Here’s what’s interesting. I recently (as is often the case when discussing boxing) ran into a differing opinion. I most recently posted a “contra” to what I thought was Sugar Ray Robinson’s theory of the jab’s relevance in boxing.
With his quote, I assumed that Sugar was saying the jab is the most important punch in boxing.
Turns out that wasn’t even the point Ray was trying to make…
Ray said… “The jab isn’t a punch… it’s the radar. You send it out to measure distance. Blind him, (your opponent) Set up the right hand. My jab wasn’t the hardest, but it was the smartest.”
First off, if you can’t question common or popular thought, your existence promises to be bleak. In my book, 2 things happen when you question something considered fact… You either reconfirm what’s believed to be true… and that’s great… Or you learn something new and maybe even become more knowledgeable yourself because of it. Equally great.
Thank God someone questioned those that believed the “earth is flat”. But what’s there to be offended or angry about? I don’t get it.
Either way it’s all growth.
Anyway, this is Ray’s belief system and how he feels about boxing, he’s free to believe. Who am i to Plus he’s an All Time Great. Yet at the same time I also believe if he lead with his right hand instead of his left, he may of NEVER lost.
So, does the jab measure distance? Yes, but mostly NO. It’s not its primary job. The jab is like low hanging fruit… It allows you to amass points and do damage without committing and suffering heavy damage (and fatigue) in return.
THE JAB IS A DISTRACTION.
Kinda like Chinese water torture… after a while you just wish for the guillotine.
The jab allows you to be safe while not committing yourself or leaving yourself open to be countered.
If you watch Ray, Robinson he uses his jab as a distraction… As did Ali… Hearns and Holmes would be an example of two fighter who used the jab as a weapon to injure the opponent.
So the debate continues… There are those that think the jab is some kind of magic flute and when you use it, you will never lose a fight.
Boxing ain’t brail. You can’t tell me how far away a person is by punching with your eyes closed, but you can tell me how far away a person is with your eyes open. I boxed many years with a lack of depth perception because of eye injuries, so I’m speaking with first hand experience… and what’s more, I fought against a man with one of the greatest jabs of all time. He dropped me with his right hand after extending his left hand. “Measuring me” many might say… No. He was (blinding) distracting me (Just as he did to Ray and Cuevas and Duran and Roldan… from what was to follow.
100% Silk
Question, can anyone tell me why Ray Robinson was as great as he was? What made him a great fighter? Anyone?