Boxers hug each other during a fight not as a sign of affection, but as a strategic maneuver known as "clinching." This clinch serves multiple purposes:
- It allows boxers to catch their breath and recover since boxing matches are physically demanding.
- It helps in slowing down the pace of the fight, breaking the opponent's offensive rhythm.
- It provides time to clear their head if they've been stunned or hurt.
- It can frustrate and tire out the opponent by forcing them to work harder.
- It is used as a tactic by distance fighters to stifle close-range opponents.
- Inside the clinch, boxers can land punches more effectively.
- It can be used to escape when trapped or when being outclassed.
- Clinching is typically brief and is often broken up by referees to keep the fight flowing.
Essentially, the hugging or clinching seen in boxing is a tactical move to gain an advantage, manage energy, avoid damage, and control the rhythm of the fight.
