Boxing training myths?

[abbsjr]

I have two inquiries regarding training that I cant seem to find a scientific explanation for, generally speaking the majority of sports are becoming more and more scientific whereas for boxing there still seem to be alot of room for myths (or martial arts in general).

1) What evidence is there to show that my abs with get better at absorbing punches or "stronger" if my training partner punches it or drops a medicine ball at it?

My understanding: is that the bigger the muscle, the better it absorbs impact, if so shouldnt muscular hypertrophy be the goal for abs.
The only potential positive outcome to this I think is to learn how to time the exhale before getting hit with a body shot so you dont get winded.

2) is there any scientific evidence that shows training your neck will help lessen the impact on the brain?

My understanding:
Logically the same concept of my previous understanding would apply, where the size of the muscle would help better absorb punches, but the force already affected the brain before the neck muscles really can do anything to lessen the damage, infact it would seem that building neck muscles would be counterintiutive as it would resist against the force coming at it and all the energy will explode inside the head.
it seems to me that it helps your head stay on your body or maybe strengthen neck muscles enough so the neck wouldnt cramp from the impact rather than have any impact on lessening the likelihood of a knockout

Thank you for your responses in advance, would love to have this cleared up.

[ShoulderRoll]

The trial and error process of generations of fighters is a form of the scientific method. That's usually good enough for me.

If you're looking for a precise physics or anatomy breakdown...good luck. I don't think there are too many experts in those areas on this forum. You're likely to get a half-baked, superficially understood explanation at best.

[4truth]

I have two inquiries regarding training that I cant seem to find a scientific explanation for, generally speaking the majority of sports are becoming more and more scientific whereas for boxing there still seem to be alot of room for myths (or martial arts in general).

1) What evidence is there to show that my abs with get better at absorbing punches or "stronger" if my training partner punches it or drops a medicine ball at it?

My understanding: is that the bigger the muscle, the better it absorbs impact, if so shouldnt muscular hypertrophy be the goal for abs.
The only potential positive outcome to this I think is to learn how to time the exhale before getting hit with a body shot so you dont get winded.

2) is there any scientific evidence that shows training your neck will help lessen the impact on the brain?

My understanding:
Logically the same concept of my previous understanding would apply, where the size of the muscle would help better absorb punches, but the force already affected the brain before the neck muscles really can do anything to lessen the damage, infact it would seem that building neck muscles would be counterintiutive as it would resist against the force coming at it and all the energy will explode inside the head.
it seems to me that it helps your head stay on your body or maybe strengthen neck muscles enough so the neck wouldnt cramp from the impact rather than have any impact on lessening the likelihood of a knockout

Thank you for your responses in advance, would love to have this cleared up.

Can’t say too much about the first other than it seems intuitive that your body takes some damage during the process and when it’s repaired, it’s stronger.

So far as neck muscles allowing you to absorb punches better. Rather than counterintuitive it seems obvious. Your brain gets damaged because your skull accelerates violently after being punched. The more resistance to acceleration the less damage to your brain. Unfortunately the opposite is true for your facial structure. The more resistance to motion, the more damage.

[Rockin']

I have two inquiries regarding training that I cant seem to find a scientific explanation for, generally speaking the majority of sports are becoming more and more scientific whereas for boxing there still seem to be alot of room for myths (or martial arts in general).

1) What evidence is there to show that my abs with get better at absorbing punches or "stronger" if my training partner punches it or drops a medicine ball at it?

My understanding: is that the bigger the muscle, the better it absorbs impact, if so shouldnt muscular hypertrophy be the goal for abs.
The only potential positive outcome to this I think is to learn how to time the exhale before getting hit with a body shot so you dont get winded.

2) is there any scientific evidence that shows training your neck will help lessen the impact on the brain?

My understanding:
Logically the same concept of my previous understanding would apply, where the size of the muscle would help better absorb punches, but the force already affected the brain before the neck muscles really can do anything to lessen the damage, infact it would seem that building neck muscles would be counterintiutive as it would resist against the force coming at it and all the energy will explode inside the head.
it seems to me that it helps your head stay on your body or maybe strengthen neck muscles enough so the neck wouldnt cramp from the impact rather than have any impact on lessening the likelihood of a knockout

Thank you for your responses in advance, would love to have this cleared up.

1) It's the same as head shots, though I don't recommend that your coach employ absorbing head shots as a workout, the more you eat the easier it becomes. But you have to do sit ups/crunchs, knees to elbows.... etc., as well

2) Yes, a strong neck will help you too absorb punches. What will help you even more, to keep from getting ko'd, is to see/know that the shot coming.

It doesn't matter how big your neck is if you don't see the shot coming in. If it was a descent shot you will be stunned (to a degree) by the unexpected/unseen blow. If it was a solid shot you're on your way down. Look at films where the guy gets ktfo, I guarantee that the guy didn't see it coming in or he was stunned by a previous shot where all he can see are memories of his past.

If your eyes catch it coming in, even the slightest bit, your mind prepares to take the blow. You might not even realize that your mind saw it, but it prepares you to eat the shot.

How many ko's happen when a guy eats a great shot but saw it coming in and knew that it was coming in?
It's all about the eyes.....Rockin'

[OctoberRed]

Some things that dont work for some will work for others.

[Rockin']

Some things that dont work for some will work for others.

Your eyes/reflexes are trained by experience...…..Rockin'

[a.rihn]

You're likely to get a half-baked, superficially understood explanation at best.

I feel so seen right now!

[dalebreton]

Well, yes, these methods are not scientifically explained nor are other methods that occur in martial arts or box, or other types of fight.

[OctoberRed]

Your eyes/reflexes are trained by experience...…..Rockin'

Damn right, Rockin!