Were you confused by some of the terms used in the last boxing flick you watched on TV? Over the decades the world of boxing has coined a definite set of words to describe boxing weights, boxing styles, boxing equipment, and the different techniques and punches used in boxing. If you wonder what they mean by lightweight, bantamweight, speed bags, and sparring gloves, you will definitely find this article useful. Boxing terminology or the vocabulary of boxing will also be useful to those who want to ‘float like a butterfly and sting like a bee’ as Muhammad Ali puts it.
The following is a list of boxing terms for writing and speaking about boxing. Learn boxing terminology and vocabulary with ease.
| Boxing Terms | Meanings and Explanation |
|---|---|
| apron | The apron is the part of a ring that extends beyond the ropes |
| back-pedal | To back-pedal is to retreat from an opponent while still facing them |
| bantamweight | Bantamweight is the professional weight category of maximum 54kg (118lb) |
| belt | Belt is an imaginary line around the waist below which punches are prohibited |
| blocking | Blocking is the use of the shoulders, arms, or hands to prevent an opponents punch from landing cleanly |
| bob and weave | To bob and weave is to make quick bodily movements up and down and from side to side in order to dodge punches. In boxing bobbing moves the head laterally and beneath an incoming punch. As the opponent's punch arrives, the fighter bends the legs quickly and simultaneously shifts the body either slightly right or left. Fighters generally begin the bob and weave to the left, as most opponents strike with their left hand, or jab hand first. |
| body blow | Body blow is a punch to the body |
| bolo | Bolo is a long sweeping uppercut (said to resemble a slash with a bolo knife). When used in boxing, the bolo punch's range of motion is like that of a hook combined with an uppercut. As such, the punch should be thrown at 45 o'clock from an orthodox boxer's perspective. Its most important aspect is a circular motion performed with one arm to distract an opponent, causing the opponent to either take his eyes off the attacker's other arm or actually focus on the fighter's circling arm. When the opponent concentrates on the hand that is circling, the bolo puncher will usually sneak in a punch with the opposite hand. When the rival concentrates on the hand that is not moving, the bolo puncher will usually follow through with a full punch. |
| bout | Bout is a contest |
| boxer | Boxer is a person who boxes or is skilled in the sport |
| boxing gloves | Boxing gloves are the special padded gloves worn by boxers |
| boxing match | Boxing match is a match or contest between two boxers |
| boxing ring | Boxing ring is the fuller term for a ring |
| boxing weight | Boxing weight is the particular weight category at which boxers are matched |
| break! | Break! is a command by the referee to the boxers in a clinch to separate |
| canvas | Canvas is the floor of a ring. |
| cauliflower ear | Cauliflower ear is an ear permanently swollen and disfigured by repeated blows [in appearance resembling the clumped shape of a cauliflower] |
| caution | Caution is a reprimand given to a boxer by the referee following an infringement, three such reprimands usually resulting in a warning |
| champion | Champion is a competitor who has excelled all others |
| chin | Chin is the ability to withstand punches |
| clinch | To clinch is to hold one's opponent in such a way that he cannot throw punches |
| combination | Combination is a series of punches thrown in quick succession |
| corkscrew | Corkscrew is a punch thrown with the elbow out and a twisting motion of the wrist |
| corner | Corner is one of the diagonally opposite angles of the ring, where a boxer sits between rounds and is attended by a second; it is also used as another term for the second himself |
| corner man | Corner man is another term for a second |
| count | Count is the counting up to ten seconds by the referee when a boxer is down on the canvas, after which a win to his opponent by a knockout is declared |
| counter | Counter is an attack made immediately after an opponent throws a punch |
| counterpunch | Counterpunch is fuller term for a counter |
| cross | Cross is a straight punch delivered from the side |
| cruiser | Cruiser is a cruiserweight boxer |
| cruiserweight | Cruiserweight is the professional weight category of maximum 86kg (190lb) |
