Quote Originally Posted by Chris Nagel View Post
One of the key points besides the hinge-principle is to maximize the amount of weight transferred from one side to another through stance a la the old-timers such as Benny Leonard et al. On the other hand, a fighter with a contemporary squared-up stance, and worst one who leans onto their front leg would not be able to transfer much weight for their straight right as their right would become more of a pushing punch, e.g. Joe Frazier.

Getting your weight behind your punch is different than for instance if you'd hold out your elbow and then shift your weight over your left-leg land your elbow against a heavy bag. Rather than forgetting that your arms are there, think of them as the last link in the chain of punching movement. This goes back to what Grey was saying, i.e. the order, and the 'delay' mentioned in the aforementioned thread by Thomas. The hook is slung.
I've been taught that weight transfer isn't always the key to power. For punches like hooks and overhands, it adds more to the punch than it would for uppercuts or even straights. To be clear, what I'm saying is weight transfer will generate power in any punch but it isn't always the best way to do so. I believe there are distinct mechanics for each type of punch.

For uppercuts, they get the most power with almost no weight transfer. It's mostly hip extension without too much straightening of the knees, which relies on the weight being rooted on the corresponding foot.

Straights benefit from some weight transfer, but not enough to lose connection with the driving foot. If the driving foot (right foot for a right straight) is too far behind or doesn't have enough weight on it then there won't be enough connection to the ground. Plus shifting too much weight on the straight sacrifices distance because it makes your head come closer to the opponent than it needs to. Basically, they're more twist than shift.

Hooks get the most from weight transfer because they travel in a circular direction, which is the same as the trajectory of the hips. Overhands too, because the weight shift combined with dropping of the weight puts the shoulders in place to let the punch arc over a shoulder or glove.

Having a stance that starts with the weight back isn't only to facilitate maximum weight transfer, it's to make sure the rear foot is in position to generate power and the hips/shoulders have room to twist. Plus the head is kept at a safer distance. That's my understanding at least.