Boxing is often referred to as “the sweet science” because it is more than just throwing punches. Boxing is about precision, timing, and strategy to scientifically defeat the opponent. While fundamental techniques are the core of every boxer’s arsenal, truly skilled fighters separate themselves by how they put their punches together. Combinations play a crucial role in outsmarting the opponent, thereby giving you higher chances of success. In this article, we will explore a couple of underutilized boxing combinations that can help improve your boxing game.
The Sweet Science
Boxing is not just about brute force; it is a highly technical sport that requires intelligence and strategy. At its core, boxing is about controlling distance, setting traps, and capitalizing on openings. A well-trained boxer must be able to defend and attack, using movement and angles to dictate the pace of the fight.
The best boxers in history, from Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Leonard to Floyd Mayweather and Vasyl Lomachenko, have all mastered the art of precision and deception. They understand that the key to success in boxing is not just hitting hard but hitting smart. This means disguising their attacks and making it difficult for opponents to anticipate what’s coming next.
The Art Of Combinations
In boxing, punching in combinations allows you to break through defenses, create openings, and keep your opponent on the back foot.
Throwing single punches in isolation may work against untrained opponents, but at higher levels of boxing, single shots are rarely enough to land cleanly. Combinations allow boxers to create openings by disguising their true intentions. The initial punches in a combination can be used to measure distance, break the opponent’s guard, or force them into a defensive reaction.
Combinations also create opportunities for layered attacks. When an opponent reacts to one punch, they often expose a vulnerability elsewhere. A boxer who throws only basic combinations becomes predictable, but a fighter who integrates unique and deceptive punch sequences keeps their opponents constantly guessing.
Benefits Of Punching In Combinations
Throwing punches in combinations offers several advantages that can make the difference between landing a clean shot or missing entirely. The first benefit is that it keeps the opponent occupied. When you throw multiple punches, your opponent must focus on blocking or evading, reducing their ability to counterattack.
Another key advantage is that combinations help break through an opponent’s guard. A well-placed series of punches can force a reactionary defense, causing the opponent to lift their hands to protect their head, which in turn exposes the body for follow-up shots. This ability to manipulate an opponent’s defensive posture is critical in high-level boxing.
Also, throwing combinations improves your offensive rhythm. Instead of relying on single power shots, a solid combination allows you to conserve energy while still being effective. It also helps develop a natural striking style, which makes you a more dangerous and unpredictable boxer. Still need convincing? Watch the highlight reel above featuring combinations from pound-for-pound great and multi-division world champion Vasyl Lomachenko.
The Value Of Using Uncommon Combinations
Most boxers train with traditional punch sequences, such as the basic jab–cross–hook or the double jab-cross. While these combinations are effective, they are also widely expected. Skilled opponents can recognize these patterns and prepare counterattacks accordingly.
By integrating uncommon combinations, you introduce an element of unpredictability. Fighters who use unique sequences of punches disrupt an opponent’s rhythm and create hesitation, which leads to cleaner shots landing. Additionally, unexpected combinations can catch an opponent off guard, increasing the likelihood of landing a decisive blow.
3 Underutilized And Uncommon Boxing Combos
Now that we’ve got your attention on why these combos are essential, let’s take a look at the combos themselves and how you can incorporate them into your game.
1) Double Right
In orthodox boxing, most combinations are built around alternating hands. This makes the double right combination highly effective because it breaks this common rhythm.
The sequence begins with a right cross to get your opponent’s attention, followed by another right hand to the opponent’s body or head. The key to making this combination work is creating a rhythm. This sequence works particularly well against opponents who tend to look for counterattacks.
2) The Intercepting Body Hook
This combination is perfect for counter-strikers who like to punish aggressive opponents. The typical approach begins with a defensive slip, avoiding an incoming punch while positioning yourself for a lead hook. The intercepting body hook is a little different. Instead of going for the defensive slip, you throw a right to the body as you shift your upper body to the side. From here, you can add the left hook for a devastating combination.
3) The Slip Pull
One of the most underutilized but highly effective combinations in boxing is the slip pull sequence, which combines head movement with precision counterpunching.
The combination starts with a slip and a liver shot over your opponent’s punch, followed by a right hook to either the body or head. This combo is particularly effective against aggressive fighters who charge forward. By using the slip-pull motion, you force them to react to an uncommon movement, throwing them off their rhythm.
Building A Game & Drilling For Mastery
To make combinations effective, it’s crucial to integrate them into your existing boxing style. If you’re a pressure fighter, focus on short-range setups like the intercepting body hook. If you’re more of a counter-striker, sequences like the slip-pull can punish opponents who overcommit. A well-rounded boxing game is about creating threats from multiple angles and forcing your opponent to second-guess their movements.
Incorporating uncommon combinations into your arsenal makes you more unpredictable and far harder to defend against. But building these combinations is just one part of the process—mastery comes through repetition. Start by drilling slowly on the heavy bagto perfect your mechanics, then progress to pad work with a coach, focusing on timing and execution. Finally, test these combinations in sparring sessions with opponents of varying styles to refine your timing, adapt your reactions, and ensure your techniques hold up under real fight pressure.
Conclusion
Incorporating uncommon combinations into your boxing game gives you a tactical advantage over predictable opponents. Adding these combinations to your training will not only improve your offensive options but also make you a nightmare to plan against.
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