Timothy Bradley, Jean Pascal Show Defense Makes Champions In Boxing Too

Everyone loves a good knockout.

The boxers who leave their opponents looking at the lights get the most media attention, the most buzz among casual fans and, if there’s a parallel that can be drawn between home runs and KOs, probably have the most luck with the ladies.

Still, the name of the game is to hit and avoid being hit, so defense counts at least as much as offense in the sweet science. Floyd Mayweather may dazzle with speedy, precise punching, but there’s an even bigger reason he’s atop most pound-for-pound lists: he’s a defensive genius.

The old adage that defense wins championships is as true in boxing as it is in football. It’s even more helpful when trying to defend those championships, as two boxers in particular showed during a busy weekend in the sport.

Sometimes it can be something as simple as keeping your hands up. Friday night in Quebec, Jean Pascal gave that novel concept a try and found it helped him earn a decisive victory in his rematch with Adrian Diaconu.

Pascal is quick enough to dodge a lot of punches with head and body movement, even with his gloves held low. He did plenty of that the first time he tangled with Diaconu, but he was engaging in an unnecessary tightrope act that left him one mistimed move away from disaster.

This time he chose to keep a high guard during many of the times that Diaconu tracked him down, blocking a lot of punches instead of using so much energy trying to make his opponent miss. When he had an opening, he let loose with his own shots, and that tactic served him well.

Junior welterweight titleholder Timothy Bradley showed off even more wrinkles to his evolving defensive repertoire on Saturday to hold off undefeated challenger Lamont Peterson. Bradley’s footwork was as sharp as it’s ever been, allowing him to avoid just about anything Peterson threw from the outside, and he used shoulder rolls and his gloves to deflect punches once the distance closed.

He did leave openings to the body, and the few times Peterson had extended success came when Bradley chose to stand and trade downstairs. That didn’t take the shine off what was largely an outstanding defensive performance by a boxer who has the look of a rising star.

Big punchers can become world champions. It happens all the time, and the most talented offensive fighters can simply overwhelm lesser competition.

Eventually, though, opponents come along who have impressive firepower of their own. Bradley and Pascal are both at that point, but if they keep showing the same dedication to defense they showed this weekend, they should be able to stay on top for some time to come.

Nick Tylwalk is the editor and co-founder of BoxingWatchers.com . Follow his Twitter feed @Nick_Tylwalk .