Hi Adam,
I may be the wrong person to ask, only because I have received several broken hands, knuckles, metacarples, over the years through hitting people - or rather, punching people.
For me, I've simply taken my own boxing style and applied it directly, although some of the angles or fist orientations may not be traditional western boxing, either amateur or professional.
In my training I often work with an open or loose hand/fist, rather than clenching it tightly. It actually doesn't seem to make much difference as the clenched fist only seems to help keep your fingers out of the way - so to speak.
But, as the majority of the years I've trained have been with a clenched fist, when it comes to hitting outside, I will tend to revert back to what is most ingrained and clench my fist.
I also always train to hit with the first 2 knuckle, but with some of my hook punches I will let the 3 knuckles starting from my little finger, do the contacting.
Outside, this has lead me to have 2 metacarple breaks (commonly known as boxers breaks) on both hands on the wedding ring finger knuckle
The problem with boxing is that you are always bandaged up with nice padded gloves so your hand position may not be ideal for the street anyway.
This is why I always do a few rounds on the bag or pads without gloves. It helps you adapt and find your own way, and also gives you a better idea of your power and punching technique.
As for modelling on specific boxers, I've never really done that, but general styles and attitudes is something I have followed. For me, Marciano is one of my all time favourites. I just love the rugged, keep coming forward regardless, style.
I know Geoff's favourite is Joe Louis - so much that he named his son after him.
And I've said this alot in the past, but with regards to breaking hands, whilst it's preferable not to, if you do, then so be it.
If I'm working in a job where I'm going to be fighting every week or every night then I don't want to be breaking my hands, in which case I would be training far more in slaps and palm heels, etc.
But if I am now only training for the very rare occasion that I may need to hit someone in a self defence situation, then I'm not too worried if I break my hand. The idea will be that I will have knocked out or over or at least shook the attacker. And unless the break is completely debilitating, it won't stop me from finishing the job and even continuing to punch with it.
But, I've hit far more people than I have broken my hands, so I'm not too worried about that.
Finally, and sorry for the rambling, when I punch from a fence position, whether that be with a relaxed - arms down position or a very submissive position with my hands high, the direction of the punch and motion of travel may be completely different to any conventional boxing punch, which is why I train for that specifically and also train alot of restrictive punching to get used to punching from awkward positions and shorter motion.
At the end of the day, you have to find your own way. What feels right to you. So long as it's got impact, power, accuracy and plenty of emotive agreesion behind it - you won't go far wrong
Thank you for the question, I hope that answered it a little bit
Take care
AL
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