Glossary

Clinch

Technique

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.

Related Technique
Clinch Fighting

Grabbing and holding the opponent to neutralize their offense, create rest periods, or rough them up on the inside with legal body work. Clinch fighting is a critical but often overlooked boxing skill that every professional must master. Used defensively to survive when hurt, strategically to break the opponent's momentum, and offensively to exhaust smaller fighters by leaning bodyweight on them round after round.

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.

Body Shot

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

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.

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