| decision | Decision is the awarding of a fight in which there has been no knockout to the boxer with the greater number of points |
| defense | Defense is an attempt by a reigning champion to defend his title in a contest |
| disqualification | Disqualification is the elimination of a boxer from a contest because he has received three warnings from the referee |
| distance | Distance is the range within which a boxer can strike his opponent; it is also used to denote the scheduled duration of a match |
| dive | Dive is a feigned knockout as a tactical move |
| down | Down means beaten because a part of the body other than the feet is touching the canvas; also means to be beaten because helpless on the ropes or beaten because judged unfit by the referee to continue |
| duke | Duke is the verdict in a match [from the practice of raising the winners arm, from the slang term for a fist, from rhyming slang duke of Yorks, forks, slang for the hands] |
| eight-count | Eight-count is a count of eight seconds by the referee that a boxer who is down must take while the referee decides whether or not to continue the bout |
| eliminator | Eliminator is a contest in which a competitor is eliminated, as from a bout in boxing |
| fancy | Fancy is a dated term for an enthusiast |
| feather | Feather is shortening of featherweight |
| featherweight | Featherweight is the professional weight category of maximum 57kg (126lb) |
| feint | To feint means to fake a punch with the intention of disorientating ones opponent |
| fighting weight | Fighting weight is the specified weight or weight range within which a boxer must come to be eligible to fight in a particular class |
| fistiana | Fistiana is a colloquial term for anecdotes about boxers and the sport in general |
| fisticuffs | Fisticuffs is facetious term for the sport |
| flyweight | Flyweight is the professional weight category of maximum 51kg (112lb) |
| gloves | Gloves is the shortened form of boxing gloves |
| go the distance | To go the distance is to complete the scheduled duration of a fight |
| Golden Gloves | Golden Gloves is an amateur competition originating in 1927 as a U.S. intercities tournament, the winner receiving a gold medal and a pair of miniature golden gloves |
| guard | Guard is a defensive stance, with the gloves raised to protect the face |
| gumshield | Gumshield is another term for a mouthpiece gun |
| ham | Ham is an incompetent boxer |
| handler | Handler is a person who trains and acts as a second to a boxer |
| hang up ones gloves | Hang up ones gloves is to retire from the sport |
| haymaker | Haymaker is colloquial term for a wild swinging punch |
| heavyweight | Heavyweight is the professional weight category of maximum 91kg (201lb) |
| hold | Hold is a grip of the opponent that prevents him from throwing punches |
| hook | Hook is a swinging blow with the elbow bent |
| in chancery | In chancery is (of ) a combatants head held under his opponents arm |
| infighting | Infighting is engaging at very close quarters, so that it is impossible to throw full-length punches |
| jab | Jab is a short straight punch |
| judge | Judge is one of the three ringside officials who keep a record of the scoring hits in a bout |
| junior | Junior is lighter than the standard for a particular weight |
| junior bantamweight | Junior bantamweight is the professional weight category of maximum 52kg (115lb) |
| junior featherweight | Junior featherweight is the professional weight category of maximum 55kg (122lb) |
| junior flyweight | Junior flyweight is the professional weight category of maximum 49kg (108lb) |
| junior lightweight | Junior lightweight is the professional weight category of maximum 59kg (130lb) |
| junior middleweight | Junior middleweight is the professional weight category of maximum 70kg (154lb) |
| junior welterweight | Junior welterweight is the professional weight category of maximum 63.5kg (140lb) |
| kayo | Kayo (KO) is a knockout |
| kill | Kill is a knockout |
| knockout | Knockout is a blow that renders the opponent unconscious or incapable of recovering before the end of the count |
| KO | KO is the abbreviation of knockout |
| lead | Lead is the first punch of two or more from the same fist |
| lead with ones chin | To lead with ones chin is to adopt an awkward stance that makes one vulnerable to punches [a boxer normally leads with his fists] |
| left | Left is a punch with the left fist |
| left cross | Left cross is a punch delivered from the left side |
