Dominant Perception: Looking at the Fighting Stance
In my article "Picking a Fighting Stance: A Theory," I delved into the significance of choosing the right fighting stance and how overlooking this aspect might inadvertently hinder your perception, especially when prioritizing the power of your rear punch. For most people, their dominant hand is linked to their dominant eye. For instance, if you're right-handed, you mostly see with your right eye. If you're left-handed, you mostly see with your left eye. Placing your dominant eye in the lead grants you better perception, comparable to using a spyglass with your dominant eye.
Two exceptional fighters, Terence Crawford and Shakur Stevenson, are prime examples of dominant perception's impact. Not only are they training partners, but also right-handed fighters who opt for a southpaw stance. This provides a better view of the action and openings.
Observe Crawford with his right eye locked on Errol Spence Jr., unwavering in focus. He sees Spence's punch and scores a knockdown with his right hand.
Notice the position of Crawford's right eye and how he sees everything, avoiding incoming shots while delivering precise counters. Even when he covers up, he tracks Spence using his dominant eye. Crawford is also in a J-stance, while Spence is more sideways.
Shakur Stevenson, whom we've studied previously for his exceptional perception, capitalizes on his dominant eye stance to perceive his opponents while distorting their vision. By positioning himself with his dominant eye forward, he not only perceives Robson Conceicao's strike but also manages to exploit Conceicao's blind spot, completely throwing him off balance.
By improving their vision, Crawford and Stevenson have reduced their blind spots. However, moving into their blind spot is also not a place of safety as it exposes you directly to the line of their rear punch.
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