Okay so I have trouble trying to land punches on a longer striker or closing the distance. The problem is that I don't want to run into a punch or any strike while closing the distance. Take a look at Manny Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 where he got knocked out by running into a right hand.

So in other words, What's one way to close the distance and land clean punches without launching yourself into a punch. Or perhaps in a defensive manner.