Triple G punching power

[Universal Kombat]

Do people know for a fact what creates what people call "punching power"? Is there a definitive scientific guide or study on the subject? A generally accepted theory?

What we do know is that size is an important factor. Heavyweights score more KOs in their divisions than the smaller guys. To me, that seems like a given.

But we also have guys like GGG who aren't muscular, aren't explosive, and don't land clean technical crisp shots on their opponent, but seem to drop and KO people repeatedly.

With most fighters, we can easily see why they score KO'S. They're either counter fighters who catch someone coming in, very big and powerful, small and explosive, or all those qualities.

But with GGG, he seems very lumbering and slow, when compared to other boxers. His strikes don't look like they're packed with energy (though they obviously are) or fast.

What would one attribute his KO power to? I'm starting to think that what many people call KO power, is just finishing ability, one guy tougher, aggressive, and pursuant of his opponent. But then guys like Anthony Johnson and Foreman exist, and it gets thrown right out the window.

Not to mention, that we have plenty of other guys in combat sports who are known for their lack of KO power, even when trying their best to finish opponents in an aggressive manner.

I know my post Is rather confusing so I'll just simply if the question. What is triple G doing to score so many finishes? I'm not taking away from his boxing, but technically ON PAPER he's not that good compared to many other guys.

 

[Jimmy Jazz]

its something you are born with. definitely

 

[RighteousWar]

its something you are born with. definitely

Much like with homosexuals claiming this, I have to disagree...

You can have punching power, but if you have no clue how/where to land your punch, it's useless.

 

[Jimmy Jazz]

Much like with homosexuals claiming this, I have to disagree...

You can have punching power, but if you have no clue how/where to land your punch, it's useless.

lol thats besides the point.

 

[BJJ Coffee Drinker]

Not sure what GGG possess but he is pretty quick and his technique is not bad at all

My friend who is an exercise science specialist and physical therapist who was an amateur kickboxing champion guesses KO power is a combination of everything you mentioned such as technique, timing, speed, etc. There are 2 things he has mentioned that I don't think Ive heard before

He also thinks that many people don't consider the natural bone density of fighters that can contribute to their power. Doesn't seem like a large factor but definitely possible. Sounds like something your born with or not

Another contribution to KO power he guesses is how some fighters have stronger upper back muscles that anchor better so when they deliver their punch, the opposite end of the punch at the fist, is anchored very securely and prevents generated power from seeping/giving out the other end. Some fighters have a natural stiffness to their back muscles that may contribute to handling power much better than other. Obviously though, this is a technique factor to this and again, sounds like something your born with

 

[Jimmy Jazz]

Not sure what GGG possess but he is pretty quick and his technique is not bad at all

My friend who is an exercise science specialist and physical therapist who was an amateur kickboxing champion guesses KO power is a combination of everything you mentioned such as technique, timing, speed, etc. There are 2 things he has mentioned that I don't think Ive heard before

He also thinks that many people don't consider the natural bone density of fighters that can contribute to their power. Doesn't seem like a large factor but definitely possible. Sounds like something your born with or not

Another contribution to KO power he guesses is how some fighters have stronger upper back muscles that anchor better so when they deliver their punch, the opposite end of the punch at the fist, is anchored very securely and prevents generated power from seeping/giving out the other end. Some fighters have a natural stiffness to their back muscles that may contribute to handling power much better than other. Obviously though, this is a technique factor to this and again, sounds like something your born with

yeah I have 10 pounds of bones if i remember correctly and can do 250 on the chest flys 10 times. Back muscles definitely help.

 

[mooner100]

From what I see, he sits down in his punches, but he is somehow able to continually cut off the ring. That's what makes him special.

 

[Universal Kombat]

From what I see, he sits down in his punches, but he is somehow able to continually cut off the ring. That's what makes him special.

You mean he plants himself for the punches? Don't most boxers?

 

[mooner100]

You mean he plants himself for the punches? Don't most boxers?

But usually the other guys can move around and circle when dealing with a power puncher who sits down on punches. Against GGG, walking backwards is a death sentence because he will somehow cut you off even while throwing hey makers on a continuous work rate.

 

[Sinister]

lol@GGG is not very technical.

The Eastern Bloc doesn't produce some of the most devastating punchers in Boxing by accident. There are physiological factors, but their entire system is constructed around efficient delivery of force.

