This question is specifically in the context of boxing.
I am 45 y.o., ~197cm (6'5") tall with 2m (78") reach weighing in at ~98kg (215 lbs). I've been training ~ 3 years but have little sparring experience, maybe a dozen rounds over the last year and a bit. Due to a lack of skill, my physique and poor conditioning compared to my much younger sparring partners my go-to tactic is to use my jab to keep opponents at a distance & control the pace.
I got to spar against one of our newer boxers and got completely overwhelmed, he would slip my jab and basically run in very low and hammer away at my body. Makes sense from his standpoint as I have maybe 20cm (8") reach on him, and according to my sore abs was also very effective.
So my questions:
- How can a tall boxer counter or defend against a smaller one who is willing to rush in for an inside fight?
- How can this be done most efficiently in terms of managing my energy and letting me dictate the pace of the fight?