BOXING GLOSSARY: #, A, B, C
A boxing glossary of terms and phrases through #, A, B, C – just part of our extensive Boxing FAQ.
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Boxing Glossary: #
10-Point-Must Scoring System
The scoring used in professional boxing which awards 10 points to the winner of a round, and 9 to the loser – though there are exceptions. Judges are often encouraged to score objectively and decisively as possible, but an even round can still be scored 10-10 at the judge’s discretion. If a fighter wins and also scores a knockdown, the round is scored 10-8; additional knockdowns add an extra point, i.e. 10-7 and so forth. If a fighter is particularly dominant, a round can be scored 10-8 (even without a knockdown). Point deductions also reflect on the scorecards; for example, the loser of a round deducted a point would lose by a score of 10-8. Though judging is subjective by nature, knockdowns and point deductions are objective features, and must be reflected on scorecards. A referee determines what constitutes as a point deduction or knockdown; ringside judges cannot decide for themselves and deviate from the referee’s rulings. You can find out more about the rules of boxing in our Boxing Rules section, and about boxing results in our Boxing Results Guide section.
10 Second Clap
Get your mind out the gutter! – this is a (clap-clap) sound that notifies both the referee and fighters the end of the round is approaching. The referee will often state to the fighters: “10 seconds, stop fighting at the bell.” A Time Keeper usually creates the noise ringside.
Boxing Glossary: A
Accidental Head Butt
Whether individual or a clash of both fighter’s heads, the referee declares the meeting of skulls accidental.
AIBA
International Boxing Association; a body that governs Olympic boxing contests.
Alias
Or fighter nickname; for example, Muhammad ‘The Greatest’ Ali.
Alphabet Soup
Refers to the often confusing landscape of sanctioning bodies and their seemingly endless catalogue of world title belts, whether they be Interim, Silver, Diamond, Super, or World variety, etc. If there’s one thing boxing fans loathe, it’s this plethora of belts which often lose their meaning in a sport saturated with titles.
Amateur
Amateur boxers compete in unpaid ranks; headgear is mandatory, along with 14oz gloves in contests. Bouts are scored by judges following successful punches to the head, which differs from boxing which centers more so around hurting an opponent. Many schools and colleges offer Amateur boxing clubs; elite boxers can fight for their state and country in Amateur competitions and at the Olympics. Exceptional professional fighters have usually enjoyed a successful Amateur career where they learnt invaluable lessons in fundamentals of the sport; this background is known as Amateur pedigree.
Apron
Refers to the section of canvas outside of the ropes.
Anchor Punch
A chopping shot somewhere between a hook and straight cross; some analysts claim Muhammad Ali’s anchor punch was hard enough to knock out Sonny Liston in their rematch.
Arm Punches
A fighter who, due to incorrect training or poor execution, throws his punches solely through his arms which leads to a lack of power; the most powerful of punches start from the ground up, i.e. they travel through the legs, hips, back and shoulders before reaching the fist.
Athletic Commissions
Those in the US are run by each state that allows professional boxing matches. They have many roles; for example, they authorize promoters to put on fights, appoint judges, referees and other officials, and handle the suspensions of fighters.
Association of Boxing Commissions
A boxing organization comprised of various members operating in the US and Canada; the organization sets these members safety requirements which must be implemented in all professional bouts.
Boxing Glossary: B
Bag Gloves
Usually gloves with little padding – or considerably less than sparring gloves – which are worn by a boxer who is hitting targets such as speed and punch bags in training.
Banger
A heavy-handed fighter who relies mostly on his power to win fights; ‘bangers’ may utilize patience, but often favor aggression over subtlety. Before Carl Froch adopted a good jab, he was often pigeon-holed as a great ‘banger’.
Bantamweight
A weight class inhabited by fighters who must weight no more than 118lbs/54kg 24 hours before their fight. You can find out more about professional boxing weights in our Boxing Divisions Guide section.
Bare-Knuckle Boxing
Or Fisticuffs; an original form of boxing without the inclusion of gloves which dates back over a thousand years. Though still in practice, bare-knuckle boxing is illegal in most countries and performed in underground fight organizations; gloves were first introduced into boxing contests in the early 18th Century following the creation of Queensberry Rules.
