If you compete as an amateur or professional boxer, sooner or later, you will find yourself matched up with a boxer whose skill level -- at least in some areas -- exceeds your own. Although your first instinct might be to start fighting wild and forget your technique and training, it is still possible to defeat your opponent with discipline. To do so, however, you must first determine what advantages your opponent has.
Step 1
Attack your opponent's body if you are fighting someone who has faster hands than you. This type of opponent can be particularly challenging if he has a reach advantage and a dangerous jab. Instead of simply trying to keep up with his speed, keep a tight guard while you use your footwork to cut off the ring, gradually working your opponent into the ropes. When you have him trapped, close the distance, change levels and attack his body. If he gets away, work him into the ropes again. The more damage his body takes, the slower his hands will get, not only because of the physical damage, but also because he's being forced to focus more on protecting himself and less on attacking you.
Step 2
Sap your opponent's cardio and muscle endurance if you are fighting someone who has more punching power than you. Although it can be tempting to simply try to match power for power, this strategy can be counterproductive if your opponent's advantage in knockout power is significant. Instead, tighten your guard and bait your opponent into unleashing his full arsenal while minimizing the damage you take. After he begins to breathe heavily and his punches weaken, you'll be able to inflict damage much more effectively and with less chance of taking damage yourself.
Step 3
Feint constantly if you are faced with an opponent who is a more skillful counterpuncher. Taking damage every time you try to attack can be very damaging both physically and psychologically. Instead of attempting to repeatedly rush in with forced attacks, use a wide variety of feints, head fakes, level changes and similar misdirections to keep your opponent guessing about your intentions. Your goal is to bait him to attempt counters when he is out of position to land them; this will create openings for you to exploit, which will then make your opponent more tentative about attempting to counter your attacks.
Posted in: Boxing