Advice on what style(or mixed styles) boxer I should train as

[Doggpound]

When I spar I am good at throwing a fast left jab but after that the only way I can land punches is if I am standing up straight on the inside and throw hooks to the head when my opponent ducks. Is there any boxing style or strategy that would work with me?

[greynotsoold]

Standing up straight on the inside isn't the best strategy...How long have you been boxing? I'm guessing not too long? It is real tempting to think you need a "style" right out of the gate, but it is a long process. There is so much to learn-from how to properly throw each punch to how to block and how to slip or otherwise avoid each punch- that has to be learned to the point it becomes automatic.
Then you can start learning about counters and feinting and drawing punches from an opponent. When you start thinking in the ring, then you start developing a style of your own.
Until then, you keep practicing and getting better and trying more things in the ring; as your skills develope you get a better idea of what you can and cannot do. Then you watch pros (or amateurs or even other guys in your gym) and steal moves from them.
Becoming a fighter is a kind of long process.

[Doggpound]

Standing up straight on the inside isn't the best strategy...How long have you been boxing? I'm guessing not too long? It is real tempting to think you need a "style" right out of the gate, but it is a long process. There is so much to learn-from how to properly throw each punch to how to block and how to slip or otherwise avoid each punch- that has to be learned to the point it becomes automatic.
Then you can start learning about counters and feinting and drawing punches from an opponent. When you start thinking in the ring, then you start developing a style of your own.
Until then, you keep practicing and getting better and trying more things in the ring; as your skills develope you get a better idea of what you can and cannot do. Then you watch pros (or amateurs or even other guys in your gym) and steal moves from them.
Becoming a fighter is a kind of long process.

I did Karate for a long time and a little Muay Thai so crouching dose not come easy to me. Also I am closing in on 29 after dealing with hormone issues that had me out of the gym for most of my twenties. So I guess I may be rushing it a bit.

[greynotsoold]

If you are having success with the jab, that gives you something to work with and a place to start. The punch that goes with the jab is the straight right (or left, as the case may be), so work on putting that into your attack when you spar. You're landing hooks when the other guy ducks? Bring them up-make them uppercuts-and then follow up with the straight punch you've been practicing.
Something I would suggest...When you are hitting the heavy (or any) bag, or shadowboxing, keep your mind active. Don't just stand there and throw punches. Imagine punches being thrown at you, avoid and counter them, then get out. Condition your mind to react and your body will follow. You are at a kind of advanced boxing age, so you need to emphasize this aspect of the game in order to improve.

[Doggpound]

If you are having success with the jab, that gives you something to work with and a place to start. The punch that goes with the jab is the straight right (or left, as the case may be), so work on putting that into your attack when you spar. You're landing hooks when the other guy ducks? Bring them up-make them uppercuts-and then follow up with the straight punch you've been practicing.
Something I would suggest...When you are hitting the heavy (or any) bag, or shadowboxing, keep your mind active. Don't just stand there and throw punches. Imagine punches being thrown at you, avoid and counter them, then get out. Condition your mind to react and your body will follow. You are at a kind of advanced boxing age, so you need to emphasize this aspect of the game in order to improve.

What happens is the guy I am get sparring with will duck after I throw a hook and then I'll hit him with a second hook because he has his gloves too close to the face and leaves the side of the head open. He is younger stronger and faster than me. The gym is small so he is 1 of 2 people that I can spar with. The second guy just got stomach surgery so he's currently just working cardio.

My wife thinks the younger guys are just gonna roll over me and I should stop going to the gym so I don't get hurt. I think I'll be okay though. I am not looking to be a pro or anything maybe just get 1 amateur tournament in.

[Ray Corso]

Your wife is a smart lady who cares for your overall health. I tried to train more than a few
"full contact" (back in the day) fighters and they all stood straight up and leaned back to avoid shots. (plus deliver kicks that way) Its almost the opposite of boxing and unless you have incredible powers to completely wipe the slate clean you'll fall back into that style that will get you hurt against a decent fighter who can see it. If your just starting out and your over 25 with the contact background you have a long way to go. Also no trainer worth a damn is gonna spent time with a beginner whose old. Sorry this is a brutal sport and most of the brutality comes "outside" the ring! Ray.



the couple of guys I trained from that full contact sport back then couldn't take a solid punch either. Their balance was never set and often got hit "inbetween" steps and backing straight up moving their feet over each other, KO time!

[Redd Foxx]

If you can only spar with one person, then the only style that you're going to develop is what works against that one person. If you are interested in really pursuing the art of boxing, you'll have to go to an environment conducive to that.

[Zenkai]

fill in the gaps bro. If your lacking you shouldnt nessasarily overcompensate with what you dont lack, as it would be more benificial to pratice in the lagging areas.
Train to be a complete fighter. Noone can tell you 'what style you should train to be' because that will come naturally with your innate instincts.

Train to be diverse. Learn it all man, then when set in the ring against different opponents choose what style would benifit you the most in different circumstances.

[Doggpound]

Your wife is a smart lady who cares for your overall health. I tried to train more than a few
"full contact" (back in the day) fighters and they all stood straight up and leaned back to avoid shots. (plus deliver kicks that way) Its almost the opposite of boxing and unless you have incredible powers to completely wipe the slate clean you'll fall back into that style that will get you hurt against a decent fighter who can see it. If your just starting out and your over 25 with the contact background you have a long way to go. Also no trainer worth a damn is gonna spent time with a beginner whose old. Sorry this is a brutal sport and most of the brutality comes "outside" the ring! Ray.



the couple of guys I trained from that full contact sport back then couldn't take a solid punch either. Their balance was never set and often got hit "inbetween" steps and backing straight up moving their feet over each other, KO time!

Yea most of the advice I get are from the 15 to 17 year olds at the gym. The coach spends his time with the guy I spar with as he is looking to go pro in 4 months. The training dose seem to help with my work I use to get nervous when people would get agressive in posture and speech. Now they back down