I think "Chiquita" Gonzalez had the same reach and he did pretty well for himself. A thought or two on the 'popping up lead hook; you can throw an uppercut off the same inside slip. Remember to slip the punch by the barest minimum and also, don't move your left glove or arm from its original position.In either case-hook or uppercut-you torque the punch with your hips, lifting your elbow to hook.