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An Abridged Guide Of Boxing Punches

Boxing is a martial art that is as old as human history. As a sport, it was featured in the ancient Greek Olympic Games. Nevertheless, the passage of time did little to change what is practically the most basic form of unarmed combat.

Several styles and punches, such as the Manila Ice, have been developed as the athletic discipline progressed. Although we will feature some more modern additions to a pugilist’s arsenal, we will focus on the most common ones.

𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 ‘𝐏𝐚𝐜-𝐌𝐚𝐧’ 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐚𝐨❜𝐬 skipping rope exercises forge his impressive footwork and explosive power punches, enabling him to glide around the ring with speed and precision.

Here is a short guide to common boxing punches.

Jab

The jab is the most fundamental punch. It is the first one taught to beginners mainly because of its simple technique.

From the guard stance, the lead arm extends towards the target with the fist rotating 90 degrees with the torso and hips following through. After making contact, the lead hand is quickly retracted to return to the guard position.

The punch does not have much power to it. Nevertheless, it is employed to keep the opponent at a distance without having to tire oneself out. Tactically, it can be used to set up a more powerful strike, either as a feint or as a landing blow.

Cross

For an orthodox or right-handed boxer, the jab is thrown with the left hand. The cross, or straight, is propelled using the opposite hand.

In one of several power punches that will be discussed, the release point originates from a farther distance, thus more force is generated. A single throw, when done correctly (with the whole body following through) and landing cleanly, can knock out the best of them.

Hook

The hook is a semi-circular punch thrown utilizing the lead hand. From the guard position, the elbow is drawn back, and the punch is meant to hit the side of the head. Manny Pacquiao’s vaunted Manila Ice is a right hook.

This punch can also be thrown with the rear hand. A hook to the body or torso is called a rip.

It should not be confused with the roundhouse or haymaker, a more pronounced wide and swinging punch flung as a killing blow. The latter exudes more energy, but it leaves the defense wide open for a counterpunch.

Uppercut

The uppercut is a fierce blow that is thrown angling up and is meant to strike the chin or torso. A well-placed uppercut can knock an unaware foe unconscious and is an instant highlight reel material.

Bolo punch

The bolo punch depends on how it is executed, is either a means to distract the enemy or to score a point. Akin to swinging a blade to cut tall grass, it is an angled punch that resembles a mix of a rangy uppercut and a hook.

Rabbit punch

The rabbit punch, a hit to the back of the head, is illegal in organized boxing. Landing one on an adversary’s base of their skull can be considered a rabbit punch and could be grounds for a point deduction, if not outright disqualification.

These are some of the ammunition a boxer brings to the ring. Hopefully, you picked some things for the next time you watch a world title fight or go to the gym to train or spar.