Boxing styles and technique

Throughout the history of gloved boxing styles, techniques and strategies have changed to varying degrees. Ring conditions, promoter demands, teaching techniques, and the influence of successful boxers are some of the reasons styles and strategies have fluctuated.

Boxing styles are primarily defined as a combination of a boxer's offensive strategy, guard or defensive system, stance and behavior in the ring. Some boxers will change their style depending on who their opponent is, while others will use the same style regardless of their opponent. For example, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is primarily known for his technical defense, orthodox stance, crab style, out-fighting. Yet at times he would switch his style, showboating in the ring, fighting southpaw stance, using a high guard, and fighting on the inside.

A boxer's style often aligns with their physical attributes. For example, a boxer with a long reach is more likely to be an out-fighter that uses a long guard style compared to a fighter with a short reach. A fighter that is naturally right handed is also more likely to fight from an orthodox stance compared to a left-handed boxer that is more likely to fight from a southpaw stance. Though, physical attributes alone cannot predict a fighter's style as other factors such as gym culture and their trainer's philosophy also play a role.