Oeleskander Uysk has just done the unthinkable, defeating the talented and physically imposing champion Anthony Joshua. When I first talked about Usyk he had just moved up to heavyweight, and I ended the video by saying that I was excited to see if he could pull off a feat that few men not named Evander Holyfield had ever achieved. But now it’s official, so today, let’s take a look at the signature techniques that allowed Usyk to dominate cruiserweight and take the heavyweight championship.

Last time we went in depth on how Usyk deconstructed an opponent’s high guard, constantly varying angles, tempo and power until they could no longer keep track of when a punch was coming, where it was coming from or how hard it was going to be.

Today we’re going to look at how Usyk combines high risk-high reward footwork angles and head movement to masterfully control the ring. If you rewatch Usyk’s fight against AJ, you’ll notice all of these techniques at play. So let’s get to it, starting with the most basic principles then moving on to advanced tactics.

Aggressive Defense: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/
Footwork Wins Fights: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/
Principles of Power: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/
Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/

There’s an old saying in boxing; when you’re not moving your feet you should be moving your head, and Usyk is usually moving both at once.

By consistently moving off center, Usyk keeps himself safe and sets up opportunities to slip and counter.

By dropping down to level change, Usyk not only stays a moving target, he also threatens body shots and power punches.

Level changes can make a fighter’s head easier to hit, but Usyk uses this inclination to draw punches on purpose so that he can land counters.

Meanwhile, Usyk’s small, economic steps allow for more precise angles and distance adjustments on the fly. And his lateral movement is reminiscent of Lomachenko, which only makes sense as the two do share the same coach.

Along with his ceaseless footwork and head movement, Usyk also keeps up a busy and varied jab. The double jab is a tried and true technique, and Usyk uses it beautifully. Usyk’s first jab or jab feint incites a reaction in the opponent, and the second jab takes advantage of that reaction.

Back in the Golden Age of heavyweights, the world was full of talented contenders of all different styles and backgrounds. In 1973, Muhammad Ali was on the comeback after his loss to the legendary bob and weave powerhouse Joe Frazier. Ali had fought ten of the world’s best in just 2 years, and now he was just one fight away from clinching a fight with the current champion Big George Foreman. The only man that stood in his way was a man known as Black Hercules, the Fighting Marine Ken Norton.

Although Norton was a formidable contender with a unique style and the infamous Eddie Futch as his coach, few gave him any kind of chance. And that included Ali, who expected to run through Norton the same way he had all the others.

Like Frazier, Norton combined a cross guard with low line head movement, often turning a catch into a full on cross block. But where Frazier had his powerful left hook, Norton possessed excellent boxing along with intelligent combinations and sharp counter punching.

Aggressive Defense: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/
Footwork Wins Fights: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/
Principles of Power: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/
Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/

Today we’re going to break down Julian “The Hawk” Jackson’s style, and figure out exactly how he managed such incredible power. We’ll start with a very brief half minute explanation of his out boxing style before jumping right into his power building techniques.

Aggressive Defense: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/
Footwork Wins Fights: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/
Principles of Power: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/
Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/

We begin with the dramatic bout between Ernesto Hoost and Stephan Leko.

In the golden age of kickboxing there was a sudden elimination tournament , where 16 masters from all different backgrounds and styles came together to test themselves for honor and for glory. This was the legendary K1 Grand Prix, where the best talent all fought multiple opponents in one night to determine who was truly the greatest in the world.

GLORY 78 PVP: ttps://app.gloryfightfightfight.com/purchase?from=/live/187558/glory-78-badr-vs-wrzosek--ppv

We begin in the epic 1997 Grand Prix, where 11 of the fifteen fights ended decisively. And this fight was no exception.

Ernesto Hoost was an experienced Dutch style kickboxer who already had several impressive wins under his belt. He was known for his devastating leg kicks and his painful checks when someone tried to kick him.

Leko was a talented up and coming German kickboxer who was quickly gaining a reputation as an aggressive fighter who lived up to his nickname, the blitz. And he had the defensive skills to pull off his reckless attacks. But it was anyone's guess if he would be so aggressive against the formidable, much more experienced Hoost.

Only one man would proceed past the prelims to the next phase of the tournament. It was time to find out who.

Larry Holmes was the only man to ever take the championship from Ali and keep it, defending his title an incredible 19 times. The Easton assassin cried after his over Ali victory, upset at having to hurt his hero, who was at that point deep into his physical decline. In part because he’d beaten Ali and in part because he wasn’t Ali, Holmes was never really given a fair shake by the public or the press. Which is a shame, as he’s one of the most skilled heavyweights in history with one of the most unique, interesting, and powerful styles ever seen in the ring.

Ironically, Holmes fought much like Ali, with a bit of Foreman thrown in. Holmes had head movement and footwork reminiscent of Ali and guard manipulation tactics reminiscent of Foreman. And while Holmes similarities to Foreman are almost certainly coincidental, Holmes similarities to Ali are most certainly from his long time spent as his former sparring partner.

At the same time, Holmes was very much his own fighter, creating fascinating new tactics out of the old that better fit his own proclivities. In this way, he kept to the principle; Keep what is useful, discard what is useless, and create what is essentially your own.

Aggressive Defense: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/
Footwork Wins Fights: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/
Principles of Power: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/
Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/

Few fighters inspired fear in his competitors and elation in the crowd like Yodkhunpon, the Great Elbow Hunter of 100 stitches. Yodkhunpon was one of the best fighters of the Golden Age of Muay Thai, having held championships in Thailand's two most prestigious stadiums simultaneously. Few fighters have possessed such a simultaneously brutal and elegant style. Yodkhunpon was the living incarnation of relentless pressure, blending advanced, creative tactics with untamed ferocity.

