As long as a fighter tips the scales within the limit of his weight department, it doesn’t really matter how tall he is, even if he is tall and his challenger is small. If you’re not a tall fighter then there will be a number of challenges like having to fight someone you literally have to look up to.

Boxing against a taller challenger has unique obstacles. His legs are definitely longer, the range buff will work in his favor, and he can be a tough target to hit because he can pay to stay further than your hitting distance.

On the initial look, you are at a total disadvantage. However, this does not mean that you are doomed to lose. Keep in mind that Mike Tyson fought much taller opponents throughout his career and still became a heavyweight champion.

There are really several methods on how you can handle these drawbacks.

Longer arms and reach suggests that your opponent engages in their striking distance before they can engage in yours. This is not a generalization, but a boxer who knows he has the benefit of reach often tends to back off to play outside. If you run into this type of fighter, he removes that advantage as early in the fight as possible.

outside fighter

It gets pretty frustrating if your opponent chooses to play their battle and not enter yours. Right here, you have no choice but to bring the fight to him.

fighting inside

Infighting is of your own design and it will take years to develop the proper finesse and skill to become a good expert in this style. Still, you simply have to keep a few things in mind when dealing with a taller challenger from the inside.

– Initially, since his challenger has longer arms, it is more difficult for him to land short blows. At the same time, much shorter arms reap more benefits in inner fighting.

– Second, never expose any of your crucial organs. Internal combat involves some top punches and side punches. Keep your chin protected with your gloves and your sides protected by tucking your arms in as close to your body as possible.

– Third, don’t hesitate to put your forehead on his chest. Doing this allows you to assess the distance that separates you from your challenger, which will help you better judge the strength of your blows.

– Finally, keep throwing punches and if you can’t throw any more, clinch or get out as fast as you can.

Choosing to fight an inside game against a taller challenger needs total authority and decision. Never walk towards your opponent hesitantly.

As a smaller fighter, you had to be faster. Never move in a straight line. Shake, crouch, move sideways, or do anything else that makes you an elusive target. If you do well on these, you have a much better chance of winning the battle.