For Old School Boxers... ??

Question

Why did the real old school boxers tap their own nose with their thumb in between punches ??

My pa used to do this and I have seen a lot of older boxers do it... but why ??

Answer 1

yeee jus so that the nose can get use 2 getin hit, im only 16 and i do this in my amateur bouts, for a 16yr old i hav the boxing style of a classic figher as i use the shoulder roll as did rocky marciano

Answer 2

:) Oops im in the old school of hard knocks...but too many hits to the head maybe LOL xx

Answer 3

To 'tap up' gives the nose the sensation of expectation of a hit.  It was believed that the 'tap' stimulated blood to the nose which inturn stopped the eyes watering so much if you copped one on the snoz.