Boxing fighting style difference between European and American
One of the most exciting things about boxing is that no two fighters approach the sport in exactly the same way. Every fighter has a slightly different technique and style that sets them apart. It is these subtle differences that can turn a fight on its head and make boxing so difficult to project – the statement goes that “styles make fights” but sometimes you never know what two styles will mean into two fighters actually meet in the ring.
However, there are some broad characterizations that you can lump certain boxers into. As you watch boxing matches on television and hear commentators talk, you might hear them refer to a certain boxer as having a certain type of style. Many boxers who have fought in the Olympics, for example, are said to have an “amateur” style of boxing. This doesn’t mean that they aren’t qualified to box professionally. It simply means that their style of fighting belies their amateur background – scoring in amateur boxing rewards defense and accuracy of punches rather than power, and many boxers with lengthy amateur pedigrees will rely on quick hands and sharp jabs rather than boxing on the inside.
In a similar vein, boxers are sometimes said to have “European” boxing styles. This is frequently compared to an “American” style of fighting and is usually considered to be (depending on the personal preference of the person speaking) either “technically sound” or “stiff and robotic.” While the geographic names tend to apply to the different styles of boxing fought in different parts of the world, there are exceptions: European fighters who incorporate American styles of boxing are becoming more prevalent in recent years.
But what does a European style or American style of boxing mean? There are several significant differences between the two styles. In many cases each style has its own strengths and weaknesses that can either help or hurt a fighter depending on their skill set and opposition. Here are a few elements that typically signify a European style fighter:
“One-Two” Combinations: European style fighters tend to enjoy working behind a stiff jab followed by a hard, usually straight punch from the other hand. This “one-two” combination can be very effective as the jab frequently “hides” the second, harder punch from the opposition. However, it can also be a very repetitive proposition, leaving a boxer vulnerable to an opponent who can time the sequence of punches and effective counter punch.
Upright Stance: European boxers tend to stand very upright compared to American boxers, who fight out of more of a crouching stance. Because many top European professionals are tall and have strong jabs, fighting upright allows them to take advantage of their height and use their jab and reach. However, being too upright can make a fighter “stiff” and flat-footed, leading to him being a stationary target.
Europeans also tend to approach their opponents with their bodies turned toward the side while American fighters tend to square their bodies up to their opponents. Turning sideways allows European fighters the ability to have maximum reach with their jabs; meanwhile, facing their opponents squarely allows American boxers to use both hands effective for lead punches.
Working from the Outside: The height and reach advantage that many European fighters have over their opponents, combined with their proclivity to utilize their jab and straight follow-up punches, often lead them to exclusively work from the outside. It’s rare to find a top-level fighter from Europe who is comfortable boxing on the inside. However, American style fighters (particularly those from Latin America) tend to be more versatile and willing to fight from the outside or the inside.
Hands Held High: Along with standing more erect than their American counterparts, European style fighters tend to assume a natural fighting position with both of their hands held high. This is in contrast to American style boxers, who typically (but not always) keep only their off-hand near their head while carrying their “power” hand closer to their hips.
Tags: