HAVING outlined the technique behind the jab, the cross and the hook, I now move on to the hook.
The lead uppercut to the head
Use this in close, never from out of range and off a jab or a body shot
1. Start in your basic stance. Keep your free hand (my right) up, covering your chin.
2. Edge forward to ensure you are in range, dip onto your front foot and lean slightly to your left – as an orthodox fighter. Don’t telegraph the shot.
3. Bring the shot straight up, rotating your hips forward and right, transferring the weight into the punch and aiming for the chin.
4. Punch through the target and then bring your lead hand straight back to your chin.
The back-hand uppercut to the head
You can use this after making your opponent fall short
1. Start in your basic stance. Keep your free hand (my left) up, covering your chin.
2. Take a step back, draw the opponent in and dip onto your back foot. Make sure you are on the ball of your foot.
3. Twist your heel back, follow through with the hips and transfer all the weight into the shot. If your opponent falls forward, you can wind the shot
up more.
4. Punch through the target and then bring your rear hand straight back to your chin.
The lead uppercut to the body
Only use this at close quarters
1. Start in your basic stance. Keep your free hand (my right) up, covering your chin.
2. Get in close, dip onto your front foot, lean slightly down and to your left – as an orthodox fighter.
3. Change the angle so it’s not thrown straight up, as this will slip off. Not quite a right angle on the arm [a].
In combo
Jab, step to the left (if you are orthodox, right if not), throw in a long, looping lead hook to the body, then follow up with a lead uppercut. Tony Sims and I called it ‘The Micky Ward shot’ as it was one of his best combinations.
Top tip
Perfect the shot on the pads then practise it in sparring, so you can try it in a number of different scenarios, with various shots coming back at you.
