100 Boxing Terms Explained

Boxing has a rich and specific vocabulary. Some terms come from training, others from fight night commentary, and many are used daily in gyms around the world. This guide explains 100 essential boxing terms in clear language, useful whether you train, watch fights, or are just getting started.

Boxing Stances and Guards

1. Orthodox: A stance with the left foot and left hand forward.
2. Southpaw: A stance with the right foot and right hand forward.
3. Switch-hitter: A boxer who can fight comfortably in both stances.
4. High guard: Defensive position with hands held high to protect the head.
5. Peek-a-boo: A compact guard with gloves tight to the cheeks.
6. Long guard: Using the lead hand extended to control distance.
7. Cross guard: Arms crossed in front of the face for defense.

Core Punches

1. Jab: A fast straight punch thrown with the lead hand.
2. Cross: A powerful straight punch thrown with the rear hand.
3. Lead hook: A horizontal punch with the lead hand.
4. Rear hook: A horizontal punch with the rear hand.
5. Lead uppercut: An upward punch with the lead hand.
6. Rear uppercut: An upward punch with the rear hand.
7. Overhand: A looping punch thrown over an opponent’s guard.

Punch Variations

1. Double jab: Two jabs thrown in quick succession.
2. Triple jab: Three jabs thrown in a row to control distance.
3. Power jab: A jab thrown with added weight and intent.
4. Step jab: A jab thrown while stepping forward.
5. Pawing jab: A light jab used to measure range or disrupt rhythm.
6. Check hook: A hook thrown while pivoting away from an opponent.
7. Shovel hook: A punch that combines a hook and an uppercut motion.
8. Haymaker: A wide, powerful punch thrown with full force.

Body Attacks

1. Body shot: Any punch aimed at the torso.
2. Liver shot: A punch targeting the right side of the body under the ribs.
3. Solar plexus shot: A punch aimed at the center of the upper abdomen.

Defense and Head Movement

1. Slip: Moving the head slightly to avoid a punch.
2. Duck: Dropping the body lower to evade punches.
3. Bob and weave: Moving under punches in a U-shaped motion.
4. Parry: Deflecting a punch with the hand.
5. Block: Using gloves or arms to absorb a punch.
6. Cover up: Tight defensive posture protecting head and body.
7. Pull counter: Leaning back to avoid a punch, then countering.
8. Shoulder roll: Defensive technique using the shoulder to deflect punches.
9. Clinch: Holding an opponent to stop exchanges.

Footwork and Ring Movement

1. Pivot: Turning on one foot to change angle.
2. Shuffle: Short, quick steps to maintain balance.
3. Circling: Moving around an opponent laterally.
4. In and out: Stepping into range to attack, then stepping back out.
5. Cutting off the ring: Limiting an opponent’s movement by controlling space.

Offensive Concepts

1. Combination: A sequence of punches thrown together.
2. Feint: A fake movement meant to draw a reaction.
3. Counterpunch: A punch thrown immediately after avoiding an attack.
4. Timing: Striking at the optimal moment.
5. Rhythm: The pattern and tempo of movement and punches.
6. Fight IQ: A boxer’s tactical intelligence and decision-making.
7. Pressure fighting: Constantly moving forward to overwhelm an opponent.
8. Out-boxing: Winning with movement, range, and clean shots.
9. Infighting: Fighting at very close range.

Fight Outcomes and Scoring

1. Knockdown: When a boxer is sent to the canvas by a punch.
2. Knockout (KO): A boxer cannot beat the referee’s count.
3. Technical knockout (TKO): The referee or doctor stops the fight.
4. Decision: A fight decided by judges’ scorecards.
5. Unanimous decision: All judges score the fight for the same boxer.
6. Split decision: Judges disagree on the winner.
7. Draw: No winner based on the judges’ scores.

The Ring and Equipment

1. Ring: The elevated platform where boxing matches take place.
2. Canvas: The surface of the ring floor.
3. Ropes: Boundaries surrounding the ring.
4. Boxing gloves: Padded gloves worn during training and competition.
5. Hand wraps: Cloth wraps worn under gloves for support.
6. Mouthguard: Protective gear for teeth and jaw.
7. Cup: Protective equipment for the groin.

Officials and Roles

1. Referee: The official controlling the fight inside the ring.
2. Judge: Official who scores the fight.
3. Timekeeper: Person responsible for round timing.
4. Cornerman: Trainer or assistant in the boxer’s corner.
5. Cutman: Specialist who treats cuts and swelling.
6. Promoter: Organizer responsible for staging the event.

Competition Structure

1. Bout: A boxing match.
2. Round: A timed segment of a fight.
3. Championship rounds: The final rounds in a title fight.
4. Undercard: Fights before the main event.
5. Weight class: Category based on a boxer’s weight.

Boxing Styles

1. Boxer-puncher: A balanced fighter with speed and power.
2. Swarmer: A fighter who applies constant pressure.
3. Counter-puncher: A boxer who relies on reacting to opponents.
4. Volume puncher: A boxer who throws a high number of punches.
5. Power puncher: A boxer known for knockout ability.

Training Terminology

1. Shadow boxing: Practicing punches and movement without a target.
2. Sparring: Controlled practice fighting.
3. Roadwork: Running or endurance training.
4. Bag work: Training using a heavy bag.
5. Pad work: Training with focus mitts.
6. Footwork drills: Exercises designed to improve movement.
7. Recovery day: A lighter training or rest day.

Rules and Fouls

1. Low blow: An illegal punch below the belt.
2. Rabbit punch: An illegal punch to the back of the head.
3. Holding: Grabbing an opponent excessively.
4. Break: Referee command to stop clinching.
5. Disqualification: Losing a fight due to rule violations.

Common Boxing Expressions

1. In the pocket: Standing in close punching range.
2. Make him miss: Evading punches through defense or movement.
3. Make him pay: Countering after an opponent misses.
4. Pressure: Forcing the opponent backward consistently.
5. Feeling the distance: Understanding and controlling range.
6. Standing count: Referee count given when a boxer is hurt but standing.
7. Throw in the towel: The corner signals surrender.
8. Ring generalship: Controlling the pace and positioning of a fight.
9. Punch output: The number of punches thrown.
10. Clean shot: A punch that lands clearly and effectively.