Is a Left Punch harder than a Right Punch?

[rjj tszyu]

Assuming we're talking about an orthodox fighter the straight right hand is the hardest punch they will throw. It may not be the most effective because it can be defended etc. But if you were to put pressure pads in front of an orthodox fighter the straight right should always be the hardest shot they throw. A lot is to do with technique and timing though in boxing and if your opponent is moving his head towards a good left hook for example and that is the punch you have been working on landing (i.e. Joe Frazier) then it is going to be far more devastating than a straight right that has partially hit the glove of your opponent on the way through.

[Master]

Tyson use to say his right was the most powerful shot but the left hook got the knock outs because it was the one the opponent did not see.

[Eloking]

The stronger punch is easily the uppercut because of the build-up force coming directly from the ground and that it make the head flip (assuming you're aiming for the head). Also, if you land it on the jaw, it's almost guaranty a knockdown.

However, most professional boxer know how to protect themselves from these. And if you miss from a full-swing, you'll leave yourself open for counter-attack. That's why we hardly see them except when mixed in a combo. And only "short" uppercut.

Also, like Master said, the punch that does the most damage are the one that the opponent do not see coming.

[Hulk]

Ask Randall Bailey if the left is stronger than the right ?

[marbleheadmaui]

It can't be quantified like that. Each fighter is different, whether each punch is thrown with the same quality technique matters and on and on and on.

My guess is if everything could be held constant (the problem) the left hook probably involves more muscle and can be thrown at a higher velocity than a straight right hand. But the timing of a hook would have to be perfect and it is a very complex move. The straight right hand is easier to master and my guess would be for most fighters that is the right answer.

[Andre]

Its the unseen punch that does the most damage. Mostly the short left hook is the one that most guys run into blind, as most are orthodox and that right hand has a lot more distance to cover, so its usually seen or felt coming through reaction to contact reflexes when engaging in close.

With phone box type wars where both fighters are square shouldered and are taking shots all over, they're expecting everything and they rarely go down to one shot other than after a combo; its hard to pick which.

[IamInuit]

Yes and particularly if you are being punched by a converted southpaw like Tyson, Oscar, Corbett, Basilio, Cooney and Jeffries.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

It can't be quantified like that. Each fighter is different, whether each punch is thrown with the same quality technique matters and on and on and on.

I agree.

It would also depend on the physique of the boxer, how his muscle mass is distributed etc.

A long-limed boxer with enormous lats and shoulders, with the right technique would probably have a bigger straight rear-hand.
Whereas a boxer with thick set legs and over-sized biceps and chest would probably favour a hook or uppercut.

[:::PSL:::]

Yes, if you're a righty.

[IamInuit]

Tyson use to say his right was the most powerful shot but the left hook got the knock outs because it was the one the opponent did not see.

That was Mikes best punch because he's a converted south paw. Same with Cooney, Oscar and several others.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

Tyson use to say his right was the most powerful shot but the left hook got the knock outs because it was the one the opponent did not see.

That was Mikes best punch because he's a converted south paw. Same with Cooney, Oscar and several others.

You sure about that?

[IamInuit]

Tyson use to say his right was the most powerful shot but the left hook got the knock outs because it was the one the opponent did not see.

That was Mikes best punch because he's a converted south paw. Same with Cooney, Oscar and several others.

You sure about that?

Positive. So was Basilio, Jeffries and Corbett and they all have the same thing in common. A deadly left.

[rjj tszyu]

Tyson use to say his right was the most powerful shot but the left hook got the knock outs because it was the one the opponent did not see.

That was Mikes best punch because he's a converted south paw. Same with Cooney, Oscar and several others.

You sure about that?

Positive. So was Basilio, Jeffries and Corbett and they all have the same thing in common. A deadly left.

That is interesting. I always thought he was a converted southpaw too in the same way Frazier was, but he is clearly signing with his right there.

[IamInuit]

Tyson use to say his right was the most powerful shot but the left hook got the knock outs because it was the one the opponent did not see.

That was Mikes best punch because he's a converted south paw. Same with Cooney, Oscar and several others.

You sure about that?

Positive. So was Basilio, Jeffries and Corbett and they all have the same thing in common. A deadly left.

That is interesting. I always thought he was a converted southpaw too in the same way Frazier was, but he is clearly signing with his right there.

Rare but not unheard of. I'm pretty sure Cotto is also a convert. Winky is the only converted right hander I can think of.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

Tyson use to say his right was the most powerful shot but the left hook got the knock outs because it was the one the opponent did not see.

That was Mikes best punch because he's a converted south paw. Same with Cooney, Oscar and several others.

You sure about that?

Positive. So was Basilio, Jeffries and Corbett and they all have the same thing in common. A deadly left.

How can you be a right handed converted southpaw boxing out of an orthodox stance?