Editor’s note: The views and opinions expressed below are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Sherdog.com, its affiliates and sponsors or its parent company, Evolve Media.
If he works long enough and hard enough in the gym, a fighter can sharpen his boxing skills. He can tighten up his defense, improve his footwork and learn to make in-bout adjustments. Sometimes, he can even increase his punching power -- a gift many believe comes naturally or not at all. Thomas Hearns almost always fought to decisions as an amateur, but he evolved into a knockout machine upon turning pro, having mastered the art of rotating his hips and turning his fist over at the precise moment to maximize the snap in his suddenly devastating overhand right.