The Machine Gun Driller
From time to time you will meet this guy: he is less skilled than you, he does not believe in defense, he has no patterns or combinations; it just comes from the front with quick machine gun-style strikes. I’m not talking about high-volume fast punchers like Pacquiao or P. Williams, these guys have flair and deft head and footwork to complement their lunge. I mean the ignorant who comes from the front. The problem is, he probably has a decent amount of stamina and speed, and if you’re not sure how to handle this guy, you may have to wait until round three to really get his number, if you’re having a bad day, even that. it might not happen. These guys can make you look bad as they unleash their fury on you, especially if they bring their girlfriend to impress.
There are three ways I’ve handled these guys, they won’t all work the same depending on your opponent’s speed and current fitness level. These are fighting strategies, general strategies that you will find to work especially well against less skilled machine gun fighters.
1) Strengthen your defense and take aim. The rapid fire puncher usually has no idea how to move back, let alone fight back, they expect you to follow the game plan that if he is going to move forward you will back off or stay where you are. This is perfect for him as he can measure distance (like he does on the bag) and use momentum to chase you as you retreat. The other thing he loves is a fight, it takes you to his level and negates the finer points of your game. So this is what I recommend, adopt a Winky Wright-style defense, with your hands up, your elbows glued to your ribs, your forearms like pillars. Make sure your hands are slightly open and the base of the palms are slightly inward to prevent uppercuts from finding their way easily (see picture below, I kept a glove on so you can see the hand position) .
Once you’ve adopted this stance, move toward your opponent, walk within his range of strikes, and when he starts to shoot, take a step closer. It helps if you can turn your body from left to right in time and absorb the blows, but it is not necessary, try to make him feel uncomfortable close, if he tries to adjust the distance then get closer. Most of the time you will step back to gain space or catch your breath, and that’s when you go on the attack. It’s very rare that I recommend leading with the straight right hand, but this is one of those moments, the moment you step back, you step in and unload the straight right hand and the left hook, if you connect, throw some shots. more and reboot. . I recommend staying close but walking to the right or left, don’t give it space, create angles. Above all, stay relaxed and keep your eyes on your upper chest or neck, don’t let your attack spoil your vision.
2) Go on the run. If your opponent has poor footwork and is having trouble chasing down a moving opponent, use your lateral movement and quick ins and outs to run away. Let him know that he’s going to have to take a chance to catch you, he’s going to have a perfect time with you, and he’ll put you on the ropes or in the corner for a chance. Most of the time I have used this strategy in the first round of a fight when my opponent thinks he is going to intimidate me with a barrage of offenses and growls. Don’t let it fool you, your skill and ability to weather this storm is the mark of a true boxer, keep calm and run with tight defense, and don’t forget to return the favor a minute after the round. The beauty of knowing that you can outrun your opponent is that you will most likely be able to catch him when you decide to go on the offensive.
3) Punch when you’re hitting. This is a bit of Jeet Kune Do theory here, and boxing already has it built into it. For the rapid-fire puncher, he would avoid throwing if he is in the middle of his attack, the best time to throw is when he starts.
Stay light on your feet and measure the distance and keep moving from side to side, when he is in range and about to shoot, then YOU will shoot. However, there are a few rules for this:
Keep your head off the center line when shooting, this means slip and jab and follow through with more shots, or slip while throwing your right hand, or drop lower and throw to the body. Don’t come straight with your head in the middle, that’s where it will shoot.
DON’T stand still when shooting, whether it’s stepping in and intercepting your shot, or stepping back and throwing the left hook while backing up. Don’t be an easy target.
This applies all the time, but be especially aware of your chin and the non-hitting hand. If you are going to walk into a punching fire then stand your ground, this is not the time to be loose and slippery.