Boxing Combos: Everything You Need to Know
Find out about common boxing combos
One of the most important factors in winning a boxing match is skill. Boxing combos are a huge part of this and punching combos play a big role in the sport.
They can be the difference between winning and losing. But how is that so?
Well, it should be noted that a good combination of punches can make up for a lack of power, strength or even conditioning.
The right combination of attacks can be used to completely catch the opponent by surprise, no matter the level of their training.
In this article, we will discuss common boxing combinations and their history.
What is a Boxing Combination?
A boxing combo is a combination of punches that are thrown in quick succession. They are often used to catch an opponent off guard and to score points.
There are many different types of boxing combos, and they can be used in various different ways.
However, boxing combos usually stem from the following moves:
The Cross
This is a primitive move used in boxing, and it utilises your power. You use your dominant hand to punch the opponent’s face in a straight line.
Meanwhile, the hips are to be moved in an anticlockwise direction in order to further increase the force of the cross.
The cross dates back to the origin of boxing.
The Jab
Modern boxing is based heavily on the jab for dishing out damage. The jab is when you simply use your less dominant hand to throw a punch.
It was introduced much later, as compared to the aforementioned cross move.
It should be noted that Joe Gans invented the move back in the early 20th century. However, it was the legendary Larry Holmes who helped to popularise it as a boxing essential a couple of decades later.
The Hook
The hook is one of the first moves that you’ll learn in boxing class. It was invented in the 19th century by James J. Corbett.
This move is thrown with the lead hand, and it is a very powerful punch. The hook can be used to damage the head or the body.
Some of the best hooks in boxing history are attributed to Joe Frazier, Manny Pacquiao and Mike Tyson.
The Uppercut
To put it simply, the uppercut is a punch that is thrown upwards. It is very effective to the body and can often be used to finish off your opponent.
There were several fighters that were known for their uppercuts, including Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr. and Joe Walcott.
There are some textbook combinations that have been in the sport for more than a century now. Several of the boxing greats have used them to punish their opponents or end fights in a spectacular fashion.
If you’re an aspiring boxer, not only should you have these combos in your arsenal.
You should also be able to identify them if your opponent is planning on using them, and try your best to avoid getting tagged by them.
The 6 Most Famous Boxing Combos
Below are some famous boxing combos that have been used by some of the greatest boxers of all time.
Some of them are the basic boxing combos to practice as a beginner. You’ll also find more complex and deadly boxing combos outlined here.
The following are some of the best boxing combos that have decided some historical fights:
1. The Jab-Cross/1-2
This is a very popular combination of moves, but it is kind of complex. This is a more advanced combo that is used to set up an opponent for a more powerful shot.
It starts with a jab to the head, followed by a straight right hand to the body.
This combo is effective because it is fast and accurate. It is also difficult for your opponent to defend themselves against it.
Another reason for its usage is that it can easily catch an opponent off guard. It was popularised by the great Muhammad Ali.
2. The Jab-Cross-Uppercut
This is a very powerful combo that is used to finish off an opponent.
The jab-cross-uppercut is thrown by first throwing a jab, then a cross and then quickly following up with an uppercut.
This combo is effective because it is very powerful and it can easily knock an opponent out.
3. The Jab-Hook
This one starts with a jab followed by a hook. It is a very powerful combo that can be used to attack the head or the body.
The key is to use your body (especially your shoulders) to make the attack as quick and explosive as possible.
4. The Jab-Cross-Hook
One of the more advanced boxing combos is a jab-cross-hook. It is thrown by first throwing a jab, then a cross and then quickly following up with a hook.
Like the basic configuration, this combo is effective because it is very fast and it can be very confusing for an opponent.
5. The Uppercut-Hook
While the uppercut can be devastating by itself, you can make it even deadlier.
The uppercut-hook combo is a very powerful combination that can be used to knock your opponent’s brain cells out.
As the name suggests, it consists of an uppercut followed by a hook.
What are the Basic Boxing Combos For You?
Let’s say you’re a beginner looking for good boxing combos; which ones do you choose from the dozens that are already available?
The key aspects of your chosen combos should include ease of application and high damage.
The following list narrows everything down for you:
Jab-Cross (1-2): This is the most basic one to dish out some damage.
Left Hook-Right Hook (3-4): Use this when fighting at a close range.
Jab-Cross-Hook (1-2-3/4): A way to dish out damage to an opponent defending their face.
Uppercut-Cross (5/6-2): A finishing move that is usually started with a left uppercut.
Jab-Jab-Cross (1-1-2): Another finishing move that takes your opponent by surprise.
Jab-Cross-Jab (1-2-1): It is used to provide you with distance from your opponent.
There are many more combinations available for beginners. However, the ones above do tend to cover most of the targets that a boxer looks to damage.
Just make sure that you master every combo you learn- and you know how to avoid taking damage from it too.
Final Thoughts
Boxing combos are very important- and these are just a few of the famous ones.
There are many more that are used by the greats of the game. These combos are a vital part of the sport and can often be the deciding factor in a bout.
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