Different boxing styles and techniques

A guide to the different styles of boxing

Boxing is such an exciting sport due to the many different styles on display. 

Despite no two boxers being the same, there’s a small group of just four styles of fighting, but each boxer has their very own unique way of using these, and often mix more than one style together.

But what’s even more interesting is that when these opposing styles clash against each other, it can almost become like a game of rock, paper, scissors – as they can all beat each other.

During the 1980s, there were ‘Four Kings’ that dominated the sport in Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran. Between this quartet, they all beat one another – Duran beat Leonard; Hearns beat Duran; Hagler beat Hearns and Duran; Leonard beat Hearns, Duran and Hagler.

All these four fighters had very different styles and, over the nine fights they fought between them all, they produced very different results, proving that no one style is unbeatable.

Read on to find out more about these styles of boxing.

In-Boxer

AKA: In-Fighter / Inside Fighter / Pressure Fighter / Swarmer / Crowder

This style consists of standing in close range – toe-to-toe, head-to-head – and throwing lots of short punches, mostly hooks and uppercuts as there’s not always enough space to throw straight shots.

This style requires lots of energy and movement because there’s never a moment’s rest. The fighter is constantly moving forward, either chasing the opponent around the ring to get into close range or engaging head-on, non-stop.

This style requires being in range at all times or working to get into range – both of which require lots of energy and stamina. This style also requires a lot of breaking down of opponents over time, wearing them down until they’re ready for the taking.

Not only does this style require an engine, but it also needs a solid, tight defence and toughness. To stand in close range for most of the fight means the boxer is a target there to be hit back, so it’s imperative their guard is compact and that they are able to absorb the attacks coming back at them.

Historians will mostly agree that Henry Armstrong was the greatest pressure fighter of all-time. His style was described as ‘calculated mayhem’. In one year, 1937, Armstrong won all 27 of his fights, scoring 26 KOs, which proves just how much he had perfected his fighting style.

Boxers that have a good inside game are revered for their skill, stamina, durability and prowess.

Out-Boxer

AKA: Out-Fighter / Outside Fighter / Boxer

This style requires lots of skill to be able to maintain the required distance between the opponent to be able to work efficiently. 

One of the main attributes needed to effectively deploy this style of fighting is good footwork. The boxer should be able to maintain the right range to exchange at by using quick, clever feet to constantly get in and out of range.

Having an extensive reach certainly helps, like Dmitry Bivol. When he fought and defeated Canelo, he was able to keep the Mexican on the end of his punches all fight long to win on points.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. was also an out-boxer and developed a very unique style as a counter-puncher working behind a Philly shell, which is where your lead hand hangs in a sling to protect the middle and the backhand is glued to the chin to protect the top. Floyd perfected this impenetrable style and was a master at using the shoulder roll to deflect attacks, countering successfully with his sharp reflexes, incredible speed and intelligent way of reading the fight. His distinctive style of fighting resulted in him retiring unbeaten after 50 fights.

Most amateurs are taught to fight on the outside, to jab and move, bouncing in and out lightly on their toes. This style then gets adapted to suit the pro game later, which is why the out-boxer is the most commonly used style in boxing.

Brawler

AKA: Puncher / Slugger

Almost polar opposite to the out-boxer that’s known for their skill, range-finding and intelligence, a brawler is a big puncher who slugs it out until they win.

Their boxing skills are often more limited than the other styles and they rely on landing big punches to the end the fight, but it’s crucial to be able to take the same punishment that’s being dished out, so having a strong chin is a requirement – when walking into the fire, you have to be able to handle the heat.

However, they can also be masterful boxers with great defensive abilities, such as George Foreman, who knows every trick in the book to thwart attacks while landing knockout shots of his own.

Whilst this style can sometimes look a little crude, namely Deontay Wilder, who has been widely criticised for his lack of technique and boxing ability all through his career, it’s also highly effective and incredibly exciting to watch. Wilder has the record for the fifth most world heavyweight championship defences in history, equal to Muhammad Ali, so this proves how effective this style of fighting can be.

Julio Cesar Chavez was known for this style, able to cut off the ring effectively to land big, bruising punches, whilst possessing a granite chin.

Nick Ball is modern example of a brawler, but he also possesses an incredible jab where he is able to outland opponents with a far better reach and height than him.

Boxer-Puncher

AKA: All-Rounder

A boxer-puncher combines a variety of styles, where they are able to control range like an out-boxer, with the timing and skill of a counter-puncher, plus the power of a pressure-fighter.

This is usually the most respected style by boxing purists as it results in almost a complete boxer, who is able to do anything in the ring. 

Some of the greatest boxers in history have perfected this style of fighting, such as Gennady Golovkin, who was formidable and fearsome during his illustrious career. 

Sugar Ray Robinson, regarded as the greatest pound-for-pound boxer in history, is another shining example, known for being the most complete boxer ever, who was able to do absolutely everything.

Examples of the Styles of Boxers

The list below groups together some of the most known boxers for their styles.