If you\u2019ve ever\nwatched a boxing match at any level, at some point you\u2019ll have seen two\naggressive, sweaty athletes hugging in the middle of the ring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although you\nmight not have realized it at the time, this \u201chug\u201d is a very important part of\nthe sport. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the\nbest boxers ever, like Floyd Mayweather Jr and Lennox Lewis, were masters of\nthis maneuver, using it to win countless bouts throughout their careers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, while it\nmay look affectionate, don\u2019t be fooled by appearances. This is not anything\nlike a normal hug. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s get one\nthing straight: It\u2019s not called hugging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Instead, it\u2019s known as clinching.\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First things\nfirst, to get into a clinch you have to put your arms over your opponent\u2019s, then\nrest your forehead on their shoulder. Then you hug them tight, all while\nleaning as much of your weight on them as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each of these\nelements are key to the clinch because they serve different purposes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obviously, holding\nan opponent\u2019s arms down will make it harder for them to keep hitting you,\ngiving you precious time to clear your head if you are stunned or tired. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Placing your\nhead on their shoulder minimizes the risk of accidental headbutts\noccurring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, putting\nyour weight on your opponent also means that you get a rest while they have to\nwork harder, even if only for the few seconds it takes for them to get out of\nthe clinch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n