The general thought is that having bulging muscles help a lot in fighting. But then why did Gerald Mclellan pack powerful punches? So, to find out why do skinny guys punch hard, keep on reading till the end
There is no physique or body type that we can claim to be better than the other in a fight or power. History is evidence that where the long arms of tall people have proved to be of great help, the powerful physique of the skinny persons has always been a win-win situation for them.
So, if you are interested in knowing why some skinny guys are strong, stick by us till the end.
Now, without delaying any further, let’s dive into the details of the much-debated topic.
Why do Skinny Guys Punch Hard? The Science Logic!
Skinny guys are considered weak and more vulnerable to getting hit and tired earlier. The general thought is that the larger and bulkier the muscles, the more power they have.
There is nothing wrong with this thought, but can you drive a heavy bike without providing sufficient fuel? The same is the case with bulging muscles. To get the maximum output, you need to give them more energy. And that is why in long fights and boxing, after some time, they start to get tired.
In contrast, a Skinny guy has a lot of stamina and strength. Although apparently, they may seem weak and more vulnerable to attack, they pack powerful punches too. All they need to do is use their power correctly because, in the end, the game is of mind and not only of energy.
Related: 6 Best Muay Thai Shing Guards for Skinny Legs

Can Skinny Guys Punch Harder at Short Distances?
A particular situation where the Skinny guys actually have a plus point over bulkier ones is the short-range fight.
The bulkier and heavier guys can’t develop speed and use power at small distances. In contrast, for a Skinny person with little muscle development, it is a piece of cake to generate power at a small distance too.
So, it is the right balance between size, speed, cardio, and grip-on techniques that help you punch harder and more impactfully.
Related: Best speed bags for skinny beginners
Why do I Punch so Hard?
The punching force varies from person to person. The strength with which the punch executes depends on the mass and the acceleration. So, if you are bulkier, the first half of the equation is already in your favor.
But with the development of muscles, there occurs a lot of agility and flexibility in the body. They are primarily trained on static power generation and not speed.
However, if you are a skinnier person, no one can match your flexibility. As a result, the second half of the equation is in your favor. And the other half related to mass can be worked on by doing cardio and developing stamina.
Why do Skinny Guys Hit Harder?
Have you ever wondered about Deontay Wilder or Tommy Hearns and thought, why can skinny guys punch hard?
So, to answer why are skinny guys strong, several studies and researches were done, and they all concluded that the small pugilists of the skinny guys led to increased power generation and strength-to-weight ratio.
Actually, research showed that the training and exercise of skinny guys lead to the development of more fast-twitch fibers, while that of slow-twitch fibers in bulkier boxers.
Why do Some Boxers Punch Harder than Others?
Some boxers punch harder than the order because of their training and exercises. The more effort you put in, the better outcomes you get. It is a skill that needs time to develop. However, a few ways to increase and boost your punching power are:
- Practice exercises like medicine ball throw, plyometric push-ups, squats with a medicine ball, a tub of rice, etc.
- Rotate your torso and shoulders
- Practice shadowboxing
How Hard Does the Average Man Punch?- The Factors That Matter!
Just because you are tall or skinny isn’t an assurance of the fact that you will execute powerful punches. There are a lot more factors that matter. So, let’s dive through them.
- Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in determining the massive power you hit or punch. The boxes like Mike Tyson claim to have this unique power since birth.
- Wrist Circumference and Hand Size
The wrist circumference and the size of the hand play a vital role in deciding the force with which you execute the punch. The bigger the bones of the hand, the more muscle the skeleton can hold, and the stronger the punch is. And the 8-inch wrist size of best hitters like Mike Tyson and Joe Louis is evidence of it.
- Training
Last but not least, the whole discussion reaches a blind end if you aren’t trained properly. Therefore, you need to get proper training and practice. No matter how good your genes and size are, the punch won’t be effective if you have no training on how to execute them.
Can Tall Skinny Guys Fight and Punch Better?
Yes, all body sizes and physiques have the respective points that make them better, and so is the case of tall skinny guys. A taller guy has the maximum chances of winning in the ring because not only does he have long arms and more flexibility, but he also stays clear of his opponent’s reach due to the advantage of better height.
Conclusion- One Last Word!
There is no second thought that skinny guys have a significant advantage in agility, flexibility, strength-to-weight ratio, and speed, making them better hitters and punch executers.
But apart from that, the exercise, training, and persistent efforts matter a lot.
And with this, the topic of “Why do skinny guys punch hard” ends. It’s your turn to find your body type and work accordingly.
Chris Bent
Chris Bent is a professional MMA Trainer who has expertise in both Martial Arts and Karate and he loves to teach Men, Women and Kids.