In orthodox boxing, the long-range right hand is a power shot. If you land it, you’ll probably hurt your opponent.
Sometimes, you hear this punch called a “straight right“, and other times it’s referred to as a “right cross“.
Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, they really shouldn’t be. They are two distinct punches.
The right cross
The right cross takes its name from the fact that it crosses over your opponent’s lead hand. It loops slightly, taking a curved path to the target.
When your opponent is lazy in returning his jab to the guard, you might be able to hit him with a right cross. Or, if he uses the peek-a-boo guard to thwart your straight punches, you can catch him with a cross to the temple.
Vitali Klitschko lands perfect right cross on Kevin Johnson's chin.
The straight right hand
The straight right is a straight punch. It goes straight up the middle, between your opponent’s guard.
Klitschko slams a straight right between Chris Arreola's guard.
The straight right is probably a faster and more powerful punch, but the right cross is used when the situation dictates a different strategy.