Control is a way of moving that influence’s the opponent’s behaviour. The most basic example of control is clinching the opponent but there are more subtle and artful ways of control that do not necessarily require physical contact.

The purpose of control is to set up a punch or a counter-punch. To illustrate this, below are 10 examples of different types of control, some of which are contact-based and others non-contact based:

1. Distance Control - Using footwork to control when and where to engage.

2. Stance Control - Using postures and feints to trick or distract the opponent.

3. Guard Control - Placing the knuckle end of the glove on the opponent’s guard.

4. Hand Control - Placing the palm of the glove on the opponent’s glove.

5. Head Control - Placing the palm of the glove on the front or sides of the opponent’s head.

6. Elbow Control - Flaring the elbow to restrict the opponent’s movement.

7. Shoulder Control - Placing the palm of the glove on the opponent’s shoulder.

8. Clinch Control - Holding onto the opponent’s arms and smothering any attacks.

9. Positioning Control - Manoeuvring the opponent against the ropes or into a corner.

10. Break Control - Manoeuvring out of a clinch without letting the opponent attack.

These techniques do not have official names, such as ‘jab’ or ‘cross’, but they are real and often used by professionals. With some familiarity with these techniques, boxers may completely transform how they box, and boxing fans may watch matches with a totally new appreciation for skill.

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