 

[Sinister]

You mean he plants himself for the punches? Don't most boxers?

No.

 

[rmongler]

Every movement involves a kinetic chain; the longer the chain, the more joints involved; the more joints involved, the more potential points for energy to 'leak' out of the chain.

Only two things prevent energy leakage. One is well conditioned stability muscles (especially around the spine, the number 1 source of energy leak), which keep your joints immobile in every direction besides the way you want, minimizing energy sapping 'squish' or wobble.

The other is technique, to ensure your musculature is coordinating in the correct way to mobilize your joints in the correct way you want, minimizing squish, wobble, and uncoordinated muscles pulling in the wrong directions hindering movement.

When considering something with a kinetic chain that is basically as long as the entire body, like punching, these factors become even more important.

ps don't do situps

 

[clashnat]

From what I see, he sits down in his punches, but he is somehow able to continually cut off the ring. That's what makes him special.

Where do you see the contradiction? When you're out of reach and moving, he stalks you. When he has you nailed on one spot and engaging with him, he measures with his lead hand and sits down on his punches.

Not relativizing his ability, but you can watch amareur boxers do that.

Guess who has a massive amateur background though.

 

[BJJ Coffee Drinker]

Every movement involves a kinetic chain; the longer the chain, the more joints involved; the more joints involved, the more potential points for energy to 'leak' out of the chain.

Only two things prevent energy leakage. One is well conditioned stability muscles (especially around the spine, the number 1 source of energy leak), which keep your joints immobile in every direction besides the way you want, minimizing energy sapping 'squish' or wobble.

The other is technique, to ensure your musculature is coordinating in the correct way to mobilize your joints in the correct way you want, minimizing squish, wobble, and wasted movement.

When considering something with a kinetic chain that is basically as long as the entire body, like punching, these factors become even more important.

ps don't do situps

I completely agree with this! Basically falls in line what my friend was saying about the upper back muscles acting as stiff stabilizers to prevent leaking/wasting power and effort

 

[Borass]

Proper technique with good hip movement, good weight transfer, relaxed arm, good timing and precision makes the KO power. Like said before, it's a "chain" with many elements which must work together. Those who have got the "Bang" use their legs and hips. It 's really hard to have it but i don't think it's "natural". It's mainly
provided by work and good coaching. I would say 80 % of the KO power is pure technique, then 20 % from conditionning ( nowadays, it seems that plyometric exercices are the best way to work it )

 

[Borass]

I know in this forum, many people critisize Johnny N'Guyen but i think this article is really interesting... : http://www.expertboxing.com/boxing-techniques/punch-techniques/how-to-throw-a-snapping-punch

 

[Bzerkfury]

Intention is the missing key if you have all the exterior factors speed strength explosiveness. Then the mental factors of timing and accuracy you add in the emotional factors such as wanting to put a guy in the morgue. You have to see each shot as dirty and painful imagine your shots putting holes in the guy. Like your hitting him with bricks or your gloves are loaded.

 

[rmongler]

You mean he plants himself for the punches? Don't most boxers?

http://forums.sherdog.com/threads/how-do-you-rock-conor-with-a-jab-boxing-basics-explained.3197609

'Sitting' on a punch is not something you do before throwing it, its something you do as, or even infinitesimally after you throw it. When done right, it means inside that brief, tiny moment of 'free fall', your punch connects with the guys mug before your weight reconnects with your foot into the ground. And in that evanescent moment, its not just a punch, but like your entire body is crashing down on the point of impact too.

 

[JSnake]

In Chinese martial art theory, the source of power is said to come from the lower Dantian; the physical center of gravity situated behind the lower abdomen. When people advise to "sit down on your punches", the lower dantian is what's being channeled unconsciously; the stronger this connection is and the amount energy stored within it, the more powerful the strike produced. Interestingly enough, it's also the location of what science terms the enteric nervous system or the "second brain" in our body.

When looking at GGG's stance, he always keeps connected to his center of gravity, and has mastery over the punching mechanics to transmit his power most efficiently; keeping his punches relaxed, tensing only at the point of impact, so that the energy chain is not disrupted. The way he connects with his opponent is not so much punching through them as it is his arm leveraging the impacted body part and his center of gravity closer together.

 

[rmongler]

Well as the old saying goes: the guy with the biggest butt lifts the heaviest weightthrows the hardest punch.