วันพุธที่ 26 พฤศจิกายน พ.ศ. 2551

Technique Punches

There are four basic punches in boxing: the jab, cross, hook and uppercut. If a boxer is right-handed (orthodox), his left hand is the lead hand and his right hand is the rear hand. For a left-handed boxer or southpaw, the hand positions are reversed. For clarity, the following discussion will assume a right-handed boxer.

Jab - A quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand from the guard position. The jab is accompanied by a small, clockwise rotation of the torso and hips, while the fist rotates 90 degrees, becoming horizontal upon impact. As the punch reaches full extension, the lead shoulder can be brought up to guard the chin. The rear hand remains next to the face to guard the jaw. After making contact with the target, the lead hand is retracted quickly to resume a guard position in front of the face. The jab is recognised as the most important punch in a boxer's arsenal because it provides a fair amount of its own cover and it leaves the least amount of space for a counter punch from the opponent. It has the longest reach of any punch and does not require commitment or large weight transfers. Due to its relatively weak power, the jab is often used as a tool to gauge distances, probe an opponent's defenses, harass an opponent, and set up heavier, more powerful punches. A half-step may be added, moving the entire body into the punch, for additional power. Some notable boxers who have been able to develop relative power in their jabs and use it to punish or 'wear down' their opponents to some effect include Larry Holmes and Wladimir Klitschko.

Cross - A powerful, straight punch thrown with the rear hand. From the guard position, the rear hand is thrown from the chin, crossing the body and traveling towards the target in a straight line. The rear shoulder is thrust forward and finishes just touching the outside of the chin. At the same time, the lead hand is retracted and tucked against the face to protect the inside of the chin. For additional power, the torso and hips are rotated counter-clockwise as the cross is thrown. Weight is also transferred from the rear foot to the lead foot, resulting in the rear heel turning outwards as it acts as a fulcrum for the transfer of weight. Body rotation and the sudden weight transfer is what gives the cross its power. Like the jab, a half-step forward may be added. After the cross is thrown, the hand is retracted quickly and the guard position resumed. It can be used to counter punch a jab, aiming for the opponent's head (or a counter to a cross aimed at the body) or to set up a hook. The cross can also follow a jab, creating the classic "one-two" combination. The cross is also called a "straight" or "right", especially if it does not cross the opponent's outstretched jab.

Hook - A semi-circular punch thrown with the lead hand to the side of the opponent's head. From the guard position, the elbow is drawn back with a horizontal fist (knuckles pointing forward) and the elbow bent. The rear hand is tucked firmly against the jaw to protect the chin. The torso and hips are rotated clockwise, propelling the fist through a tight, clockwise arc across the front of the body and connecting with the target. At the same time, the lead foot pivots clockwise, turning the left heel outwards. Upon contact, the hook's circular path ends abruptly and the lead hand is pulled quickly back into the guard position. A hook may also target the lower body and this technique is sometimes called the "rip" to distinguish it from the conventional hook to the head. The hook may also be thrown with the rear hand.

Uppercut - A vertical, rising punch thrown with the rear hand. From the guard position, the torso shifts slightly to the right, the rear hand drops below the level of the opponent's chest and the knees are bent slightly. From this position, the rear hand is thrust upwards in a rising arc towards the opponent's chin or torso. At the same time, the knees push upwards quickly and the torso and hips rotate anti-clockwise and the rear heel turns outward, mimicking the body movement of the cross. The strategic utility of the uppercut depends on its ability to "lift" the opponent's body, setting it off-balance for successive attacks. The right uppercut followed by a left hook is a deadly combination employing the uppercut to lift the opponent's chin into a vulnerable position, then the hook to knock the opponent out.

These different punch types can be thrown in rapid succession to form combinations or "combos". The most common is the jab and cross combination, nicknamed the "one-two combo". This is usually an effective combination, because the jab blocks the opponent's view of the cross, making it easier to land cleanly and forcefully.

A large, swinging circular punch starting from a cocked-back position with the arm at a longer extension than the hook and all of the fighter's weight behind it is sometimes referred to as a "roundhouse", "haymaker", or sucker-punch. Relying on body weight and centripetal force within a wide arc, the roundhouse can be a powerful blow, but it is often a wild and uncontrolled punch that leaves the fighter delivering it off balance and with an open guard. Wide, looping punches have the further disadvantage of taking more time to deliver, giving the opponent ample warning to react and counter. For this reason, the haymaker or roundhouse is not a conventional punch, and is regarded by trainers as a mark of poor technique or desperation. Sometimes it has been used, because of its immense potential power, to finish off an already staggering opponent who seems unable or unlikely to take advantage of the poor position it leaves the puncher in.

