Former heavyweight knockout artist and current coach/trainer Lou Esa has been sharing the basic components of boxing. In previous weeks he discussed the jab and the stance, and now he shares the importance of the right cross.
“Once you get your stance and jab down, the next component to think about is the right cross; as long as you have the fundamentals and timing right, you are ready to start throwing it.
You begin by throwing a jab, and then you twist to your right with your shoulders and hip, pivot off your back right foot, and throw that right cross straight out, right to your opponent’s jaw.
The right cross is the punch; look at all the boxing greats, they all had the 1-2 punch combination, the jab followed by the right cross.
If you are a southpaw then it’s the jab with your right hand followed by the left cross.
A good cross is your power punch, and can end the fight with one shot. The right cross also gets a lot of guys out of trouble. If you’re fighting a southpaw, fake your left jab and throw a straight right hand, because the southpaw is the sucker for the straight right and you’re going to catch him every time.
When throwing either the right or left cross, it’s important to be able to get in and out. Throw the right hand and step to get out of the way. You don’t need to stand there and trade with somebody. Why be in a war when it is unnecessary? You throw the right hand and step out, and if you see that you hurt your opponent, get right back in and go to work.
The right cross sets up the left hook to the head or body. It puts your opponent on queer street, and then the left hook follows and puts them to sleep.
If you perfect your 1-2 punch combination, the jab followed by the cross, that will be one of the strongest weapons in your arsenal.”
To learn firsthand from Lou Esa visit Final Round Boxing in Whippany, NJ.