Amir Khan: my chin ain't weak
It’s called the dreaded “weak chin” “glass chin” and
“glass jaw” said in reference to boxers, who get knocked out more
easily than others. Former welterweight champion, Amir Khan,
recently fired back at widespread claims online that he has a “weak
chin.” Khan suffered a few defeats that saw him knocked down in the
ring.
Amir Khan
Boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao recently did an
interview to talk about his training regimen. When asked the worst
place to be hit, PacMan stated “the chin.” I was speaking to my dad
over the phone recently about this. My dad, a former athlete,
football and cricket coach, says it’s due to the fact a punch to the
chin causes “dislocation” that “goes straight to the brain.
Manny Pacquiao
The fact of the matter is anyone can get knocked
out. My dad stated that’s why boxers exercise the trapezius muscle,
with the hope it will aid in withstanding a potential knock out.
There are other strategies in the ring that aid in evading a knock
out. My dad stated developing “defensive skills to protect oneself
in situations” as well as offensive skills in being able to adeptly
“maneuver your opponent into a situation and deal with him.”
Timothy Bradley vs Manny Pacquiao in their highly anticipated
rematch PacMan won
Athletes must love their sport, be well-rounded and
learn their trade if they are to succeed in their chosen profession.
Some boxers are big power punchers, but that’s their main game.
However, as stated above, it is better to be well-rounded, learning
and developing all the skills to make one's game total and complete.
My dad’s favorite boxer is Muhammad Ali, a man he met (click
here for that humorous story).
Muhammad Ali
My dad highly rates Ali as a power puncher, but also
as a boxer who could skillfully move around the ring and duck
punches with great defensive skills. As my dad says, a boxer “can’t
be flatfooted” as they always “have to be on their toes” with “legs
that are in good shape.” Ali is a prime example of these skills.
Sugar Ray Robinson
Floyd Mayweather also has great defensive skills.
During his fight with formidable challenger, Marcos Maidana, "Chino"
put in work repeatedly throwing flurries of punches at Mayweather,
but many of them did not land, due to Mayweather’s superb defensive
skills. When Mayweather went on the offensive, he landed more
punches with selective, well timed shots.
Floyd Mayweather
My dad also stated boxers should beware of "forming
bad habits." Boxing is such a risky endeavor, where some have
sustained serious injuries during practice and in the ring. One's
boxing form and training regimen must be as textbook as possible in
adhering to established, winning principles and techniques used by
legendary pugilists.
Marcos Maidana
Boxers who are just beginning their professional
careers should seek to gradualize their ascent and career
trajectory, selectively choosing the appropriate opponents that
match their level of experience. The more you box, the more
experience you will gain. There is raw talent out there, who have
the ability to take on the best pros in the world, but it should
follow a process to ensure they are not outfoxed in the ring by
someone who has more experience and has already learned all the
tricks of the trade.
