what is reach in boxing

In boxing, reach refers to the total length of a fighters arms from one fingertip to the other, similar to a boxers wingspan. It is not to be confused with arm length, which only measures from shoulder to fist in one arm. Measuring reach is one of the most important statistics for a boxer to know, as it can give them an advantage in the competition. To measure reach, a person needs to put their arms in an outward position, perpendicular to their body, and have a friend measure from one fingertip to the other. The average reach across professional boxing is 71 inches. A longer reach can usually give a boxer an advantage by allowing them to stay on the outside and maintain distance from their opponent. However, having a shorter reach can also be beneficial, as it allows a boxer to easily land hooks and uppercuts when fighting from the inside.