| left-hander | Left-hander is a punch delivered with the left hand |
| light flyweight | Light flyweight is another term for junior flyweight |
| light heavyweight | Light heavyweight is the professional weight category of maximum 79kg (175lb) |
| light middleweight | Light middleweight is another term for junior middleweight |
| light welterweight | Light welterweight is the professional weight category of maximum 63.5kg (140lb) |
| lightweight | Lightweight is the professional weight category of maximum 61kg (135lb) |
| Lonsdale Belt | Lonsdale Belt is the trophy in the form of a belt awarded for winning the same title three times in succession [presented in 1909 by Lord Lonsdale (18571944), president of the National Sporting Club] |
| man who beat the man | Man who beat the man is a way of defining a champion, as the man who beat the previous champion |
| mark | Mark is the pit of the stomach |
| matchmaker | Matchmaker is a person who arranges matches |
| middleweight | Middleweight is the professional weight category of maximum 73kg (160lb) |
| mini flyweight | Mini flyweight is the professional weight category of under 48kg (105lb) |
| mittens | Mittens is colloquial term for boxing gloves |
| mouthpiece | Mouthpiece is the piece of plastic placed in a boxers mouth to protect his teeth and prevent him from biting his tongue |
| neutral corner | Neutral corner is one of the two corners in the ring where neither boxer sits |
| noble art | Noble art is another term for boxing [short for the noble art of self-defense] |
| on points | On points is reckoned by the number of points scored rather than by a knockout |
| on the ropes | On the ropes is forced against the ropes by an opponents attack, and thus in danger of defeat |
| one-two / one-two combo | One-two / one-two combo is a jab with the leading hand followed by a cross with the other hand. In boxing, the "one-two combo" (also called "the old one-two") is a nickname of a jab and cross combo. It is so named because, in boxing parlance, the jab is often referred to as a "1" and the cross as a "2". Boxers usually learn this combination before any other[citation needed]. The jab is designed to get the fighter in range while effectively blinding the opponent and hiding the cross, which is a longer punch that will be slipped if thrown on its own. Generally, the jab is thrown with 60% power while stepping forward into range, and the cross follows at full power as the lead hand is retracted back to the guard. A drawing of a cross. Many boxers use this combination of punches to weaken their opponents during the beginning of a fight before any other combinations. |
| out for the count | Out for the count is failing to beat the count of the referee when down on the canvas |
| outclassed | Outclassed is judged by the referee to be taking undue punishment from an opponent, in consequence of which the bout is stopped |
| palooka | Palooka is an inexperienced or incompetent boxer [from the comic strip Joe Palooka by the U.S. artist Ham Fisher, first published in 1930] |
| passbook | Passbook is the record of a boxers matches, including injuries sustained, medical procedures applied, and the like |
| Peek-a-Boo | Peek-a-Boo is Peek-a-Boo is a boxing style where the hands are placed in front of the boxer's face, like in the baby's game of the same name. It offers extra protection to the face and makes it easier to jab the opponent's face. Peek-a-Boo boxing was developed by legendary trainer Cus D'Amato. Peek-a-Boo boxing utilizes relaxed hands with the forearms in front of the face and the fist at nose-eye level. Other unique features include side to side head movements, bobbing, weaving and blind siding the opponent. A fighter using the peek-a-boo style is drilled with the stationary dummy and on the bag until the fighter is able to punch by rapid combinations with what D'Amato called "bad intentions". The style allows swift neck movements as well quick duckings and bad returning damage, usually by rising uppercuts or even rising hooks. |
| postmans knock | Postmans knock is colloquial term for two successive punches |
| prize ring | Prize ring is a ring where prizefights are held |
| prizefight | Prizefight is a boxing match fought for a prize in the form of money |
| prizefighter | A prizefighter is a contestant in a prizefight |
| promoter | A promoter is the organizer of a boxing match |
| promotion | Promotion is the staging for profit of a boxing match |
