Great job on the fight man.
I agree that you should drop in weight - that kid was a full head taller than you, and that makes the already difficult task of winning a boxing match that much harder.
I’ve watched the fight a couple times, and I’m going to tell you what I saw. Take it all with a grain of salt, because I’m not a trainer, and realize that any “advice” I give doesn’t take away from the plaudits you deserve for stepping between the ring ropes.
The biggest thing that stood out to me was your range, or lack thereof. This guy was a foot taller than you and had pterodactyl arms, meaning his reach was far longer. That’s a tremendous advantage, especially if he’s experienced and knows how to use it, so you must plan accordingly.
Doing what you did - which is to say, stand at his range and try to trade with him - is the worst thing you could do as a novice boxer. You saw (and felt) the results: Nearly all of your punches fell short, while he hit you at will. A good example of this came 42 seconds into your video - look at the distance between you guys! And sure enough, you got caught coming in right afterwards. And at about 52 seconds in you see him measure you with his left hand just after your 1-1-2 fell short. Your fist was four inches from his face, but he had his glove on your headgear.
I’m not sure I agree with the “punching at his chest” advice, which you typically do when you’re being out-countered by a guy with sharp slips. Not sure how that would help in this situation.
But as a shorter boxer myself, I run into this often. The remedy is simple - don’t try to trade with the guy while he’s punching. Keep a high guard, cover up, and wait for him to stop throwing. The second he stops - and I mean literally that second - drive forward behind your jab and right hand and put him on the defensive. We call this “waiting for his reset,” and it will get you inside his range without taking the shots you took.
You did good inside when you got there. You caught the guy with a nice hook about 46 seconds in, and later on in the fight you worked a nice bob-and-weave/hook counter. That’s the distance you need to be at consistently. And because your distance is a function of your footwork, that’s what you need to work on.
Also, keep your gloves up more. You can lower them if you’re trying to draw the guy into throwing a punch you want to counter, or if you’re very good at slipping. But I don’t think you’re there yet, so keep a Micky Ward-style leather wall in front of your face when you’re trying to get in on taller fighters.
I’ll end on higher notes: Your aggression was marvelous, and you’re clearly not afraid. You worked your basic combos well, and your punches snapped until the end, when you ran out of gas a bit. Also, you had good movement and weren’t awkward or off-balance.
You’re a gritty guy, and that’s good, because that can’t be taught. You just need to refine your skills, and that will happen with time and effort. So I say it’s a great, great first bout for you. Again, good job man.
