The role of strength on punch impact force in boxing

The ability to punch with a high impact force is beneficial to boxers as there is an increased likelihood of success. Punch impact force differentiates between performance level, weight class, gender and punch type in competitive boxers. Whilst technique is likely to play a major role in punch impact force, the capabilities of the neuromuscular system may also be a limiting factor. This review examines the role of strength on punch impact forces in amateur and professional boxers. The maximal-strength qualities of the lower-body, as well as explosivestrength qualities of both the upper- and lower-body, are largely associated with punch impact force in elite amateur boxers. Specifically, elite amateur boxers who punch with ‘high’ impact forces have greater levels of lower-body maximal-strength and explosive-strength when compared to elite amateurs who punch with ‘low’ impact forces. However, the maximalstrength capabilities of the upper-body are not associated with punch impact force and does not differentiate between elite boxers who punch with ‘high’ and ‘low’ impact forces. Therefore, based off the present evidence, this review recommends that for boxers who aim to develop their punch impact force, it may be advantageous to emphasise both maximal- and explosivestrength development of the legs, with only an explosive-strength focus in the upper body. However, it is important to highlight that, to date, there are a lack of experimental studies in both elite amateur and professional boxing. Further, there is a dearth of research in female boxing. Future experimental studies are needed to infer causality regarding the role that strength training has on punch impact force in both elite amateur and professional boxers.