Once you've mastered the basic boxing guard, you can turn it into a style all your own.
In boxing, there are generally three variations of boxing guards that are used. Which one you use depends on your own style, what feels comfortable, how quick you are, and how capable you are of reacting and reading the fight.
Boxing Guard 1: The Low Guard (aka Philly Shell)
Low Guard or Philly ShellThe low guard has been popularized recently by Floyd Mayweather Jr. It seems to go completely against what you just learned in that the lead hand is held down near your waist. The advantage here is that it gives you a completely unobstructed view and you aren't wasting energy holding your arm up. Disadvantages include the fact that your head is completely exposed and you have to bring your arm up through a greater range of motion in order to deliver an effective jab. That range of motion, though can also be an advantage as the jab is not coming from a traditional origin. Your weight is positioned more over your back foot and you have a slight backwards lean. This means you will find yourself moving backwards a lot more, so be careful - you could find yourself on the defensive more than the offensive.
Example at 1:29 of this videoIf you are thinking about using the philly shell as your boxing guard of choice, remember to keep your chin tucked into your leading shoulder. You should be adept at being able to read your opponent and quick enough to react in an instant. You will attempt to roll with punches rather than outright slip them and expect contact to occur. An unexposed head is going to invite a flurry of punches. Honestly, until you have a whole lot of experience under your belt, you're better off protecting yourself. Use this guard sparingly and only against opponents you know you can read and react to.
Boxing Guard 2: The Mixed Guard
Mixed GuardThis is a boxing guard that is a little more loose than the basic stance but still reaps some of the protection of having both hands in front of your head. It will invite body shots to attempt to move the lead hand out of the way. MMA fighters usually use a Cotto - Peek a BooMosley: Mixedform of this in that they are positioning themselves to strike or grab. Problem is the lead hand doesn't necessarily get the benefit of a full coiled extension and thus the jabs may not be as powerful, or you will "tell" your jab as you recoil in order to strike. Your elbows are not tight in against your body and this loose form opens up a number of targets for your opponent. It also makes the results of flinches much more pronounced.
Should you use it. Personally I feel it is better suited to the MMA game.
Boxing Guard 3: The Peek a Boo Guard
Peek a Boo GuardThis is the guard I put you in on the basics and footwork page. It is a highly protective guard both of your head and body and gives you a solid shell from which to launch your offense. It does take a lot of energy to maintain, but quite frankly, it provides the fewest targets and the most protection. It allows for the best weight transfers and if you are conditioned properly, in my opinion, is the guard that gives you the best offensive and defensive capability. Because you are contained in a small package, you are capable of making quick, short movements to slip or move and are continuously coiled for a strike. Body shots will take extra effort as your arms must move a greater distance than say the philly shell, but with proper leg work, you can launch an assault from a half crouch. I guess I'm biased, but this is my guard of choice.
Whichever guard you eventually end up using, it would be a good idea to experiment with all three and variations of them. You'll learn what kind of opponents you can loosen up with and which ones you'll have to cover up with. Your own unique style is going to encompass more than one of these and it will likely change over time. As rounds go on, for instance, adopting a philly shell inbetween bouts of combat can help you save valued energy.
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