How is reach measured in Boxing?

Pundits and commentators will often discuss a reach when previewing a boxing fight or analysing one.

The term ‘reach advantage’ is often used, but how much of an advantage is it? And how is a boxer’s reach determined? Read on to find out.

What does reach mean in boxing?

In simple terms, a boxer’s reach refers to the total length of their arms from fingertip to fingertip.

Also referred to as ‘arm span’ or ‘wingspan’, it is the distance from the tip of the middle fingers on the right and left hands when the arms are stretched to the side and parallel to the ground.

How is reach measured?

To obtain the most precise measurement possible, clothing should be removed from the upper body.

The muscles should be loosened; stretching or light exercise/shadowboxing should achieve this, as arms can be extended properly when flexible.

To take the measurement, stand with your back against the wall with an upright posture and straight shoulders. Heels should be up against the wall with feet flat on the ground.

Straight arms at a right angle to the body and they should be parallel to the floor. It is best to have a partner/coach to help when taking a reach measurement as they can judge whether or not arms are at a right angle, although using a mirror is an alternative option.

Next, the palms should be pressed against the wall with the back of the hand facing outward and the middle fingers should be in line with the elbows.

When this position is achieved, stretch out as far as possible and mark the points on the wall from the end of the middle fingers.

Now measure the distance between the two points and you have a reach measurement.

How important is a long reach?

Having a long reach can be a huge advantage. It makes it easier for a fighter to dictate the pace of a bout with their jab and keep an opponent at bay.

Reach really comes into play in the heavyweight division when there can be huge differences in the sizes of opponents.

For example, Tyson Fury has a massive reach of 85 inches and the average reach for a boxer in that division is 71 inches.

Fury was able to use his considerable height and reach advantages to dominate the vast majority of his opponents - but to make the most of a reach advantage, a boxer has to adopt the right tactics.

A reach advantage only comes into play if a boxer is fighting on the outside, keeping a distance and jabbing from range without allowing your opponent to close the gap. As soon as the fighter with the shorter reach is in range, any advantage is lost.

Can a boxer be successful with a short reach?

Of course! There are plenty of ways to be successful in boxing without fighting on the outside.

Boxers with a short reach have to learn to fight on the inside, getting close to opponents or pinning them against the ropes.

The legendary Rocky Marciano had a reach of just 68 inches and Mike Tyson’s reach was a bang on average 71 inches, but Iron Mike was by no means a bang on average boxer.

There will also be occasions where boxers who are used to having a reach advantage will find themselves matched up against an opponent who boasts a bigger wingspan, so it is unwise for any fighter to rely solely on having a superior reach.