Olympic bronze-medalist judoka Cho Jun-ho faced off against a boxer in a highly interesting challenge. The 2012 London Games medalist, known for his exceptional grappling skills, was challenged to put his expertise to the test without relying on his signature leg-based techniques.
The challenge began with the boxer landing a series of crisp jabs and crosses, catching the judoka off-guard. Cho Jun-ho’s expression betrayed his surprise, as he experienced the force of the boxer’s strikes for the first time. Undeterred, the judoka regrouped and attempted to close the distance, seeking to engage in his preferred grappling game.
However, the boxer’s footwork and evasive maneuvers proved problematic for the judoka. Cho Jun-ho struggled to effectively initiate his trademark throws and takedowns, with the boxer adeptly avoiding any attempts to grab his legs. The judoka’s frustration was palpable as he grappled to find a way to capitalize on his grappling expertise without the use of leg-based techniques.
As the challenge progressed, the boxer continued to land clean punches, testing the judoka’s resilience. Cho Jun-ho, known for his stoic composure, found himself visibly shaken by the impact of the boxer’s strikes. The judoka’s attempts to close the distance and clinch were repeatedly thwarted by the boxer’s sharp defensive movement.
But once the boxer was in the gi, the playing field was level. This development presented the judoka with an opportunity to utilize his superior grip fighting skills, as the gi provided additional targets for him to latch onto.
Seizing the chance, Cho Jun-ho began to employ his mastery of grip fighting, attempting to control the boxer’s sleeves and lapels. The judoka’s persistence paid off, and he was able to secure a dominant grip, setting up for a potential throwing technique. This goes to show why many MMA stars opt for wrestling over Judo – as well as the potnetial limitations of BJJ pratctitioners who rely heavily on the GI.
