There are as many boxing combinations as there are stars in the sky. But like stars, some boxing combos shine brighter than others.
I have an opinion about which boxing combination is the best: I think the classic 1-2-3 combo — the Jab/Straight Right/Left Hook combination — is far and away the best boxing combination. Let me explain why:
The best boxing combinations
The best boxing combinations let you deliver punches without moving unnecessarily or squandering energy
In the top 5 boxing combinations I explain that combos are not just collections of punches thrown together randomly. Rather, they’re carefully crafted so each punch naturally flows out of the previous one. This is important because it allows you to conserve energy and punch with maximum power.
In fact, other than the basic ways to increase punching power that are taught to all beginners, this method of crafting a combination is the best way to hit harder. When you do it this way, no power is lost through extraneous movement. All your power ends up in your punches.
The 1-2-3 combination in boxing
Every good combination starts with a jab. The jab is your most important punch because it helps you find your range. If you’re not jabbing, you are wasting the opportunity to hit your opponent when you are still at long range.
If you can touch something with your jabbing hand, you can punch through it with your straight right hand without moving your feet.
The straight right or right cross is your power punch. As long as the jab lands — even if it just brushes your opponent’s face — you know that you will be able to punch him very hard with your straight right hand. This is because the straight right has a longer range than your jab. From a good boxing stance, your straight right hand will reach several inches farther than the range of your jab.
Finally, the left hook is the finishing punch. If you manage to land the straight right hand, you can knock him down with the left hook to the chin. If he doesn’t go down, you are in perfect position to throw another strong right hand punch.
But if he blocks your first right hand, you can use the left hook to clear yourself out of danger and protect yourself against his counterpunch.
How to land the 1-2-3
It’s not enough to just walk up to your opponent and throw this combination. If he’s an untrained fighter, you will probably land something, but if he’s skilled, he’ll just slide out of the way.
In a boxing match, you need to set up your combinations. Otherwise, you don’t have a chance of landing a punch.
The best way is to start out just throwing the jab. Mix in some feints and some jabs to the body. Later, you can try the double jab.
Once you get your range with the jab, you have to follow it up with the straight right hand. This jab — straight right combo (known as the 1-2) is effective in many situations. You will begin to really get your opponent’s attention with the strong right hand.
But eventually, you need to follow up the 1-2 combo with the left hook. If he blocks your right hand every time you throw it, you should follow with the left hook. Now, you’re throwing a full-fledged 1-2-3 combination (the best boxing combination).
Why this is the best boxing combination
- It consists of the 3 most important punches in boxing, the jab, straight right, and left hook. If you know these punches, you’ll do well.
- It is a long-range combo, but the left hook can be used close or at longer range, depending on the situation.
- It doesn’t require you to fake out your opponent very much. You’re already throwing jabs and right hands, right?
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