| prop | Prop is the extended arm of a boxer |
| pugilism | Pugilism is a formal alternate name for boxing [Latin pugil, boxer] |
| pugilist | Pugilist is an alternate term for a boxer |
| pull a punch | Pull a punch is to hold back the full force of a punch |
| punch | Punch is a blow with the fist |
| punch and retreat | Punch and retreat is a strategy of gradually wearing down an opponent by delivering a series of individual punches while otherwise avoiding any direct engagement or action |
| punch drunk | Punch drunk is suffering from cerebral concussion inflicted by past blows in the sport [the sufferer moves as if drunk] |
| punchbag | Punchbag is a large stuffed bag for boxers to practice punching |
| punchball | Punchball is a suspended ball for boxers to practice punching |
| punching bag | Punching bag is another term for a punchbag |
| Queensberry Rules | Queensberry Rules is the standard rules of the modern form of the sport [introduced in 1867 under the patronage of the 8th Marquis of Queensberry (18441900)] |
| rabbit punch | Rabbit punch is an illegal punch to the back of the neck [like that used by hunters and farmers to kill a rabbit]. A rabbit punch is a blow to the neck or to the base of the skull. It is considered especially dangerous because it can damage thecervical vertebrae and subsequently the spinal cord, which may lead to serious and irreparable spinal cord injury. A rabbit punch can also detach the victim's brain from the brain stem,citation needed which can kill instantly. The punch's name is derived from the use of the technique by hunters to kill rabbits with a quick, sharp strike to the back of the head. |
| rally | Rally is a sustained exchange of blows [French rallier, re-ally, bring together again] |
| reach | Reach is the distance between the fingertips of the outstretched arms of a boxer; (cricket) the extent to which a batsman can play forward without moving his back foot |
| referee | Referee is the official stationed in the ring with the boxers who regulates the bout, intervening if necessary to stop a fight and administering the count to a boxer down on the canvas |
| right cross | Right cross is a punch delivered from the right side |
| right-hander | Right-hander is a punch delivered with the right hand |
| ring | Ring is the roped rectangular area on a raised platform in which a match takes place [originally the space for a match surrounded by a circle of spectators]; (2) the sport itself as a profession |
| ring rust | Ring rust is staleness of performance shown by a boxer who has been out of the ring |
| ringside | Ringside is the area immediately surrounding the ring |
| ringside physician | Ringside physician is the doctor who checks the physical condition of a boxer before the start of a bout and who determines whether a dazed boxer is fit enough to continue |
| ringside seat | Ringside seat is a seat immediately next to the ring |
| ringsider | Ringsider is a spectator at a prizefight |
| roll with the punches | Roll with the punches is to move the body away to lessen the impact of an opponents blows |
| rope-a-dope | Rope-a-dope is a tactic in which a boxer pretends to be trapped on the ropes in order to incite his opponent to tire himself out with punches [an expression popularized in the 1970s by heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali, a noted employer of the tactic, the dope being the baited opponent] |
| ropes | Ropes is the cords around the ring; (cricket) the cords marking the boundary of the field |
| round | Round is a subdivision of a bout in the form of a period of action over a given number of minutes, separated from the next period by a rest |
| round heels | Round heels is colloquial term for a poor boxer [who might easily fall] |
| roundhouse | Roundhouse is a wild swinging punch |
| savate | Savate is a form of the sport in which both feet and fists are used [French savate, originally a type of shoe] |
| scoring hit | Scoring hit is a fair hit which, if the judges agree, earns the boxer one point |
| second | Second is an assistant who helps a boxer before a bout and during the rests between rounds |
| set-to | Set-to is a renewed attack |
| set-up | Set-up is a boxer who can be easily defeated by a particular opponent and who is selected for this very reason |
| shadow boxing | Shadow boxing is sparring practice with an imaginary opponent |
| shortarm | Shortarm is (of ) a punch delivered with a bent arm rather than an extended one |
