Having the proper stance and knowing the proper fighting range can greatly improve one’s ability to win a fight especially when boxing for the street. It may not be common knowledge, but the proper range in boxing should fall in between two and four inches outside of the opponents reach. Relaxation is an important tool as well, and once a boxer can relax, they will have the ability to stand within the proper range without being timid and nervous.

Being only a couple inches outside of the opponent’s range engages them as a fighter and forces them to step to you in order to make contact. This little bit of time is all a good fighter will need to process the information and make their next move whether it be offensive or defensive. Being within this range also keeps pressure upon the opponent and it does not allow them any time to relax.

One slight downfall to this is the fact that if the opponent has to step to make contact, nine times out of ten – you will have to step to make contact as well. This does allow you to throw a few punches though here and there while you are planning a way to beat the opponent. Typically with newer fighters, they may either stand to close or too far away from their opponent. Standing to close does not allow anyone good reaction time therefore a sloppy fight and always being on the defensive. While the opposite holds true for standing to far away. Standing too far allows the opponent to rest and have down time, which is not something any fighter should allow.

It has been said that one of the main reasons Mike Tyson won as many fights as he did, is simply because he kept pressure on his opponent and made a connect when the time was right. With boxing, the perception of being hit a lot wears the opponent down. Being able to connect at your own proper range will be the most beneficial in any fight that you encounter. Mastering your range will allow you, as a fighter, to engage when the time is proper and also give you the upper hand which will in turn force your opponent to constantly follow your lead. In a fight, it is always best to maintain that upper hand.

With most sports, especially with boxing, everything takes time and practice. Knowing is half the battle and actually applying your knowledge is what will help you win the fight.