Reach vs Arm Length... Does it really matter?

Arm Length = Armpit to the end of the fist
Reach = Arms stretched at maximum paralell to the ground fingertip to fingertip

I have noticed more often now I see the Arm length measurement... I know its newer and it seems at first glance to make more sense... BUT isn't the stat more to find out who can hit who out of range?... Most the time we think the guy with the longer ARM LENGTH measurement is at the advantage at a ranged distance. But doesn't the width of your shoulders count for something too? I mean if your shoulders are wide and you have normal sized arms it still means the distance from your chin to the end of the fist in a jab war COULD be greater than the guy with longer arms.

Here is an illustration (which is extreme and meant to ILLUSTRATE a point)

http://imgur.com/Rw2XM2Q

This could show how someone with Longer arms could actually be at a disadvantage with outside fighting...

That's why I propose that reach should probably be used more.

Agree/disagree?


PS: I do realize this probably only means an inch or two difference in most cases but that could be the deciding factor on a tough betting decision. :hey

 

Exactly! That's what I mean. Top level fighters use their whole length of that line from the chin to the shoulder, to the arm to the end of the fist:

http://www.sportphotogallery.com/content/images/products/Sports/98789704/main/98789704-product.jpg

http://assets.nydailynews.com/polop...landscape_635/alg-amir-khan-zab-judah-jpg.jpg

(Notice the shoulder is at maximum extension)

https://static.squarespace.com/stat...183823617/1000w/041313-rigondeaux-win-580.jpg

This str8 left from rigo shows he is using a good bit of shoulder as well. (I have seen others even use more but I can't think of them right now)

 

:deal

You get it.

Its not like these guy sit squared up, with shoulders mechanically locked in place punching with only their arms. They turn the whole body and use it!

 

I disagree. The longer reach would win in the jabbing contest assuming both parties have proper technique. Notice in the pictures I posted that they pretty much turn and use the full length of the "reach" not just the arm. This would mean the longer Reach stat, has the longer jab.

 

I think turning with the jab is the way to go... It does make it harder to transition into a right hand, but when distance fighting, it is a neccesity. It really doesn't take much more time to throw that jab itself, but it takes more time to combo off of.

Agreed.

Yeah. I'm probably nitpicking. There are so many factors that decide the outcome of a fight, and how the fighters choose their strategy. Reach is only one of them, but I find things like this interesting to think about nonetheless. I just feel like boxing is a SCIENCE and that SCIENCE should try to have the most accurate measurements possible.