RING TACTICS 101 as from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boxing
There are four generally recognized boxing styles that have been used to define fighters since the early twentieth century. They are the boxer (or out-fighter), the puncher (or brawler, or slugger), the in-fighter (or swarmer), and the boxer-puncher. These terms are broad characterizations of a fighter's style, which may include more nuances within each style type.
Out-fighter
A classic boxer (also known as an "out-fighter") seeks to maintain distance between himself and his opponent, fighting with faster, longer range punches, most notably the jab. Since they rely on weaker punches such as the jab, boxers tend to win by points decisions rather than by knockout, although some boxers have notable knockout records. Boxers attempt to control the fight by using their jab to keep their opponent at range, and using fast footwork to evade any opponent that closes in. They are often regarded as the best boxing strategists due to their ability to control the pace of the fight and lead their opponent, wearing him down gradually, and exhibiting more skill and finesse than a brawler.
Notable boxers include Muhammad Ali, Pernell Whitaker, Roy Jones Jr., Floyd Mayweather Jr., Lennox Lewis, Winky Wright, Larry Holems, Hilario Zapata, Anthony Mundine and Oscar De La Hoya.
Puncher
A puncher (or brawler, or slugger) is a fighter who is noted for his raw punching power, rather than finesse in the ring. A puncher typically has a high knockout rate due to his dangerous single-punch power, giving him a "puncher's chance" against most fighters. Many brawlers tend to lack mobility in the ring and have difficulty pursuing fighters who are fast on their feet. They prefer the harder, slower punches (such as hooks and uppercuts) and tend to ignore combination punching. Their slowness and predictable punching patterns (single punches with obvious leads) often leaves them open for counterpunching.
Famous brawlers include Arturo Gatti, Felix Trinidad, George Foreman, Rocky Marciano, Manny Pacquiao, David Tua, Mike Tyson, Nigel Benn, Diego Corrales and former featherweight champion Naseem Hamed.
In-fighter
In-fighters or swarmers stay close to an opponent, throwing intense flurries and combinations of hooks and uppercuts. A successful in-fighter needs a good "chin" because this usually involves being hit with many jabs before they can maneuver inside where they are more effective.
Notable in-fighters include Shane Mosley, Mike Tyson, Jake LaMotta, Ricky Hatton, Jose Luis Castillo, Julio César Chávez, Joe Frazier, Bernard Hopkins, Roberto Duran, Rocky Marciano, Harry Greb, Jack Dempsey, Henry Armstrong, James Toney.
Boxer-Puncher
As noted, many boxers also possess strong punching power, resulting in high knockout rates. Sometimes, such boxers are called "boxer-punchers" since they may resort to slugging or brawling at certain parts of a fight. The boxer-puncher illustrates how fighting styles are not rigid categories, and a fighter may adopt different styles depending on his opponent or the course of the bout.
Style matchups
There is a generally accepted rule of thumb about the success each of these boxing styles has against the others. In general, an in-fighter has an advantage over a boxer, a puncher has an advantage over an in-fighter, and a boxer has an advantage over a puncher. Naturally, many other factors, such as the skill level and training of the combatants, determine the outcome of a fight, but the widely held belief in this relationship among the styles is embodied in the cliché amongst boxing fans and writers that "styles make fights".
Punchers tend to overcome swarmers or in-fighters because, in trying to get close to the slugger, the in-fighter will invariably have to walk straight into the guns of the much harder-hitting puncher, so, unless the former has a very good chin and the latter's stamina is poor, the brawler's superior power will carry the day. Two famous examples of this type of match-up are George Foreman defeating Joe Frazier and Mike Tyson knocking out Joe's son, Marvis Frazier (in just 30 seconds).
Although in-fighters struggle against heavy punchers, they typically enjoy more success against out-fighters or boxers. Out-fighters prefer a slower fight, with some distance between themselves and the opponent. The in-fighter tries to close that gap and unleash furious flurries. On the inside, the out-fighter loses a lot of his combat effectiveness, because he cannot throw the hard punches. The in-fighter is generally successful in this case, due to his intensity in advancing on his opponent and his good agility, which makes him difficult to evade. For example, the swarming Joe Frazier, though easily dominated by the slugger George Foreman, was able to create many more problems for the boxer Muhammad Ali in their three fights than Foreman could. Joe Louis, after retirement, admitted that he hated being crowded, and that a swarmer like Rocky Marciano would have caused him style problems even in his prime.
The boxer or out-fighter tends to be most successful against a brawler, whose slow speed (both hand and foot) and poor technique makes him an easy target to hit for the faster out-fighter. The out-fighter's main concern is to stay alert, as the brawler only needs to land one good punch to finish the fight. If the out-fighter can avoid those power punches, he can often wear the brawler down with fast jabs, tiring him out. If he is successful enough, he may even apply extra pressure in the later rounds in an attempt to achieve a knockout. Most classic boxers, such as Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis, enjoyed their best successes against sluggers.
Ring tactics and strategies are what you will need when you enter the ring with an opponent of a specific physique or style. Although it is difficult to generalize how to deal with all known styles of fighting, the following tactics are generally regarded as the most effective and by no means a full proof replacement for what your individuals coach instructs you to do.
AGAINST A TALL FIGHTER :
You will need to keep moving both ways, draw the lead and slip inside. Once on the inside, switch attacks from head to body with hooks and uppercuts. Care must be taken when trying to get on the inside, you must beware of his uppercuts.
AGAINST A CROUCHING FIGHTER :
Do not work in a straight line, keep moving left and right, side step and work to the sides. Use straight punches and look for openings to use your uppercuts.
AGAINST A PERSISTANT JABBER :
You need to keep pressure on this type of opponent, keep bobbing and weaving and try to slip under the jab. Once inside the jab, work the body with solid hooks and uppercuts.
AGAINST A HEAVY PUNCHER :
You'll need to keep moving against this type of fighter. DO NOT allow him to get set and "plant his feet". Launch unsuspecting attacks. Don't stand and trade punches, circle the ring and in both directions.
AGAINST A COUNTER PUNCHER :
Force him to lead by feinting and try and concentrate on countering his counter. Keep him under pressure and off balance.
AGAINST A SOUTHPAW :
You will need to circle left on the blind side away from your opponents left hook. Use your left hook to cross over the southpaw lead and also use your right hand to head and body.
Ring craft is not a substitute for physical fitness and boxing ability. You must work hard in training and sparring and the ability to solve problems and workout your opponent's strengths and weaknesses will come with experience.
Never stop trying, even though things might not be going well for you in a fight, you must remember that it only takes one well placed punch to turn thing around. Don't be too tense as this will slow down your reactions. Try to appear confident by not displaying signs of tiredness and discomfort, easier said than done but this will come with experience.
Vary your moves and combinations, never use the same move more than twice in succession. A good opponent will notice this and plan for a counter which could be devastating.
