Boxing
Is boxing good for self-defence?
Boxing is a violent, brutal, sometimes even deadly sport, but is it good for learning self-defence?
Image Credits: Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Is boxing a good sport for learning self-defence?
Boxing is a sport that mostly uses the upper body; involving punching only, no kicks or holds permitted, so can it be an effective use for self-defence training?
The answer is yes. Boxing teaches offence and defence, using both the upper and lower body.
Despite its brutality, boxing gyms around the world will teach its members fighting skills to use within their four walls, but not outside of it, unless it’s in self-defence when there’s no other choice.
No qualified boxing coach will want to know that the fighting skills they have taught a young boxer has been used to attack and hurt someone outside of their club. This is why boxing is known and respected for teaching discipline, which is vital for learning to fight effectively.
A ‘streetfighter’ would rarely be able to match a boxer for skill and technique, as it’s often seen in YouTube clips, of which they are many to select from.
There’s also multiple examples of other fighting sports, such as MMA, falling short against boxers, which is highlighted by the many UFC stars that have converted to professional boxing but not been able to gain the same success in the ring as they have in the octagon.
Here’s all the reasons why boxing is such a great sport for self-defence.
Offence
Boxing is a sport where one must impose their will upon the other, in a one vs one situation.
There’s been fights in history that have been ended with a single punch, the fastest recorded knockout win in history lasting just 4-seconds. This goes to show that having a good offence can be the best defence.
If ever there’s a situation where you are forced to defend yourself from an imminent attack, a well-timed, accurate punch could end the threat in a single moment.
A well-trained, skilful boxer would have a very good chance of achieving this, because boxing brings a confidence that cannot be instilled from any other sport.
A skilled MMA fighter could also carry that same confidence, but there’s rarely ever a martial artist that can match a boxer, which has been proven in the professional arena when the two sports cross over. Conor McGregor was known for being the UFC’s best boxer, but Floyd Mayweather made light work of him when he knocked him out in 10-rounds in 2017.
A well-proficient boxer is able to deliver a strong, solid punch from any position, whether that’s coming forward to throw or when backing up.
Their shape is important too. Boxing has a stance where the lead hand and foot is placed forwards, and the back hand and leg positioned behind, producing a solid, balanced base to work from. This platform allows a boxer to edge forwards in attack, step backwards in defence, or pivot laterally to either side, which all creates the space to launch their own offensive moves.
Defence
Boxing should only ever be used outside of the gym in self-defence. A disciplined, confident boxer will know and adhere to this rule, only using their fighting skills if absolutely necessary.
If attacked, a skilled boxer should be able to slip and evade punches thrown at them with relative ease, or even block them if they are more of a stand-up tall fighter.
As a boxer, being used to having punches thrown at them in sparring sessions will allow them to stay calm and collected. Anyone who is not trained in boxing would likely panic when punches are thrown at them, disabling their ability to think rationally.
So, if the attacker comes at them with punches, it’s a situation that the boxer will feel comfortable with and suited to, able to use all their skills to defend themselves accordingly.
But what if the attacker tries kicks or an unfamiliar form of attack outside of the rules of boxing? Good footwork will allow a boxer to step out of range of any attack, so if a big kick is launched, the boxer should be able to back up out of harm’s way quickly and deftly, while also using appropriate movement, such as a slip or a roll, to evasive effect.
If the attacker aims to take the boxer down to the ground, which a boxer would not be trained in, they can still use that same clever footwork to avoid being taken off their feet.
Backing up with quick half-steps would still work, but if the attacker comes forward and boxer backs up, that’s a scenario that won’t end until they run out of room. Any boxer would know that you don’t retreat in straight lines, because they’ll end up trapped eventually against the ropes.
So, if an attacker charged forward to wrestle and grapple to the ground, a boxer would be able to pivot away out of the line of attack to one side. All of this movement suits the boxer to be able to launch their own attack, using the punches they are trained to use in the space they have created between them.
Physical Fitness
Any boxer that trains regularly and lives a healthy lifestyle will have an above average fitness.
Boxing is the best sport for fitness because it’s a mix of anaerobic and aerobic systems, and combines fitness, skills and strength.
Through boxing training a person can achieve fighting skills, fitness, stamina, endurance, strength, quick reflexes, coordination, and confidence; all using both upper and lower body.
So, if a streetfighter tries to engage a boxer in a fight, it’s likely they will burn out quicker, especially as they are known for having undisciplined fighting skills, such as windmilling, being overly-aggressive, uncalculated in their attacks, and wide open to counters.
If in regular training, a boxer’s engine and muscle memory should allow them to last for a long duration, regardless of the tempo of the fight.
Whether your style is in-fighting or out-fighting, a trained, skilled boxer should be able to defend against any form of attack.
Tim has over 27 years experience within the sports industry, working for football clubs Arsenal FC and Millwall FC, and boxing news websites British Boxing News, Boxing Social and Global Boxing News. His boxing articles have been published in Boxing News Magazine, national newspapers, plus many other major news outlets.