Quote Originally Posted by guy b. View Post
Hmm, yes he doesn't really engage centre at all. He steps back to maintain distance in fact. Working at this range, and with this approach, the only way to affect the opponent's balance and movement is to grab his sleeve as in the Sabaki karate clip. Messing with arms that can withdraw at any time does nothing.
Correct. It's trading punches at arms' length. Not something to suggest against a good boxer.
The constant circling to outside the opponent's lead leg gets very predictable, very soon, too.

The whole strategy can be shut down with lateral movement to cut his circle off and keep him in front of the boxer.
If you want to then maintain distance and swat at every punch, the boxer is the puppeteer pulling your strings and will set you up.