Analysis
How footwork wins fights: a look at some of the best movers in recent times
How footwork wins fights: a look at some of the best movers in recent times
When it comes to boxing, people commonly believe that a fighter’s fists and power are the only things required to end up with a victory. However, one of the most important aspects that greatly affects the odds of winning a boxing match is footwork. A fighter’s solid footwork can help fans win wagers on platforms like GGBet Casino. Over the years, many fighters managed to win simply because they knew how to use footwork to their advantage. Who are the best movers today? Let’s look at several fighters who succeed due to their superior footwork.
Boxing footwork – a look at four of the movers in recent times
1. Oleksandr Usyk
Oleksandr Usyk is undoubtedly one of the fighters with the best footwork in boxing. A very notable win for him was the one against Krzysztof Głowacki in 2016. Usyk challenged the Polish boxer for his WBO cruiserweight title. While Głowacki weighed 199.3 pounds, Usyk weighed slightly less at 198.75 pounds. The fight was entertaining, and Usyk won by getting more points after 12 rounds of fighting. He received scores of 119–109, 117–111, and 117–111 from the judges.
What allowed Usyk to win was also his amazing footwork. He used it to control his distance and movement and managed to create openings that aided his victory. Then, in 2017, he faced Marco Huck and once again used footwork to his advantage. He got a TKO win, which showed just how much relying on feet can help a fighter.
2. Vasiliy Lomachenko
Lomachenko is also known for his footwork in matches. He got a lot of recognition not only for being an Olympic gold medalist, but also for adding his own touch to various techniques in order to develop a style of his own.
Lomachenko can set up corners and create various traps, which help him beat his opponents. With his footwork, he can change angles and attack in ways that other fighters do not expect. By using his feet, he can spin his opponents and attack from multiple sides. If he does it from his opponent’s less dominant side, then he has a great chance to create openings and get the upper hand.
Actually, many consider him to have the best footwork in boxing. It turns out that his skills began with dance classes in Ukraine. He would sneak off with his friends and do headspins and windmills on cardboard. When his father asked him whether he would like to dance or to become a great boxer, Lomachenko answered yes to both. Although he has retired, his footwork has made him one of the best.
3. Shakur Stevenson
Shakur also has exceptional footwork that helps him dominate opponents. He uses his feet to control his position in the ring, change the distance between him and his opponent, and control the pace. Shakur has been able to avoid being hit by damaging shots by moving in and out of his opponent’s range.
He is known for his back-and-forth movement and knows when to step back and create space without losing his balance.
4. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
You cannot talk about footwork in boxing without mentioning Mayweather. He is one of the most popular boxers, and his footwork is one of the main reasons why he has so many fans. During his active years in boxing, Mayweather moved a lot, knowing how to use his feet to surprise his opponents while moving out of danger’s way.
One thing that made him so good in the ring was his ability to maintain distance and create angles effectively. As such, his opponents found it hard to land clean shots.
The Bottom Line
Footwork can lead to great wins for fighters. Aspiring boxers should look at Lomachenko, Usyk, Mayweather, or Shakur for some inspiration on how to use their feet to get the upper hand.
Michael Kovacs is the CEO of Last Word On Sports INC and is happy to be involved with Big Fight Weekend. He is credentialed with several international governing bodies. He cites the Hagler-Leonard fight as his introduction to boxing--and what an introduction that was!