More important attribute for a novice level fighter: Athleticism or Fighting Instincts?

[King P]

So this was another Ring Gang Poll topic we had, and considering the carny fight from last week, the timing was perfect.

If you're a fighter just starting out, which attribute in a fighter is better to have? Both things are important, but which is more essential?





I personally would have to say fighting instincts. There's alot of people who are athletic, but if you just don't have any instincts it goes to waste. I mean the Jake Paul/Nate Robinson fight is a perfect example. Nate has all the athleticism in the world, but that nikka just ain't not damn fight. So it was all for nothing.

 

[Kunty McPhuck]

Instinct/technique always.

Just look at the Joyce/Dubois fight.

And going off the picture from the video. Eubank Jr kinda got both but not the IQ/technique minus his uppercut.

 

[Conscious Pilot]

I’d obviously take Instincts over athleticism. I wonder though, would you have a fighter who has a good blend of instincts and athleticism over a guy who isn’t all that much athletic but just a boxer’s boxer?

 

[The axe murderer]

Instincts for sure. Unless that person has size on the person athleticism can be overrated at times. And even then you can't capitalise without Instinct

 

[Kunty McPhuck]

I’d obviously take Instincts over athleticism. I wonder though, would you have a fighter who has a good blend of instincts and athleticism over a guy who isn’t all that much athletic but just a boxer’s boxer?

Good footwork can make up for the lack of athleticism

 

[The axe murderer]

I’d obviously take Instincts over athleticism. I wonder though, would you have a fighter who has a good blend of instincts and athleticism over a guy who isn’t all that much athletic but just a boxer’s boxer?

Its the way marquez was able to get the better of pacman

 

[patscorpio]

Its the way marquez was able to get the better of pacman

I wouldn't say all that..Marquez gave him hell but Pac still was able to drop him many times..the last fight he upped the athleticism..in his special way lol

 

[patscorpio]

athleticism is a good tool but it can fade at any given time or action

 

[LauderdaleBoss]

I’d obviously take Instincts over athleticism. I wonder though, would you have a fighter who has a good blend of instincts and athleticism over a guy who isn’t all that much athletic but just a boxer’s boxer?

You just described a top rank fight we never got with Bradley and Algieri

but seriously, thats a hard one to match up tho. Does the boxer's boxer have power or he's more Chris Jon than Alexis Arguello

 

[Kenny West]

Instincts. Its easily the most important thing that decides whether a guy should be in the ring in the first place. Some people dont have that dog in them and never will.

Can't do much in boxing if you can't compose yourself in boxing under fire. I seen dudes my coaches turn their faces and bodies away when struck. It doesn't matter how high you cam jump for fast you can run then

It aint for everyone

 

[Doctor Doom]

The athleticism we're thinking of doesn't really apply to boxing like that imo.

Because lowkey, its just the experience that actually molds the fighter. Take a novice throwing their jab for the first time versus a year down the line of good training. The jab will look and feel completely different. No real lag to him throwing it and finding impact, no wasted movement, more power because he's throwing it properly, etc.

It might not make sense, but I think Boxing Athleticism is completely different than normal athleticism and it can actually be trained.

I think natural athleticism only serves as the ceiling to where your boxing athleticism can go.

This all sounds weird or even stupid, but that's how I see it

 

[R=G]

Technique of course..one day athleticism won't carry you.

 

[Master Teacher]

You don't know what fighting instincts are, Nate didn't quit when he was hurt he has fighting instincts just not fighting skills

anybody can fight when they not hurt or facing adversity, only real fighters can fight through pain, adversity, when Jake Paul gets hit with a big shot or its being out matched in a fight, then you will see if he has fighting instincts

 

[Erratic415]

I went with fighting instincts but you still need both. It’s still a sport that requires lots of endurance, reflexes, agility, coordination, etc..

Some fighters just have a real feel for the sport. Dwight Qawi and Sonny Liston learning to box in their early 20s in prison and then becoming HOF fighters. Rocky Marciano and Hasim Rahman also started boxing in their early 20s and became HW champs. One of the Petronelli brothers said Marvin Hagler just picked up on skills faster than the other guys in the gym.

Just like any sport, being able to learn and improve better than others is important

 

[The axe murderer]

I went with fighting instincts but you still need both. It’s still a sport that requires lots of endurance, reflexes, agility, coordination, etc..

Some fighters just have a real feel for the sport. Dwight Qawi and Sonny Liston learning to box in their early 20s in prison and then becoming HOF fighters. Rocky Marciano and Hasim Rahman also started boxing in their early 20s and became HW champs. One of the Petronelli brothers said Marvin Hagler just picked up on skills faster than the other guys in the gym.

Just like any sport, being able to learn and improve better than others is important

Yeah Ray mercer picked it up relatively late too. At heavyweight it seems more likely to pick it out later because of the size too