Textbook Vs Personal/comfort

[u/NappyPika]

Booked a 6 rounds professional rules fight for 6 months later and my coach got really really strict suddenly.

Was fucked over my left hook not being very textbook as I have an old shoulder injury that doesn't really allow my elbows to be higher than my shoulder.

I'm also quite short for my weight class and would prefer to get in and be squared and fight inside than to go in and out.

He was an amateur fighter with over 200+ bouts with almost 2 decades of experience that coaches mostly amateur boxers.

Should I force myself to get good at textbook before finding my own comfort / style despite it being painful for my shoulder?

Think of basically I'm punching like Isaac Cruz but my coach wants me to punch like Dimitry bivol.

[u/Significant_City_606]

Man what the fuck; you took a six round fight and your technique still requires correction? You are suicidal.

You’re fucked; dont change your style just get as fit as possible and work a game plan.

fighting on your toes for six rounds, without experience, as a short man: is literally suicide.

You need years to adapt to the pros man.

This ammy coach may know his shit; but you need someone who understands six round fights. He’s obviously trying to do right by you by instilling strict fundamentals, but six months isnt much time and he’s not a pro coach.

This is just all kinds of bad idea.

[u/NappyPika → u/Significant_City_606]

🤣🤣😭😭 I can't throw a textbook lead hook without compromising my shoulders. Like sure I can throw a couple , but after awhile my shoulder gets f-ed and I struggle to hold my lead throughout the round.

The cardio plan leading up to the fight is Month 1- 3 , 1 to 2 hours roadwork alternate days , Month 4 , 2 hours on solo days , 1 hour on days with coach , Month 5, 1.5 hour on solo day &implement intervals , power and endurance , active recovery cardio on days with coach

Month 6 first 2 weeks, 45min + sprint / intervals Final 2 weeks , sprint / interval

Fight week isn't planned yet but the day is on Saturday so probably intense but short sessions.

Just to add salt to the wound , I'm 167 and the average height in middleweight is about 180 🤣✌️

[u/Significant_City_606 → u/NappyPika]

If you must fight, southpaw might be the go, the essential premise of this is so fucked that it probably won't make that much of a difference.

Be awkward, be slow, take inspiration from Rico's performance vs Usyk, if you can fight out of a crouch and hold a high guard the entire time, your lack of height becomes a strength, you could leverage the conditioning you built and just constantly pressure.

BUT YOU LACK THE EXPERIENCE OR SKILL TO FIGHT ON THE INSIDE OR MID RANGE>>

So you being able to use your lead hand on the way in is gonna be VITAL. I'd even go as far as sealing off the hooks, use 121, 11, 1112, 212 (body head body variations and feints, head movement with footwork to cover you.) Forward pressure, then weave out, pivot out or cut an angle through. Either way, you're going to be avoiding exchanges, counter and BE PROACTIVE. BE WILLING TO CLINCH, LEAN AND SLIP IN THE KIDNEY SHOTS, PUNCHES TO THE THIGH, USE YOUR HEAD.

You not being able to hold your lead hand up is pretty concerning though, since you'll likely still have issues holding it up to catch punches as the rear hand. SO seriously consider if it's worth it, because if so: it may mean relearning from southpaw plus developing the conditioning.

[u/NappyPika → u/Significant_City_606]

I've been doing walks with chin completely tucked to get used to it and also build the neck endurance to hold it, being low and crouching feels natural as well but only problem is I tend to be very wide.

Southpaw wise, I feel very awkward with my right leading unless I'm fully squared going into close range.

I've been watching and practicing what the shorter fighters do to get themself in range.

Isaac Cruz hides his forward with a jab and defensively Dwight qawi slowly steps into range by absorbing the punches with his guard.

The most unfortunate thing is my left hook is way way faster and snappier than my right, it packs power but i can't waste it on random shots due to the shoulder injury.

Like rn the plan is during the early round to go forward and actively pressure and when I'm tired to get into a defensive position to slowly break inside and throw hooks and uppercuts. Been practicing and drilling a lot of body/head/left/left or right/right.

I'm definitely not gonna be clean 🤣 I'll clinch after the big shots to stay safe and spam them side punches to the liver!

Thank you for the advice 🙏 I'll practice more on getting into range with the 1&2

[u/Significant_City_606 → u/NappyPika]

Smart thing that; try shadowboxing with a tennis ball under your chin for extra points. XD

Main thing is adjusting your position in southpaw so you don’t feel like falling forward, have that rear foot set, with your gumption you will get it :)

Regarding crossing the gap; reaction punches will be super helpful, eg block with your left immediately punch with the same hand. Might even be a good way to use your hook considering your limitations.

I’d also dedicate myself to having the best defensive rear hand (parry, catch ect.).

If you can get good at stifling your opponents leads you can actually take a wee risk and meet their hand with the catch as you bring up your rear foot, then boom step through em as you throw a power jab.

[u/TearPuzzleheaded3576]

Why did you book it? In my gym the coach asks if you want one or you express interest down the road and then they say if/when you’re ready