. The most successful sluggers thus usually have iron bodies and chins. A slugger must be able to withstand a lot of blows and keep up the pace.
Technically speaking, sluggers don’t always have to be the best fighters; in fact, many astute, technical fighters select the slugger strategy because it works for them. You should never assume that a slugger can’t box.
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Advantages Of The Slugger Boxing Style
Several factors contribute to the slugger style choice of boxers, including:
1) It Fits Them Naturally
Just as some people are made to be out-boxers, others are made to be sluggers. For instance, sluggers are usually short and have a tank-like build, but out-boxers are usually long and rangy. A prime example of the slugger body type is Mike Tyson.
In addition to their boxing training, sluggers should be naturally powerful or, at the very least, committed to a strength-building exercise regimen. The slugger style is a natural fit for many powerful fighters.
2) Causes Additional Knockouts
Some boxers are drawn to the slugger style because they find the concept of knocking opponents out appealing. In boxing, a knockout is the ultimate triumph, and many boxers enter the sport to become the next Mike Tyson and knock out opponents en route to a championship challenge.
3) More Suitable For Hasty Boxers
Some fighters only choose the slugger strategy because they lack the boxing IQ to execute complex offensive strategies or the stamina to stick to a slow-moving game plan for the duration of a boxing match. Some people’s sole desire is to hurl bombs in the face of others. If you fit that description, the slugger style could be perfect for you.
4) Lessens The Value Of Footwork
To be an out or defensive boxer, you will require outstanding footwork. That cannot be avoided. If you’re not an excellent footworker, it will be difficult for you to control distances and avoid shots as an out-boxer.
Because it depends less on footwork than other styles, the slugger style is more appropriate for fighters who cannot or will not master strong footwork. Sluggers often just go ahead in their encounters.
Taking The Slugger On
You will need to learn how to resist their aggression whether or not you decide to adopt the slugger approach. You’ll certainly run into one as it’s one of the most common styles among boxers.
The following are some essential actions you should take to prevent becoming a slugger’s next victim:
1) Avoid Being Hit
Sluggers may hit rather hard, so it’s best to avoid being in the line of their powerful blows rather than trying to stop them. A slugger drains you with every punch they land, and the cumulative effect of parried blows can decide the outcome of a fight.
Recall what we previously stated about sluggers dedicating themselves to their power punches. That’s an opportunity for you to seize. When sluggers plant their feet to deliver powerful blows, it presents an opportunity for you to move out of range or deflect the attack with your head. Since out-boxers are usually the most technically proficient boxers with superior footwork and head movement, they usually have the simplest time handling brawlers.
2) Atack The Body
When they punch, boxers use their entire body weight. Initially produced in the legs, the power travels through the core, arms, and shoulders before ending up in the fist. The amount of damage a slugger can deliver will decrease with each break in that chain.
One of the simplest ways to break the kinetic chain that gives a slugger their strength is to go for the body. They won’t be able to use their legs to propel their blows if their core is injured.
3) Resist Their Clutches
Sluggers usually possess strong defensive strategies. Most have iron chins and are excellent blockers and barriers. However, they frequently commit to blows that miss or don’t land cleanly due to their aggressive, swing-big approach. This gives rise to counter-advantages that can be used. To counter and catch the slugger off guard, try to entice them into throwing the blows you want them to deliver.
4) Exhaust Them
People who are heavy lifters tend to have bigger muscles, which need more energy to maintain. A slugger’s energy reserves are depleted by every significant action, particularly when they’re going for early knockouts.
When they are forced to battle past the sixth round, sluggers usually lose effectiveness. During their historic fight, Muhammad Ali employed the now-famous “rope-a-dope” tactic to wear down George Forman before knocking him out in the latter rounds.
