Wondering why boxers hug each other while fighting? This essential technique is called “clinching”!
The clinch is when a boxer grabs the opponent’s arms, places his head on the opponent’s shoulders, and hugs them.
This article will discuss some of the reasons why boxers hug each other while fighting!
Why Boxers Hug
Boxers hug, (or as we say in boxing: “clinch”) because:
- Boxers Clinch To Stop Their Opponent From Attacking
- Boxers Clinch To Rest and Buy Time
- Boxers Clinch To Reset The Range
- Boxers Clinch To Gain a Better Position
- Boxers Clinch To Tire Their Opponent
Once you start sparring, we think that you should learn the basics of clinching.
It’ll save you from taking many unnecessary shots when you’re against the ropes or in the corner.
Because many beginner boxers are unfamiliar (and uncomfortable) with grabbing another boxer, it can even give you an edge in your first amateur fight.
(It’s funny: even though boxing is such a physical sport, we’ve found that many beginners are hesitant to grab another boxer.)
Boxers Clinch To Stop Their Opponent From Attacking
First, boxers clinch to stop their opponent from attacking.
Clinch to survive if your opponent is dominating the mid- and close-range with powerful combinations, and you’re unable to dodge and land your own combinations.
When you clinch, grab your opponent’s arms to smother the range and prevent any new attacks.
This also frustrates your opponent and stops any momentum he’s gained from landing punches.
Watch the video below to see how Guillermo Rigondeaux tried to stop Vasiliy Lomachenko’s relentless attack with clinches.
Boxers Clinch To Rest and Buy Time
Next, boxers clinch to rest and buy time.
Clinch and use this time to rest and regain your composure while your opponent cannot attack.
Even though clinching looks like a struggle, you stay relaxed and take the break to plan your next move.
Like wrestling, you can also rest your body weight on top of your opponent’s, making him even more tired.
Depending on how effective the clinch and how tedious the referee is, a clinch can last from anywhere from 2-10 seconds.
In a fight with 3-minute rounds, every second has a huge effect on the dynamic of the fight.
See the video below to study how Floyd Mayweather Jr ties up the aggressive Ricky Hatton, eventually baiting Hatton into the corner for a check hook knockout.
Boxers Clinch To Reset The Range
Next, boxers clinch to reset the range.
While the previous two reasons were based on survival, this approach focuses on strategy and shows one of the disadvantages of clinching.
If you’re against the ropes or trapped in the corner, clinch to drive your opponent back to the middle of the ring while being protected from any punches.
Often if you clinch for a long time, the referee will break it up and force both fighters to step back. With this, you can reset the range.
However, if you do it too much and too obviously, the referee can deduct points from you. This makes your fight an uphill battle, so save your clinches for the right time.
Boxers Clinch To Gain a Better Position
Next, boxers clinch to gain a better position.
This is the best use of the clinch. While the first two reasons were for survival, this is another way you can clinch with strategy during close-range fighting.
Clinch to get your opponent off balance. Turn him and manipulate his head to make him lean forward, so you can gain a better position.
It’s important to do this with control. If you hold on to your opponent for too long in desperation, the referee can deduct a point from you.
If your legs give out, your opponent can redirect you and move you out of position.
Some boxers thrive in the clinch. They flow from the clinch to inside fighting, as if they were training on the heavy bag.
Some smart (read: sneaky) boxers even clinch and hold the arm on the referee’s blind side and punch on the side where the referee is able to see.
Others can even use the clinch to hide a kidney punch, so be careful!
Boxers Clinch To Tire Their Opponent
Lastly, boxers clinch to tire their opponent.
This is particularly handy if you have a significant weight advantage over your opponent.
While you’re grabbing your opponent and tying him up like a traditional clinch, here you’re also putting your weight on him and keeping your balance at the same time.
If before your opponent was using clinches to take a breather, now he has to hold your body up as well.
Over the course of a number of rounds, this is bound to wear down your opponent’s stamina.
However, it’s best to do this with caution.
If your opponent is comfortable with the grappling side of boxing, he can redirect your weight and easily trap you in the corner or against the ropes.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read this article, you understand why boxers hug each other. You’ll recognize the clinch when you watch your next boxing match or use this technique yourself in your next spar or match.
Clinching is best used to stop your opponent’s attack, buy you time to rest, reset the range, and gain a better position.
It’s extremely handy when you’re facing high-energy, aggressive fighters, or if you’re a taller fighter defending against a shorter opponent on the inside.
Even though boxing is a physical and violent sport, many fighters are reluctant to grab their opponent. It’s also difficult for a boxer to use cleanly, within the rules and with a purpose. Still, all boxers should learn how to do it.
If you don’t clinch at all, your opponent will use you as a punching bag at close-range. If you clinch too much, the referee may deduct points from you and it’ll look like you’re not being aggressive to the judges.
It’s a fine line, but it’s important to clinch at the right time and situation.
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