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BOXING STANCES: A Quick Guide 

Boxing is known to be a stylistic sport, with different techniques and ways to punch and defend in the fight. 

Like all martial arts, your fighting stance in boxing is an innate part of what you want to be when you fight. 

So, WHAT IS A STANCE? 

Fighting stances are the way your feet, hands and body are formed whenever you attack or defend, especially when you advance or retreat. 

Why is a boxing stance so important? 

The importance of a boxing stance can be understood by 8 simple words: 

• Power 
• Defense 

• Range 
• Balance 
• Flexibility 
• Security 
• Stability 

• Mobility 

All of these are necessary whenever you are in the ring. It determines your type of punches, as well as what you do to guard and block your opponent. 

Different Boxing Stances 

Boxing, like all combat sports, has two types of stances: ORTHODOX and SOUTHPAW. 

To make a stance, you must get your non-dominant part forward, which is useful for your jabs. But why? Because you must save your preferred hand for the power punches, that is your money shot. 

There are two types of stances 

An orthodox boxing stance is where you put your left part forward, with your right hand being the powerful weapon.  

Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, and Floyd Mayweather are some of the classic examples of an orthodox boxer.  

Meanwhile, a southpaw boxing stance is the opposite of an orthodox, this time with your left-hand being the dominant part.  

Legends like Manny Pacquiao is a classic example of a southpaw, where he is known for his lethal left hook that gave him 12 world titles in eight divisions. 

Here is the best example of the legendary southpaw boxer none other than Pacman. Hailed as the People’s Champion, 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐲 ‘𝐏𝐚𝐜-𝐌𝐚𝐧’ 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐚𝐨 is known for his devastating speed and power, traits he forged from his heavy bag training.

To conclude… 

The fighting stances are not made in an instant. You must work on it in the gym to assess and perfect your craft.