Why Do Boxers Hold On To Each Other?

We have been working on fighting in the clinch this week at the club, something you see a lot in boxing, kickboxing and MMA. Several people asked me why fighters often come together and hold onto each other when they get in close. I thought it was a great question because it is something that is not talked about a lot and if you're not super familiar with the sport, may seem strange. There are several reasons why and oftentimes it will be for more than one. The amount of time spent holding onto each other can also be highly dependent on the referee. Some will separate the two fighters quickly, some give them more time, and some change their tolerance level based on the specific fighters. Here the 6 main reasons you will see boxers clinch. These reasons are all true for kickboxers and mixed martial artists but they have some additional reasons (like throwing knees or going for a takedown) that of course don't apply to boxing.

The Sea of Arms

When 2 people stand at close range and try to punch each other simultaneously, arms are going to get entangled. Especially the bigger they are. When this happens, it may be hard to safely untangle. Going into a grab/clinch can be a good way to stop the punches and then disengage.

Frustration

Every boxer goes into the fight with a game plan. Some fighters plan to put a lot of pressure on their opponent, some want to keep their opponent at a distance and pick them apart with longer-ranged punches. With both of these diametrically different game plans, those fighters would find it frustrating to be continually tied up by their opponent. The pressure fighter wants to overwhelm with punches but they can't do that while their arms are being held/stifled. The long-range outboxer can't execute their strategy either when they are being held at close range. An element of boxing tactics is to take whatever your opponent seemingly wants and not let them have it. Tying someone up can accomplish this. Of course it doesn't always work though. Frank Bruno attempted to do it in his rematch with Tyson and it not only did not work but made Bruno look like he didn't really want to fight (which I am guessing he didn't). So it's not going to make you a fan favorite but if used intelligently, can help take your opponent out of their game.

Wear 'Em Down

Particularly with heavyweights, this tactic is to hold on to your opponent and put your weight on them in an attempt to tire them out over time. Another Tyson, Tyson Fury, used this in his second fight against Deontay Wilder pretty well and it's generally more effective when you are the taller, heavier fighter. Of course you will wear someone down even more by hitting them but of course it requires more energy and puts you at more risk.

Survival

This is probably the most common reason you see too fighters clenched up. When punches are raining down on you, sometimes the best thing to do is simply tie your opponent up. Hold their arms so they quit punching you for a second. Get your bearings and then start fighting back. Kind of like I discussed in the frustration paragraph too, you can hopefully break the rhythm of your opponent by tying them up as well.

Exhaustion/Break

Along the same lines, fighting for your life is just about the most physically exhausting thing anyone can do. Heavyweights once again in particular, can get tired quickly carrying around that extra mass and you will often see them start clinching more as the rounds go on. It's can be a safer way to take a break other than just moving out of range and dancing around. 

"Dirty Boxing"

This is an MMA term but good boxers are able to use the clinch as an opportunity to do damage to their opponent. Not necessarily with illegal blows that the ref doesn't catch (though you do see this sometimes) but with smart techniques that allow them to hit, control, frustrate and generally rough up their opponents. Pull them down into an uppercut, knock them off balance before striking, turning them into a corner are just some of many tactics which can be used effectively.