Boxing: Being First / The Aggessor (Explore all angles, poker face when you see an opportunity to enable an inch in)

The saying "be first" is very confusing in boxing as from my own personal experience it requires a lot of patience.

ultimately one need to maintain a poker face as if you rush in from a static position when you see an opportunity this will clue up your opponent to the fact that you have seen an entry.  They may not know where there mistake is but they will react by either running away or putting up full cover.

The most simple and effective way to be first / the aggressor is to pace and aim, when you see an opening,  lay back (poker face and optical illison) so that you can inch in without your opponent cottoning on. then when in range drive or lunge.

Being first requires patience and pro activity.  If you simple wait static for your opponent to make a mistake you will be waiting a long time.  so we must incorporate some lateral movement of the head,  not to evade punches but to examine every angle available to you to attack to ensure you are not missing any potential opportunities.

I guess like I keep saying focusing on the hitting the chin hunting for it a little is the best mindset whether on the front or back foot.