Another unconventional punch is the rarely used "bolo punch", in which the opponent swings an arm out several times in a wide arc, usually as a distraction, before delivering with either that or the other arm.

Marquez Brothers Take Care of Business

Marquez Brothers Take Care of Businesscategory : Boxing
LAKE TAHOE, NV - Mexico's Rafael Marquez retained his International Boxing Federation bantamweight title here Saturday with a ninth-round technical knockout of South Africa's Silence Mabuza.

The bout was a rematch of their November 5 clash, in which Marquez stopped the previously unbeaten Mabuza in the fourth.

Marquez's punches started taking a toll on the game Mabuza in the eighth and ninth, leading the bloodied South African's corner to call for the stoppage at the end of the ninth.

Marquez improved to 36-3, with 32 wins inside the distance, while Mabuza fell to 19-2 with 15 knock-outs.

"This is boxing. Now and then, you get caught with the punches that people outside cannot see," Mabuza said. "He's a very strong boxer. He's a top boxer."

Marquez made his seventh successful defence of the 118-pound title he won from Tim Austin in February 2003.

He carried the fight early despite landing a low blow in round two.

However, Mabuza battled back over the next three rounds before the fighters traded powerful punches in the sixth.

"He's a great fighter and has a great punch," Marquez said. "I was a little surprised, but he did a great job."

The champion soon took control, and had opened cuts around both of Mabuza's eyes by the end of the ninth.

"If you have a look at the faces, there's cuts, there's cuts," trainer Nic Durandt said, pointing to Mabuza's face. "The ref probably would have stopped the fight. It's not about belts, it's about his health. We'll be back."

Marquez is now expected to move up to the 122-pound super bantamweight division.
"There's great champions at 122 pounds, that's where I want to fight," he said.

On the undercard, Rafael's brother Juan Manuel became the interim WBO featherweight champion with a stoppage of Thailand's Terdsak Jandaeng.

Juan Manuel floored Jandaeng in the second round with an uppercut and despite battling back, Marquez again put him on his seat in the seventh before the referee waved the contest off.
It was Juan Manuel's first fight since a debatable points defeat by Chris John in March.

Castillo-Corrales Fight Predictions

On Saturday, May 7, WBC lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo faces WBO champion Diego Corrales in a world title unification bout from the Mandalay Bay in a fight broadcast on Showtime. Here are the predictions of The Sweet Science writers.
Castillo by decision.Mitch Abramson


I feel that Jose Luis Castillo has hit the prime of his career. He reminds me a lot of the great Julio Cesar Chavez when he ruled the lightweights. Chavez was a little better boxer and a harder hitter then Castillo. but Jose has the same relentless drive and tenacity that Chavez possessed, as well as a the granite chin. Castillo will need all these attributes when he faces the murderous punching Diego Corrales. Diego is tall, rangy and knows how to use his height and reach. Castillo will have to absorb some punches to get inside. His chin will be severely tested. I have been excited about this bout since the day it was signed. It has the makings of a classic. My guess is that the chin will win. I'm going with Castillo by KO in ten.Jim Amato


This is a real good fight. Both Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales are somewhat underrated. They've faced top opposition for years, so that they are meeting each other is only natural. I think it's a close fight, but Corrales will be busier and win a close decision.Robert Cassidy Jr.
How long it lasts depends on which Castillo shows up. Castillo looked like the "El Temible" of old against Julio Diaz, but "The Kidd" fought with "mucho temor,” as he seemed more intent on not getting hurt than he did wanting to hurt Castillo. Three months prior, JLC had to depend on second half magic and a bit of generous scoring in prevailing over Joel Casamayor. In fact, this will be his fourth big fight in eleven months. Corrales has been idle for the past nine months, but I believe that it will have served more as a rest than it will provide rust. Chico is a much sharper puncher and better boxer since joining forces with Joe Goossen. I like Chico to box early, brawl when necessary, and slice up Castillo enough to eventually stop him on cuts. Corrales TKO10.Jake Donovan


