Im gonna leave this in here, I started the Q&A more for specific problems or questions the guys have, this is something you want people to discuss about so I dont see why I should have to move it
A strong base makes a strong fighter, boxers who dont have a strong base, who dont keep a shoulder width gap between feet all the time, who dont bend their lead knee slightly, who dont have their rear foot up to act as a spring are very easy to knock down because they will be off balance which is a key fault in many beginners.
One prime example is that of prince naseem hamed, nas only really ever got knocked down when he played around with unorthodox footwork and didnt have himself in a balanced stance or a strong base, try standing with your feet close together and then get someone to bull rush you, in about 5 seconds you will end up on your butt :P
A strong base isnt just important for balance but as badboy mentioned for stong punches as well, try throwing a flurry of hooks with your feet close together, now try throwing some with correct stance, you can really feel the difference.