Re: Setting up the right hook?

Originally Posted by
Jimanuel Boogustus

Originally Posted by
greynotsoold

Originally Posted by
Jimanuel Boogustus
Are there any (right handed orthodox) fighters that you can think of, who were exceptionally good at setting up/ hiding the right hook?
What do you mean by that? marciano had a way of making his right hand over the top look like a right hand to the body. Archie Moore hid his right hand behind his left shoulder.
Also, what are you calling a right hook?
Short story long; I find it awkward to hit the heavy bag with a right hook and it occurred to me that it is a relatively crude punch, seemingly very eat to telegraph, in relation to the rest of the basic arsenal. I was left trying to think of fighters that were renowned for their right hook, or who had shown and aptitude to use it specifically.
The only one I could think of was Floyd against Cotto, where he used it with tactical intent, to great effect.
I think Roy Jones used to exploit every ounce of his athleticism to land audacious looking right hands but I'm not immediately aware of any tactical finesse from him.
I guess the point I'm trying to make is, I'm struggling to find relevance for the punch (a completely horizontal looping shot). Someone said Hopkins, so I'll check him out and also Grey, thank you for recommending Moore and The Rock.
JB,
I think the reason you're finding it awkward, is because working on it with a heavy bag doesnt play as much to the set up (in terms of positioning and footwork). That's not entirely a bad thing. If you have your feet set right, the right hook is going to feel awkward/slow on a stationary target because it takes the punch forever to get there and you can wind up over extending and maintaining your balance a lot of times instinctively widens your stance and takes away your mobility. Angles, footwork and positioning are key to use that hook effectively.
A lot of the fighters that were really proficient at using a right hook either:
A.) squared up a lot if only briefly. Shortening the distance of travel and bringing the right foot around allowed more leverage from turning at the waist... it also lessens the risk of over extension. But also leaves you presenting a bigger target. This is why a lot of guys use it on the inside now or when running down a guy on rubber legs.
b.) Had great ring generalship and used to walk their opponents into it. A guy like jones that had exceptional balance and very quick feet could throw it from the outside, while squaring up momentarily or finishing in a southpaw stance. Most other guys used footwork cutting off a guys a escape as he was circling away from the right hand and reverse him into it... or used a good jab to turn their opponent along the ropes (as the opponent pivots of that lead foot) into right hand to the body or over the ear that came out of their blind spot.
When you're working the bag, try this. Use your jabs straights to get the bag swinging. Alternate working between bag between your 10 and 2. When the bag is swinging from your 10 to 2. As it passes your 12 use your jab and come around with the hook. Turn into the hook at the waist and pivot off your back foot. Its should feel less awkward and allow you to keep your feet in position and either jab out or follow up with the left hook. Try not to loop it wide. From overhead it should more resemble a question mark motion than a backwards "C". Corkscrew it of course and turn your hand over...
Just my opinion of course. Disclaimer: Not mean to be official instruction ..The author is this post will not be held responsible for any injuries sustained while attempting the above... etc etc etc blah blah blah...
They want your @$$ beat because upsets make news. News brings about excitement, excitement brings about ratings. The objective is to bring you up to the tower and tear your @$$ down. And if you don't believe that, you're crazy.
Roy Jones, Jr. "What I've Learned," Esquire 2003
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