Diego Corrales continues to box clever and proves too tall an order for Jose Luis Castillo. Corrales wins a close decision in an entertaining bout.Chris Gielty
Chico's questionable chin always leaves the possibility of a knockout loss, but his fists will be too powerful for Castillo. Diego Corrales TKO 9.Tim Graham
At 31 Jose Luis Castillo is already a 15-year veteran of the ring. He’s tough and can hit. Corrales, a proven puncher, has had good success since leaving prison – except, of course for his slugfest stoppage loss to Joel Casamayor, later avenged. Both fighters have come up short against Floyd Mayweather, but he won’t be in the ring on this night. Look for Corrales to edge out Castillo in power and control the fight. Corrales by decision.JE Grant
Blood and guts all the way: Diego "Chico" Corrales.Amy Green
While most agree that this fight may not go till the end, I see Castillo using his superior skills to out-box the very dangerous and resurgent Corrales to win a hard-fought decision. If it does turn into an all-out slugfest, Castillo will get his victory a little sooner - via TKO. Jose Luis Castillo over Diego Corrales via decision or mid-round TKO. Mike Indri
A pair of lightweights with some thunder in their gloves. Should be entertaining. Castillo seems to be getting better with age. He hasn't lost since his 2002 setback to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and he probably didn't lose that one either. Corrales' TKO over the tiring Acelino Freitas was impressive, but Castillo wins by decision.Bill Knight


Both men are traditionally slow starters and Castillo has looked even slower of late, meaning Corrales could steal a few early rounds. For Diego to be up three rounds to one after the fourth would be no surprise. Both men have freakish power and Castillo does take a punch better. He has, however, been stopped several times in his career due to cuts. I think Corrales may be more comfortable with making weight and stays strong late in the fight to fend of a Castillo charge. Diego has big power and should earn Castillo's respect. Chico likely the better boxer now that he has found out how to use a jab and work behind it to set up the rest of his attack. With Castillo a constant stalker, I think the style is perfect for Corrales, who catches Castillo coming in all night long. All-around Diego is the better fighter and I expect him to maintain the early lead and take a decision. Either man may hit the canvas and Castillo could get cut up. Corrales by late TKO in an epic fight that surpasses the hype.Joey Knish


On paper, Corrales should be the winner. But this is one of those instances where my gut tells me that Castillo is going to give Chico all he can handle. Castillo is rough, tough and can take a punch. If Corrales can't hurt him, I can see him getting frustrated and confused and Castillo start to dominate. Castillo TKO 11.Marc Lichtenfeld


Castillo, who was able to give Floyd Mayweather hell, is a bit too well-rounded and experienced for Corrales. Castillo by decision or late TKO.Bob Mladinich
After an easy week, they throw Jose Luis Castillo-Diego Corrales at us, a fight that is about as easy to pick as is naming which reality soap opera will dominate the cable news channels next week. I think the joker is trying to figure out how Castillo will handle having to go back to training camp with only 10 days rest after three hard fights in 10 months. On the plus side, Castillo has been known to starve himself making weight, which should not happen after a schedule like that. On the minus side, the last time I picked a Castillo to win, Eliseo sent his sister Emily to take his place when he "fought" Wladimir Klitschko a few weeks back. I checked; Jose Luis does not have a sister (at least, none that I found). J.L. Castillo by decision.Pat Putnam
The single punch that can turn it around; that's what we have here. Castillo is tough as a cob -- relentless -- always in great shape -- throws a million punches -- with some real pop. Sure, he can be tricked and outmaneuvered -- we've all seen that against Mayweather -- but he's a dog with a bone when he gets close. He'll be able to do that with Corrales. Can he hurt him? Knock'm out? Sure...but he'll have to be close enough to do it. He hasn't got Mayweather's legs or speed. In one of those exchanges, Chico will land that left hook and the fight will be over. He hits that hard.Joe Rein


Castillo vs. Corrales will be what Margarito vs. Cintron wasn't. I don't think either guy will win in a one-sided blowout. At first glance this looks like a classic puncher's war. As a percentage of wins, both men have 82% knockout ratios. I think Corrales will try to use his jab to dictate the tempo of the fight, and work combinations to Castillo's body to set the foundation for the later rounds. Castillo will try to slip and work his way inside. Castillo is a superb infighter, and his physical strength will prove to be problematic for Chico. In the end, Castillo has been the more active fighter, and has the better chin. I think he'll survive some tough moments in a great fight to win a close decision.Greg Smith


This is a difficult one to pick. On paper, the advantage goes to Diego Corrales because of his size advantage and the fact that Jose Luis Castillo is a little older. Castillo is a slow starter as well, which will give Chico time to scrape off nine months of ring rust. However, this is a fight that will come down to one attribute: the chin - and Castillo’s is much more durable. The fight will go the distance and be very close, but Corrales will make a trip or two to the canvas. This will be just enough for El Temible to win. Castillo by split decision.