| sidewinder | Sidewinder is a blow struck from the side |
| slug nutty | Slug nutty is colloquial term for punch drunk |
| slugfest | Slugfest is colloquial term for a hard-hitting contest |
| southpaw | Southpaw is a left-handed boxer, who leads with his right hand [when right-handed batters faced east to avoid the afternoon sun in their eyes, pitchers faced west, but if left-handed would throw with their south-side hand] |
| spar | Spar is to exchange light blows by way of practice or demonstration |
| sparring partner | Sparring partner is a boxer chosen to spar with another |
| speed bag | Speed bag is a small punchbag used for practicing quick punches |
| speedball | Speedball is a type of small fast punchball |
| split decision | Split decision is a decision made by a majority of the judges but not by all of them |
| stance | Stance is the position adopted by a boxer in readiness to land or receive punches |
| stand-up | Stand-up is a fight in which the contestants stand up fairly to each other without any special moves or maneuvers |
| standing count | Standing count is a count of eight taken by a boxer who although not knocked down appears unable to continue fighting |
| stop | Stop is a guard or attack that prevents a punch from landing on its mark; it also means 'to defeat an opponent with a knockout' |
| strawweight | Strawweight is the professional weight category of under 48kg (105lb) |
| stun and be gone | Stun and be gone is another term for punch and retreat |
| sucker punch | Sucker punch is a punch that takes advantage of an opponents momentary lack of concentration |
| super bantamweight | Super bantamweight is the professional weight category of maximum 55kg (122lb) |
| super featherweight | Super featherweight is the professional weight category of maximum 69kg (130lb) |
| super flyweight | Super flyweight is the professional weight category of maximum 52kg (115lb) |
| super heavyweight | Super heavyweight is the amateur weight category of above 91kg (201lb) |
| super lightweight | Super lightweight is the professional weight category of maximum 63.5kg (140lb) |
| super middleweight | Super middleweight is the professional weight category of maximum 76kg (168lb) |
| super welterweight | Super welterweight is the professional weight category of maximum 70kg (154lb) |
| sweet science | Sweet science is a byname for boxing |
| swing | Swing is a punch made with a sweep of the arm |
| take a dive | Take a dive is to feign a knockout [by a dive to the canvas] |
| target | Target is the part of an opponents body to which an attack is directed |
| technical knockout | Technical knockout is a decision by the referee that one of the combatants, although not losing to a physical knockout, is too badly beaten to continue the fight, so that his opponent is the winner |
| Thai boxing | Thai boxing is a form of boxing practiced in Thailand, using not only gloved fists but feet, knees, and elbows |
| third man | Third man is colloquial term for the referee |
| throw | To throw is to deliver a punch |
| time | Time is the end of a round in boxing |
| title fight | Title fight is a match held to decide a championship |
| TKO | TKO is the abbreviation of technical knockout |
| undercard | Undercard is a contest placed second on the billing |
| unload | Unload is to deliver a forceful punch |
| uppercut | Uppercut is an upward punch that comes from underneath the opponents guard |
| warning | Warning is an official admonition from the referee, three of which lead to a disqualification from the bout |
| weave | Weave is to dodge punches by making twisting and turning movements |
| weigh in | Weigh in is to be weighed as a boxer before a match |
| weight | Weight is the standard amount that a boxer should weigh [categorized by a defining prefix, as flyweight, heavyweight] |
| welterweight | Welterweight is the professional weight category of maximum 67kg (147lb) |
| wind | Wind is a point on the body covering the stomach, a blow on which causes winding |
| work out / workout | To work out / workout is to fight a practice bout |
| AIBA | AIBA is Association Internationale de Boxe Amateur (International Amateur Boxing Association) |
| IBF | IBF is the shortened form of International Boxing Federation |
| WBA | WBA is the shortened form of World Boxing Association |
| WBC | WBC is the shortened form of World Boxing Council |
| WBO | WBO is the shortened form of World Boxing Organization |