Expert: Jack Rose - 6/5/2011

Question
Hi Mr. Rose,

I read a book called "Championship Fighting" by the famous boxer Jack Dempsey. In it, he advocated (for bobber weavers at least) that we should all bob all the way to waist level while swaying side to side. I suppose that's the weaving motion, but is there a reason why this is so frowned upon today? I'd like to know if there are disadvantages to this extremely inclined, deep bobbing style instead of the chest level bobbing/weaving we are familiar with today.

Also, about the straight lead which Dempsey also discussed, is it a legal boxing move? The one where the thumb is facing the ceiling as it is executed instead of the sides? The punch is extremely powerful-almost as strong as my cross -and would definitely help in the ring. (if it is legal)

Thank you in advance for your time and patience.

Answer
Austin,

Actually bobbing to waist level is not legal in the amateurs anymore and I also don't recommend it. It is unnecessary to go any lower the punch itself. It causes many problems. You take your eyes off your opponent when you go that low. It also disrupts your rhythm because most of the time you should be coming out of that bob with a punch. It also uses more energy to go low which is too valuable to waste in a heated fight. It also requires you to bend more at the waste when you should be squatting using your legs. I highly discourage it. Not to mention you will be called for it. Anytime your head gets near waist high you will be called for it by most refs.

The punch is legal. But you will not get the same speed and power as you will a proper punch being turned over. The rotation at the end of a punch is what drives your shoulder and upper body into the punch over a very short distance, without it, you are just throwing an arm punch.

Those techniques worked fine back in the day but skills have been refined over the years to be as efficient as possible in the ring.

good luck