Is a Left Punch harder than a Right Punch?

[brocktonblockbust]

I've been watching alot of fights lately where boxers are punching their opponents with left punches, but also sometimes right punches. One time I saw a guy punch with left and right punches, which his opponent didnt really like too much. But after that 1-2, I wondered, what actually is the harder punch, the left punch or the right punch? If you say left, it would be weird, but if you say a right punch is harder, it would be hard to understand. Because wouldnt it matter how much force was put into it, than whether or not it was thrown with whichever hand? I was just wondering about this. And also, would the left punch in general snap back the head of the opponent farther back in a snapping way? I HAVE seen right punches do this, but only this week.

[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.

[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.

[Jimanuel Boogustus]

Right behind Cricket.

[JonnyFolds]

Right behind Cricket.

Touchee