Muay Thai Library: https://www.patreon.com/posts/muay-thai-uncut-7058199

Today we’re lucky enough to get direct access to his knowledge, as he continues to teach a new generation of warriors in Thailand. So without further ado, let's take an in depth look at exactly how the Elbow Hunter caught his prey, breaking down his techniques and strategies, analyzing his strikes and clinch work, and breaking down what made him such an exceptional fighter.

In 1992, the boxing world was elated to hear that Evander The Real Deal Holyfield was finally scheduled to fight number one contender Riddick Big Daddy Bowe.

At the time, the undefeated Holyfield had been criticized for mainly fighting over the hill boxers like Larry Holmes and George Foreman. It was not yet known at the time that Foreman was still very much championship level. So there was no better fighter to prove his legitimacy than the young, very big, and very skilled Riddick Bowe.

Aggressive Defense: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/
Footwork Wins Fights: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/
Principles of Power: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/
Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/


Bowe, who had been brought in to spar as a young man during Holyfields train for cruiserweight fights back when Bowe was just an amateur, believed from experience that he had all the tools necessary to take the championship from Holyfield in a decisive fashion.

If nothing else, the unique styles possessed by both men would prove to make an interesting matchup.

HOLYFIELD STYLE

Holyfield’s strong, consistent rhythm was the backbone of his style. Holyfield’s constant motion meant that he always had momentum to put into his punches. Rather than commit more weight by stepping one foot at a time, Holyfield instead moved both feet together. This way he could execute more subtle, rapid adjustments than would otherwise have been possible. He could glide back and forth just at the edge of an opponents range, enticing them to overreach so that he could rebound right back to counter. Watching Holyfield at his best was like watching a violent ballet. Aside from footwork, Holyfield also used high guard, philly shell and cross guard tactics to stay safe. And this extra defense allowed him to effectively wrestle and in-fight against much larger men.
Often the man with the shorter reach, Holyfield’s infighting put him in range for rapid fire combinations, where he could expertly use one punch to set up the next. To top it all off, Holyfield was extremely intelligent, and would keep track of what he could hit you with and then build on it.

BOWE STYLE

In contrast to Holyfield’s high volume in and out style, Bowe was the quintessential boxer-puncher. He boasted one of the best jabs in boxing, and used it to control the ring and set up his harder shots. A fighter who can throw disciplined, tight shots and then suddenly transition to devastating haymaker’s is one of the most dangerous fighters to deal with. And Bowe could do this at both long range and close range, showcasing a signature power punch for each.
At long range, Bowe possessed a terrifying overhand right, which ended the night for many unfortunate opponents.
At close range, Bowe employed a powerful rear uppercut, which ruined the ambitions of many smaller competitors who had hoped to win the fight on the inside.
So many people focused on Bowes defense that they failed to realize how nuanced his defense was. By slipping, ducking, and sidestepping as he punched, Bowe could continue to apply pressure and close distance even while under attack. By intercepting an opponent’s jab with his own, Bowe stifled their ability to put together combinations, destroyed their rhythm, and made sure he wasn’t at risk of being outpointed.


But all of that aside, Bowe had one advantage that none of Holyfield’s competitors had enjoyed before. Having already sparred him as a young man, Bowe had been inspired by Holyfield’s techniques and work ethic, and knew exactly what to expect. And what he expected an absolute war. As it turns out, he was right.

Sonny Liston was a total monster in the ring. It’s hard to think of a more intimidating, more feared champion.

Liston’s fists were bigger than most men’s biceps, he had a 84 inch reach and strengthened his neck by standing on his head for hours on end. He also had the brains to put these physical advantages to good use, setting up his power shots with one of the best jabs in boxing history.
But most overlooked Liston’s jab, as the punches it set up tended to leave a much bigger impression. Today we’ll take a look at the unrecognized sophistication behind Liston’s savagery, and then close off the video by examining how he dismantled the great Floyd Patterson to take the heavyweight championship in the very first round.

Boxings Greatest Fighters In Full Color: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDLrBLsB8ZQ33q31WjGDG7w

Aggressive Defense: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/
Footwork Wins Fights: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/
Principles of Power: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/
Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/

Alistair Overeem is a living legend. His accomplishments in MMA and kickboxing are incredible, but what's truly astounding is the way that he's achieved them. Overeem is a fan favorite for a reason: He's the definition of a high risk, high reward fighter. And in line with this mentality is Overeem's masterful use of the blitz.

The blitz, as the name is most commonly used nowadays, refers to a tactic where a fighter shifts forward multiple times while throwing multiple strikes or attempting takedowns. For instance, the Dempsey roll could be considered a blitz performed with two alternative weaves.

Or to be less technical, the blitz is where one fighter runs at another until somebody gets knocked out. And someone will get knocked out, because getting countered while blitzing basically means that you are running directly into an opponent's strike. So this insanely aggressive tactic requires pretty much flawless defense.

Aggressive Defense: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/
Footwork Wins Fights: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/
Principles of Power: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/
Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/

In 1991, the two top contenders in heavyweight boxing were Iron Mike Tyson and Donovan Razor Ruddock. What made this match so exciting was that both competitors possessed incredible strength and athleticism. What’s more, they employed these attributes in very unique, even creative, ways.

Aggressive Defense: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/head-movement-blocks-counters/
Footwork Wins Fights: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/footwork-wins-fights/
Principles of Power: http://www.modernmartialartist.com/downloads/power-of-the-pros/
Mortal Weapons The Fight Comic: https://www.amazon.com/Mortal-Weapons-David-Christian-ebook/dp/B07T4X4W1K/