Boxing Movement

Your actions before and after an attack are just as important as the attack. I'll start by concentrating on movement after your attack.

I like to jab then circle left/right. You also have the option to sidestep or pivot. (Remember, this thread is about movement, so I didn't include movement that contains counters or lead punches)

My next choice would be to jab, take ONE step backwards, then circle left/right, sidestep, or pivot.

My final choice would be to jab, take TWO steps back, then circle left/right, sidestep, or pivot. After you jab you should take a maximun 2 steps back, anything more is a bad habit that's setting yourself up for disaster. Going backwards in a straight line is one of the worst habits imaginable a boxer can develop; it's simply dangerous. One thing I stress to fighters is for them to keep their hands up while retreating, especially in the later rounds when fatigue sets in. Just watch how Vic Darchinyan ko'd Cristian Mijares in the 9th round and you'll see how what happens when you move straight back with your hands down.

Moving backwards gets you caught on the ropes, which eventually leads to getting trapped in the corner. The corner is risky because you have limited mobility, especially against a savvy boxer who knows how to keep you there. One of my pet peeves is when people say they'll just use the rope a dope method and let their opponent punch themselves out. (Especially a few months ago when the guy was new and was a midget for his weight class)

Also, switch it up. ie, don't just pivot or sidestep after a jab. Once your opponent figures your patterns out, he can start timing you.

That depends on what stance you're against with.