Question about Southpaws

[ScubaSteve86]

Hello all,

I am new to the forums, and have recently taking up boxing. I am a Southpaw, and I have heard arguments both 'for' and 'against' it. I understand that as a boxer, I must develop my own style based upon my own strengths and character, but I would be interested to hear some opinions on the Southpaw subject. Good or bad? Advantageous or disadvantageous?

So, what do you all think?

[N Maiberg]

Personally I think Southpaws have a big advantage since they're pretty rare in boxing, from my knowledge anyway, and simply because of that most people aren't used to the difference in reach and stance simply because they're a southpaw. I myself am lucky enough to be able to switch between Orthodox and Southpaw stance as I see fit, even though I am an Orthodox boxer, it's a nice trick to have to catch them off guard.

A disadvantage would be that you would be mostly fighting Orthodox boxers, so meeting a Southpaw like yourself, could probably confuse yourself. Other than that, just develop your own style over time and it will be fine, don't worry about being Southpaw or Orthodox.

[Andre]

welcome to the forum too.

I think generally you have the advantage because most naturals train with naturals more often.

You also train with naturals more often too so there lies the main advantage.

But it ends there because its like fighting yourself but in mirrored fashion so its down to individual skills after that unless you have studied the adjustments required and take an advantage because they havent.



I like the sword fighting mental challenges of front arms both in cross style and in parallel as well. The fact you are turning into their strong hands range when throwing the your own rear shot takes a certain awareness.

I think the real art of doing it well doesnt just stop at the initial adjustment and awareness ,you can build more into it too, stuff like choking out their arm with your glove in between hitting them and moving.Catching them with their feet dead square to where they are facing if you slip to the inside and catch them with a hook straight to the face etc, you get more power from doing that from a mirrored position but you time off their reaction to something else.

Theres alot to play with.

In Mma there is even more because they only have to give you a glimpse of the rear of their front leg and that is reached so fast with a right leg facing a left leg or visa versa.So it pays to adjust as they are moving and know where there front foot is going to land. Front elbow and front leg effects their balance dramatically. If you can upset their balance even slightly you can move and have them within in that minor disruption.(goes for boxing too ,by moving their elbow slightly just before their same foot touches the canvas)South vs natural makes that easier to do.

Hows life fighting other southpaws anyway? Any others there to spar with?

[ScubaSteve86]

Thanks for the replies

In regards to my own style, I am predominantly a Southpaw, and fight as such, but I am able to switch to Orthodox when the situation demands it. However, I am more comfortable with my natural left-handed stance.

In regards to your post Andre, Most of my sparring partners are Orthodox. There is one other left-hander, but he prefers Orthodox fighting.

Any tips for fighting Southpaw (such as keeping your left hand up to guard against the inevitable right to the face) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for the replies

[Youngblood]

You should have been killed at birth. But seeing you made it thru, enjoy your advantage. I suppose. kinda. No. Seriously. FU. jk.

[Dadi Astthorsson]

A practical reason not to go southpaw: there are a lot more people out there with a lot more knowledge to share if you are orthodox. Even good and great trainers are very basic when it comes to teaching a southpaw. It is not the same thing only in reverse as some like to say.

[Fran@myboxingcoach]

Hey Steve

I'll keep this short. Southpaws who know how to use what they've got provide orthodox boxers with all the trouble they need. A prime reason for this is that an orthodox boxer is used to dealing with jabs coming in from the right of centre (which is why they often use their right hand to block/parry the jab before responding with their own punches). When they fight a southpaw, the jab comes at them from the left of centre, forcing them to 'paw' at the incoming jabs with their left hand, a wholly unnatural action.

So, to maximise your advantage, fire fast, hard jabs (doubles and trebles) whilst moving gradually to your right, always seeking to keep your right foot to the right of your opponent's lead foot (left). Sometimes you'll stand on your opponent's lead foot, entirely by accident of course, but it all helps to annoy!!!! After a coupe of bursts of jabs, look to unload that backhand, either bolt straight or with a long-range hook.

Use it wisely, only about 1 in 9 people are left-handed, they are just not that common! Obviously, you will occasionally meet another southpaw. When that happens, I'm sure you'll work it out!!!!!

Good luck and stick at it mate.

Fran

[ScubaSteve86]

Thanks a bunch Fran (and everyone else). I need to work on my jab, I think. Being a guy with arms better suited on a gorilla, my jab may end up being a key strike

Thanks for the tips all. Much appreciated

[Chris Nagel]

Thanks a bunch Fran (and everyone else). I need to work on my jab, I think. Being a guy with arms better suited on a gorilla, my jab may end up being a key strike

Thanks for the tips all. Much appreciated

You also try out different things with your jabs. Pop them on their gloves, and depending on their reaction you'll have an opening that you can go for. Maybe you can do this while moving to your right as you be better able to get a right hook in around your opponent's guard.

A little dangerous but worthwhile, why not try parrying jabs with your right glove. Say, you bat their jab down, and counter over it with your right, like a sort of fencing move (riposte?).

[Dadi Astthorsson]

I'm going to wait with the reply until after I finish my new video. It will take a lot less time to explain what I want to try and say if I can contrast it with something visual.