Blog
My take on boxing, fitness, health and well being.
Counterpunching
Counter-punching is often categorised as a style of boxing. Though some boxers will counter-punch more than others, it’s a skill that every boxer should have.
Boxing life skills: Part 1
Boxing is a metaphor for life. If you want a life-changing, learning experience — I prescribe time in a boxing gym.
Marvelous Marvin Hagler: The Boxer’s Boxer
In praise of middleweight legend, Marvelous Marvin Hagler. A boxer feared and admired by his peers.
Boxing styles
There’s an old saying in boxing — “styles make fights”. There is some debate about what makes a style and also the name for each one.
The art of defence
Moving is liberating. Throwing punches in combinations is empowering. But doing both while not getting hit yourself — that’s magical.
Strength and conditioning tools
Strength and conditioning tools to develop boxing power and stamina.
A tale of two photographs
In praise of Sonny Liston: former Heavyweight Champion of the World.
Callisthenics
Callisthenics have been a staple of boxing gyms forever. Why? They are perfect for muscular, aerobic and anaerobic conditioning.
Boxing strength and conditioning
Find out about the components of boxing strength and conditioning.
Taming The Prince: Hamed v Barrera
How The Baby Faced Assassin used boxing fundamentals to dethrone The Prince.
Beautiful destruction: Pacquiao v De La Hoya
The coronation of a boxing megastar - Manny ‘Pac-Man’ Pacquiao.
How to throw the lead uppercut
The lead uppercut has less hip rotation to call upon. Power it by pushing off and straightening your lead leg. The angle of your arm is more acute, as your are nearer your opponent.
How to throw the rear uppercut
Uppercuts are effective at short and mid-range to the head and body. They travel upwards in a straight line — perfect for punching between your opponent’s guard. Power comes from your legs and hips.
How to throw the rear hook
The rear hook amplifies the explosive power of the cross with rotational force. It’s arced trajectory from the rear hand makes it susceptible to a counter. Use the rear hook with caution — in a combination, as a counterpunch or at close range.
How to throw the lead hook
The lead hook is a dangerous punch. It has less distance to travel and comes from outside your opponent’s linear field of vision. It uses rotational force. The driver for this force is a quick shift of weight from your lead to rear foot.
Understanding boxing range
Range is your position relating to your opponent. It has three phases — long, mid and short. These phases dictate your tactics, punch, and defence selections.
How to throw the cross
The cross — also known as a “straight” is usually your primary power punch. It crosses your body heading to the target.
How to throw the jab
The jab is the most important punch in boxing. It is your first line of attack and defence and must earn your opponent’s respect.