From Rocky Marciano to Cassius Clay, the sport of boxing has seen the transition from bare knuckle brawling to regulation boxing gloves. The styles of fighting, stances, and defensive techniques have all come a long way since its origins during the mid-1700s. Boxing, which is also referred to as prizefighting, involves participants that are grouped by weight to enter fights that use their fists during one to three minute intervals called rounds.

Today, boxers (or fighters) enter competitions in professional settings, as well as enter the Olympics (after qualifying). The object of the sport is to land the most effective punches and avoid the ones thrown by an opponent. If one isn't knocked to the ground (KO) by the time the end of the rounds is reached, the fighter with the most points is made the winner. When an opponent is too hurt to continue the fight, it is referred to as a technical knockout (TKO).

Four Basic Punches

In boxing, there are four main punches associated with the sport: the Uppercut, Hook, Cross, and Jab. When it comes to punches, depending on your hand dominance, there will be varying lead and rear hands in fighters. For instance, if a boxer is right-handed, this will serve as their lead hand. Right-handed boxers are known as orthodox fighters, whereas left-handed boxers are referred to as an unorthodox fighter (or a Southpaw). Below is a brief explanation of the various approaches to punching.

Jab: When the lead hand is thrown from the guard position, this quick, straight punch is the result. After a punch has landed, the lead hand is pulled back quick to resume guarding the face and body. Some boxers will use this technique to harass opponents or determine distance.

Cross: The cross involves the throwing of the rear hand to form a straight punch packed with power. While in the guard position, the rear hand is thrown from the chin, which creates a crossing motion across the body. The shoulders, torso, and hips are often adjusted to increase power. When a cross follows a jab, this move is called a "one-two combo."

Hook: Creating a semi-circular punch with the lead hand and landing to the side of the opponent's head is called a hook. The punch also involves the drawing back of the elbow and the knuckles pointing forward. The lead foot will pivot during this punch as boxers utilize this move to often attack the lower part of the body.

Uppercut: Using the rear hand, an uppercut is a vertical punch that rises when thrown. The torso, knees, and hips are also tweaked to add effectiveness to the punch. Many efficient combinations are created with the use of the uppercut. The chin or torso of the opponent is often the target for this type of punch.

Defensive Boxing Moves

While learning the ropes of offensive moves will increase the chances of an opponent hitting the canvas and not recovering in time is important, defense also wins matches. The ability of a boxer to effectively avoid the hard-hitting punches of another fighter helps to maintain stamina and longevity during a match. Below, you will come across brief descriptions regarding defensive boxing techniques, such as the slip, bob and weave, parry/block, and the cover-up.

Bob and Weave: A commonly seen technique in boxing is the bob, which brings the head into a lateral position that ducks below an incoming punch. Boxers, who bend their legs quickly and shift their body to the left or right will be able to avoid making contact with an opponent's punch. Once the punch has missed its target, a weaving motion will bring the boxer to an upright position.

Slip: Slipping involves the slight rotation of the body when an incoming punch is arriving. This motion causes the punch to pass by the head without any connection. As a punch nears, a boxer should rotate the hips and shoulders in a sharp movement. The result is chin protection as the punch "slips" past the opponent.

The Cover-Up: When the face or body becomes unprotected, covering up is often used as a last resort. The cover up involves holding the hands up high in front of the head and chin. Body protection is accomplished through tucking the forearms against the torso. Head protection is achieved when pressing both fists into the front of the face. This defense mechanism is poor protection from underneath attacks.

Parry/Block: When facing an assortment of punching attacks, a boxer may use their hands to defend himself or herself. As a punch nears, the boxer will use an open-handed blow in a quick, lateral motion to redirect the wrist or forearm of an opponent.