"If The Out-Boxer represents everything that is tactical about Boxing, the Slugger forsakes all form of strategize and-in exchange-epitomizes the quintessential brutality and unbridled aggression of the sport."-Anonymous
[Video Credit: Boxing Lessons Online]
Introduction:
If the Swarmer is the Attack-Dog of Boxing and represents everything that is fast-paced and methodically vicious about the sport, then the Slugger is the Grizzly Bear of Boxing and symbolizes everything that is brutal and heavy about the sport. They may not be as lightning-fast or agile as their Swarmer and Out-Boxer counterparts, however, what they lack in speed and finesse, they make up for in endurance and sheer, brute strength.
Known for their charisma, popularity, and ability to withstand a severe amount of punishment while dealing bone-crushing strikes themselves. Slugger Boxers are- for all intents and purposes- the metaphysical Tanks of Boxing.
Adored by exhilarated fans and feared by fellow fighters, any ill-prepared boxer will find themselves fighting for their life against these titans!
So let's take a look at what makes this breed of Boxer so deadly!
Other Famous Slugger-Style Boxers Include the likes of:
Stanley Ketchel
Terry McGovern
Max Baer
Rocky Graziano
Sonny Liston
Mike Tyson
George Foreman
The Advantages Of Being A Slugger-Boxer
Overview
As I always says, a Boxer will always gravitate towards a particular style of Boxing while in training and most of this all boils down to a boxer's: skill, speed, mental focus, tenacity, stamina, brawn and the capacity to endure physical punishment.
Slugger Boxers will find themselves being exemplary with the latter two traits above all else! As mentioned earlier, what a Slugger may lack in grace and speed, they more than make up for in sheer brute strength and the ability to endure (if not shrug off) physical damage.
Because Sluggers are typically slower, due to their heavier stature, they will seldom string together a high number of punches in a combo. But, as the old saying goes "Quality Over Quantity". And when someone hits like a sledgehammer, it won't even matter how many punches are thrown, all it takes is one sharp shot to the chin for an unprepared fighter and they'll quickly find themselves pushing daisies. These features coupled with their nigh-impervious chin and a boxer might as well be trading blows with an Ankylosaurus; desperately jabbing and blocking in futile desperation as this titanic, impenetrable wall of ballistic force eventually overpowers them.
Nonetheless, some Sluggers can prove themselves an exception to the lumbering, slow brute image in which they are portrayed and can indeed be both unpredictable and fast.
Examples of these exceptions include the likes of: Terry McGovern, Stanley Ketchel and Rocky Graziano.
A true monster in the ring indeed, and a hell of a show to watch as a spectator.
Who Are Slugger-Boxers Best Against?
To all my Gentleman Heavy-hitters you're in for some good news.
A Slugger is a Swarmer's worst nightmare. This is due to the fact that a swarmer focuses primarily on closing the gap and throwing a flurry of combos at their opponents to rack up points and do moderate (at best) damage. A slugger can easily brush off these combos as nothing but a mere nuisance, and easily overwhelm the much 'lighter' opponents through their strength and brute force.
Best Strategy
Nonetheless, a Slugger's best strategy is to "trap" their opponents, meaning that they should close the distance and cut off any escape routes that the opponent can sidestep to until they are backed up against the ropes or corners of the ring, where defeat is as good as inevitable. With nowhere left to run and at their wits end, any unlucky boxer will quickly find themselves helplessly overwhelmed as they can only try to block the onslaught of haymakers and slugs in futile desperation.
[Authors Note: These articles do not set in stone the outcome of a fight and should never encourage complacency or discourage any practitioners of certain styles when in the ring. As a dangerous sport, all opponents (regardless of style or stance) are to be treated as equal a threat as the next and last, and only through proper training can one be truly prepared.]
The Disadvantages Of Being A Slugger Boxer
Alas, even a titan can fall...
Considering the amount of force they naturally expend in their devastating blows, a slugger will naturally exert a tremendous amount of energy. Sluggers are trained to to deal damage, not do distance. Any prolonged fight that does not conclude in an early K.O. will inevitably take it's toll on the stamina of a slugger.
Any boxer that is able to keep an unfortunate slugger consistently on the move will most certainly tucker them out in due time. Hit-And-Run tactics are often utilized by the more technical Out-Boxers. This constant state of motion also minimizes a sluggers offensive power. Without being able to set and establish a firm foundation, the bulk of their strength is decentralized and taken away.
To avoid these unwanted circumstances a slugger must see to it that they do not become complacent with one-hit K.O.'s and prioritize cardiovascular endurance training as much as they do their strength training.
The Verdict
In short, Sluggers are to Boxing in a way that Bane is to the Batman series and Kylo Ren is to the Star Wars franchise, warriors that would gladly sacrifice any semblance of finesse for raw, nightmarish power and brute strength.
Both rightly feared and admired in and out of the boxing ring, a Slugger is truly a force of nature, and are by nature the Boxing worlds superstars. Any Boxing fan, Boxer them self or average Joe lucky enough to see a live bout with this class of boxer is a shoo-in for the show of a lifetime!
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