Are there any dis-advantages of having long reach?

Question

Are there any dis-advantages of having long reach?

Answer 1

There are far more advantages then disadvantages to having a long reach.  A fighter with a long reach might suffer other disadvantages for other reasons.  

Here are a few examples.  Most fighters with long reach are taller.  In non-heavyweight classes it usually means you are fighting shorter opponents who can take body punishment better than you can.  IF you are a 6ft welterweight,  chances are you will not take body punishment very well.   A fighter in your weight class, who might be about 5'9'' might take body punishment better.

There are some exceptions to this rule.  Marvin Hagler,  Winky Wright and Earnie Shavers,  all average height or lower but with exceptionally long reach simply because they have long arms.  

Some fighters with long reach dont fight well on the inside.  If you're a guy who can keep it outside this might not be a problem.  Again, Marvin Hagler comes to mind.  People think of him as a brawler because of his classic fight with Tommy Hearns.  Marvin is more boxer than brawler but he is very versatile.  

Winky Wright is another.   Poor Shane Mosley looked like a child throwing pebbles at a stone wall.  He couldnt penetrate Winky's defence with a shotgun.  It was like watching a teenager smack around his 4 year old nephew.  

Frank Bruno also had exceptionally long arms.  Because he didnt take punches well he never fought well on the inside.  His body was strong but your grandmother could KO him if she hit his chin.  He never clinched well,  often but not effectively.

Answer 2

yep.

Answer 3

Usually a long reach is a very big advantage.  A fighter with a shorter reach has to find a way to get inside of that long reach and if they are able to do so, can actually turn it to their advantage.

Answer 4

I think that this is a great advantage, not unless you fight someone that likes to fight on the inside, close up. As long as you keep your opponent at your distance then you should be good.