Why is Hugging Allowed in Boxing?

counselwolf@lemmy.dbzer0.com to No Stupid Questions@lemmy.world – 135 points –

Why is Hugging Allowed in Boxing? I believe most viewers think hugging makes the sport a bit boring to watch.

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It's called the clinch and is a huge part of the sport. There can be a lot happening in the clinch that casual observers won't necessarily see or appreciate. Some of the all-time greats were masters at working the clinch.

You seem to know your stuff, what are the rules of hugging ? What’s preventing an opponent who knows he is up in points to just do that until the end to not risk any comeback?

What’s preventing an opponent who knows he is up in points to just do that until the end to not risk any comeback?

You just described Floyd Mayweather's career.

Floyd was one of the first persons I thought of that abuses clinching, I remember watching his fight with Pacquiao and it was boring as hell. 12 rounds of nothing.

That fight was such a huge disappointment and was the event that brought my attention to his fighting style.

Yes, I know he's technically within his rights to fight like that. But I am well within my rights to lose respect for a guy who won't face an equal opponent head on and resorts to playing "the game" like a coward.