Glossary

Body Shot

Technique

Any punch targeted at the torso, including the ribs, liver, and solar plexus. Body shots accumulate damage and slow down opponents over rounds.

Related Technique
Body Hook

A hook targeted to the opponent's ribs or liver, thrown from a lowered position with the same rotational mechanics as the head hook. The liver shot — a lead hook driven into the opponent's right side just below the ribcage — is widely considered one of the most debilitating legal strikes in boxing. A clean liver connection causes involuntary muscular shutdown and delayed-onset collapse that no amount of conditioning or willpower can prevent.

More Technique Terms

Angle

A position off the center line of the opponent, created through footwork. Fighting at angles makes you harder to hit and opens up new lines of attack.

Backpedal

Moving straight backward. Generally considered bad footwork because it surrenders ring position and can lead to being trapped against the ropes.

Bob and Weave

A defensive head movement technique where the fighter ducks under punches in a U-shaped motion, shifting weight laterally to avoid hooks.

Catch

Using the open glove to absorb an incoming punch, neutralizing its impact while maintaining guard position.

Check Hook

A lead hook thrown while simultaneously pivoting away from an advancing opponent. Uses the opponent's forward momentum against them.

Clinch

Grabbing and holding the opponent to prevent them from punching, to rest, or to rough them up on the inside. The referee will command "break" to separate.

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