Maxi Hughes

Maxi Hughes is a professional boxer hailing from Rossington, England, and has made a significant impact in the sport. Born on September 11, 1989, Hughes began his boxing career in 2010 and has since established himself as a talented and resilient fighter. His dedication and determination have propelled him to achieve notable victories and earn a reputation as a formidable opponent in the ring.

Hughes gained significant recognition in 2020 when he pulled off a stunning upset by defeating Jono Carroll, an accomplished boxer who was a heavy favorite in their bout. This victory not only showcased Hughes' skill and tenacity but also catapulted him into the spotlight, solidifying his status as a rising star in the boxing world. His disciplined training regimen, combined with his ability to strategize and adapt during fights, has played a crucial role in his success.

Throughout his career, Maxi Hughes has demonstrated an impressive work ethic and a hunger for continuous improvement. He has faced several tough opponents and showcased his versatility by competing in various weight classes. With his powerful punches, agility, and an unwavering spirit, Hughes continues to make his mark in the sport and leaves a lasting impression on both fans and fellow boxers. As he looks toward the future, it is evident that Maxi Hughes has the potential to achieve even greater heights in his boxing career.

One of his go-to sequences is the jab, right uppercut, left hook, and right cross. This combination is especially effective when Hughes is circling to his right, which opens up the uppercut through the center and flows naturally into a hook-cross finish. Another combination Hughes favors is the left body hook, right body hook, followed by a left hook to the head. He often uses this sequence after a prolonged exchange, particularly when he has backed his opponent toward the ropes or has shifted into an inside position. He also uses the right uppercut followed by a left body hook after he has drawn out a jab or straight right, slipping inside the shot and coming up with the uppercut through the center line, then rotating his hips for the left hook to the liver. It is most effective against upright fighters who do not adjust their stance mid-exchange.

When a fighter maintains a strong, grounded base while constantly moving, especially laterally, it becomes extremely difficult for the opponent to land leaping or lunging shots. These kinds of punches—like lead hooks, flying uppercuts, or overextended straight rights—depend on a momentary freeze in the opponent’s movement. But with a good base and consistent lateral motion, those openings vanish. The fighter becomes a moving target with stable control over their own balance and distance, while the aggressor ends up reaching or falling off-line. Hughes’ base did not just keep him upright—it became the axis of control. He was not reacting to Kambosos; he was dictating where and how the fight unfolded. That is why so many of Kambosos’ attacks looked wild or ineffective.

Hughes trains under Sean O’Hagan, who also coaches former featherweight world champion Josh Warrington. O’Hagan’s coaching style emphasizes calmness. Hughes has repeatedly credited O’Hagan for unlocking his full potential, noting, “The methods that Sean uses… he’s found a way of bringing the best out of me and doing it very calmly.” He has also trained with top-level talent like Josh Taylor, which has elevated his confidence.