BoxRec

what is the best punch to throw at a southpaw?

Everyone always says the straight right, but I don't think there's one answer for every southpaw.

When I switch southpaw I personally have more trouble with a good check left hook than the right hand. The right is the obvious shot you're expecting, whereas the hook can catch you clean when you're stepping in or pressing forward.

Heiland was a good example of the same thing the other way round. As a southpaw coming forward, his lead right hook was a nasty weapon against orthodox fighters.

Really just depends on the style and situation.

I always liked throwing a hook/uppercut hybrid right hand (i am right handed and box orthodox) . because of the shots trajectory, they couldnt simply move out of the way easily like the shot was coming in a straight line


also if you throw a left hook while stepping to the side (as orthodox, i would left hook and step to my left), it's a good way to get a shot in while moving away from their power hand. drop in some jabs, move, left hook while movin, jabs, mix in some power hand shots, etc

margaret thatcher wrote: ↑05 Sep 2026, 17:01 I always liked throwing a hook/uppercut hybrid right hand (i am right handed and box orthodox) . because of the shots trajectory, they couldnt simply move out of the way easily like the shot was coming in a straight line


also if you throw a left hook while stepping to the side (as orthodox, i would left hook and step to my left), it's a good way to get a shot in while moving away from their power hand. drop in some jabs, move, left hook while movin, jabs, mix in some power hand shots, etc

thats a nice punch.

Powerful jabs to the body are also solid weapon, but very few guys can do it effectively. As someone wrote here, there is not only one answer.

Also i spar against guy who was southpow, tall and with powerful jab, i was hopeless, that distance was crazy i could not get any closer to him without being hit with that powerful jabs. Got some succes at the end when i turned southpaw too and hit him with two or three right hooks. I always admired guys who can fight in both stances. I could do southpaw too, but my left hand is maybe half as strong as right one so it was not very effective.