The Boxing Knowledge: Why Are Heavyweight Boxers So Tall?

Boxing is a game where players use a punching combination of legs, heads, and torso to defeat opponents. Heavy boxes are always in good health, nice bodies, and admirable height.

But why are heavyweight boxers so tall? We will learn more about it in this article.

How Is Considered A “Short Boxer” In The Heavyweight Division?

When you learn about Myke Tyson, you will know that he is considered a dwarf fighter in the game. However, he is 5 ft 10 inches tall, regarded as the average height of a man. If he were born in the ’50s, he would rank among boxers that dominate this heavy sport in terms of height. Because Rocky Marciano – the legendary heavyweight boxer at the time, was only 5 ft 10 inches tall with a reach of 68 inches.

However, the standards have changed a lot over time. Today’s champions like Anthony Joshua gain 6 ft 6 inches in height and 82 inches in reach, much larger than in the old days. 

6ft1 can be an impressive height for many other sports, but people underestimate this number in boxing. Therefore, you will be considered as a short fighter if you do not have the same height or higher.

Why Are Heavyweight Boxers So Tall?

Boxing is an athletic sport for all people who love activities. However, in the heavyweight class, the participants in this subject are usually very high. So why are heavyweight boxers so tall, and what advantages do tall fighters have over short boxers?

Tall Heavyweight Boxers Have More Choices In Combat Strategies

The ideal height takes a massive advantage in boxing. In addition to better health, you also have many opportunities to choose combat strategies. For example, one of the dominant boxers in the heavyweight division – Klitschko, took a very different approach from the ancient gladiators. He used many clinches to block his opponent’s attacks and made them hard to breathe; this tactic helped him become the champion.

Meanwhile, short boxers cannot apply this technique due to their height defect. Every time the boxers tried to press inside to fight, their tall opponent would stop him with a handgrip.

Similarly, the tall fighter always creates an advantage over his short opponent with the medium and lightweight. For example, George Groves used his height advantage to execute diverse strategies and spectacularly beat Chris Eubank Jr. 

Tall boxers can also apply many different powerful fighting styles to gain an advantage. For example, you can stand at a long distance and send a straight punch to bring down the opponent. While this is impossible with the short gladiators as their arms are not long enough to carry.

There are many other strategies that the tall guys can use in the match. In this sport, the taller one has a higher chance of winning. Of course, that does not mean that small opponents hold on and lose. A few short boxers still have strategies that match their bodybuilding.

The Boxer Height Is A Requirement In The Heavyweight Class

Although there is no height requirement for heavy fighters, boxers in this weight class must weigh more than 200 pounds, which would be considered higher than the average adult weight. Hence, this also means that you must be a tall person to reach this standard weight.

In short, there are no standards for height. But it would help if you comprehended that tall is a must to gain a higher chance of winning.

Short Or Tall Boxers? Who Has The Advantage?

The Advantages Of Dwarf Boxers

It seems that height is not your strong point, but you can become a heavyweight gladiator with the following advantages:

Better Balance: 

In boxing combat, it’s imperative that you consistently unleash powerful punches like a back hook or gift punch. Hence, this can lead to losing your balance and collapsing before you can beat your opponent. When you’re low, your center of gravity is closer to the ground. 

You can keep a better balance than the tall ones. Hence, you can firmly launch critical punches at the opponent without the fear of losing your balance.

More Leverage: 

Myke Tyson is a heavyweight gladiator with a relatively modest height. However, he proved that his short height is a tremendous advantage as quick shots are more robust and faster. In particular, he excited the viewers with terrifying hooks and hits that can knock out opponents at any time by the levers of his feet; this is a remarkable plus point that the taller players do not have.

Advantage Of Tall Boxers

Taller gladiators have tremendous advantages that come from their long legs:

Strong Straight Blows: 

Short-sleeved boxers have an advantage with bold hook and top hits. Meanwhile, tall players make a strong impression by creating impacts on the opponent’s face. Due to their long arms, they can efficiently unleash powerful punches at longer distances and avoid the opponent’s attacks. You can learn about Deontay Wilder to see that, with his 83-inch arm, he only needs one hit that can put other gladiators in a daze.

Foot Movement: 

If the short player uses his feet as a lever, tall boxers use their long legs to avoid urgent and dangerous situations more conveniently and quickly. Taking a step back will help you create great distance with a short-legged opponent and better defense. Therefore, it is a challenge for the short players to narrow the gap or attack the tall guys. 

Read more: Famous white heavyweight boxers and muay thai vs boxing.

Conclusion

With the height of today’s average boxers, it is tough for a short person to win a match as a tall gladiator will use a wider variety of tactics. Therefore, to win the championship, the next generations will always train for better height and quality.

Above are our complete answers to the question “Why are heavyweight boxers so tall?”. We hope they are all helpful for you!

Image Credit: The Fight Game