The right cross will soon become your favourite punch because this punch is thrown from your preferred hand which is usually the strongest.

From the guard position, the right cross is thrown in a straight line to the target and comes back in a straight line to the chin. Unlike the jab which is more of an arm punch, the right cross is powered by a twisting motion of the torso and pivoting of the right foot.
As the punch accelerates, twist your hips and pivot on your right foot so your right heel swings outwards.

The right cross is a power punch but because of the weight transfer it can also leave you exposed without a boxer’s stance for a split second. This is why it is important to return back to guard as quick as possible.

You should never lead with your right cross – instead, probe your opponents defences with your jabs, create an opening then throw your right cross with power.

Practice the right cross on the heavy bag, using a light left jab to measure the distance, after the heavy bag, move onto a more mobile target like the focus pads, concentrate on maintaining your balance as the punch makes contact.

Keep practising and remember to visit UK Boxing Store for quality boxing equipment.

To fight successfully a boxer must employ the right boxing techniques for himself. You must follow your plan. For a start you should study your opponent and look for his weak points. And attack them relentlessly so you can get the better of him.

Of course you need to develop a full armoury of punches for yourself before you first get in the ring. The more punches you can throw effectively the harder it is for any opponent to defeat you.

This means time spent practicing. Learning and mastering the technical aspects behind an array of blows and punches. So once you figure your opponent out keep hitting him with punches that give him the most discomfort.

Obviously you must think on your feet. If your fight isn’t going to plan than you must re-think your strategy. And quickly.

Forget your opponent’s strong points – you’ll soon discover them.

One thing, never box a boxer the way he wants to box. If he is a good out fighter make him in fight. And vice versa. In other words make him fight in a way that is uncomfortable to him.

Your training and boxing skills will play a big part in your success. But your boxing brain is just as important. Figure out your opponent and take advantage of his weaknesses.

You must be confident. And display this to your opponent. Never allow any sign of weakness or pain to appear on your face. Even if you are totally exhausted. Never give him any signs of encouragement. If your opponent is in trouble and sees you are fresh he’ll become that much more dispirited.

And your victory is assured.

Joe ‘Bomber’ Barnes

The first punch a boxer will learn is the Jab. The jab is your “Bread and butter” punch and should be practiced over and over again.
The Jab can be used to keep your opponent at a distance and to score points at long range or medium range, not only scoring points and discouraging your opponents from moving in but it also sets him up for a powerful right cross.

Most Trainers will tell their fighters to “Fight from behind the jab”.

Start in a boxer’s stance, both fists relaxed and palms facing each other, your right hand closest to your chin and your left hand approx 4 inches in front, (opposite for southpaws).
The jab is thrown with the leading hand in a straight line towards your target and it comes back in a straight line to your chin. As the jab leaves the guard, the fist gradually clenches, rotates a quarter notch (palm facing downwards) and is fully clenched just before impact.
DO NOT make the common mistake of dropping your right hand when you throw the jab because you will leave an opening for a left hook counter.

The jab is the busiest punch in boxing, although not considered to be a power punch, it can cause a lot of damage over the course of a bout.
A boxer can learn to “Stiffen” his jab by turning his hips with the punch and stepping in as it is delivered.

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