Would this work?

[Chris Nagel]

I think that a lot of it depends on your opponent.

Most boxers are strict about an unwritten rule to never let your feet cross. This can be potential disadvantage to good fighters if they're up against an opponent that doesn't adhere to that idea.

Executed properly taking a short step with your front foot followed by bringing your rear leg to the front can simultaneously get you out of harms way and into a better position to counter an opponent. Alternatively taking a step backwards by bringing your front foot behind of your rear foot can change the distance big time forcing your opponent to readjust.

On a different note, going off of Wing Chun or JDK, the straight blast technique takes advantage of the strict today's orthodox boxers who under no circumstances want to cross their legs when they take a step. Probably better used as a followup to a hard counter this can turn the tables on a surprized opponent.

If you want to somemore interesting stuff on this you should get Andre into this discussion, it's his turf. Strictly SP has a lot to bring to the table, so he might also have something to add.

BTW, check out the "drop shift" in the Imp./Useful posts section, it might give you something more to think about.