Barnstormer
A term to describe a fighter who typically travels between small towns and competes against local fighters to earn cheap but frequent pay days. Barnstorming is far less common nowadays, being at its most popular during the early and mid 20th century.
Battle of Attrition
This refers to a bout where both fighters are landing powerful shots frequently, but neither man is prepared to back down; both fighters may be wilting, losing technique, and unsteady due to the violent nature of the contest. It has become a case of who can take the most punishment before they are knocked out, stopped, or Retired by their corner. A famous battle of attrition is Micky Ward vs. Arturo Gatti I.
Battle of Jabs
This may refer to a particular round, rounds, or an entire fight where the scoring shots revolve around the jab. Both fighters are likely technically-minded boxers looking to time their shots and out-counter one another.
Beard
Or Whiskers; refers to a fighter’s punch resistance when caught clean on the jaw or chin.
Beat the Count
Refers to a fighter who has beaten the referee’s ten-count following a knockdown.
Below the Belt
An observer who claims a fighter received an illegal low blow, may comment that “John Smith’s punch was well below the belt!” You can find out more about low blows and illegal punches in our Boxing Rules section.
Belt
A title sanctioning bodies such as the WBC award to a fighter following a victory.
Belt Line
The area fighters are prohibited from punching under (to protect the groin and legs); anything below the waist line.
Bicycle
A fighter who is staggered and hurt, may opt to jump on his figurative ‘bicycle’, meaning he intends to use his footwork to survive the round and avoid further damage that could result in defeat.
Big for the Weight
Refers to a fighter who, though having successfully made weight, appears to be larger than his counterparts in the division; for instance, he may appear taller or broader. Paul Williams was a notable fighter ‘big for the weight’. Some fighters, who are naturally too big for a division, may be criticized for competing at the weight due to their size advantage; for instance, a natural Super Middleweight may deliberately cut weight to campaign at Middleweight, and quickly bulk up overnight. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. is a fighter who has been criticized for being too big for his weight class for this reason. The practice does not necessarily guarantee an advantage come fight night, however; cutting weight excessively and bulking up fast can take its toll on the body and be detrimental to a fighter’s health. You can find out more about professional boxing weights in our Weight Guide section.
Bleeder
Refers to a fighter is highly susceptible to cuts and therefore has a great tendency to bleed during bouts; this may be due to ‘thin skin’, prominent brow features and high cheekbones. Henry Cooper was a well-known bleeder, as was Chuck Wepner, whose alias was literally the ‘Bayonne Bleeder’.
Blown up (fighter)
Refers to a fighter who is criticized for not truly belonging in a weight class that appears to be ‘too big’ for him. For instance, some critics argued that Saul Alvarez fought a ‘blown up’ opponent in Josesito Lopez. You can find out more about modern era professional boxing weights in our Weight Guide section.
Blow
A landing punch.
Blocking
The act of defending against a shot with gloves; a body shot may be blocked with the forearm or elbow.
Bob and Weave
An evasive defensive maneuver achieved through lateral side-to-side movement and ducking to evade punches.
Body Shot
Refers to a punch that connects with the body; usually delivered not just to inflict pain and potentially knockout an opponent, but to strategically knock the wind out of an opponent and slow them down. A ‘banger’ may choose to take the legs off a fleet-footed ‘boxer’ by attacking his body in the early rounds.
Bolo Punch
An effective but seldom used shot that lives somewhere between a hook and an uppercut; highly-skilled fighters like Roy Jones Jr. have implemented the ‘bolo punch’ to great effect in their careers. A fighter (orthodox) may employ a deception tactic; he can distract his opponent by throwing out his right hand just before he throws the bolo punch with his left. Adrien Broner did just this when he knocked down Emmanuel Taylor.
Bout
A boxing fight, contest, matchup.
Boxer (style)
Of course, every fighter is a boxer. But the more refined, technically-minded fighters are referred to as ‘boxers’; characteristically, boxers avoid brawling and rely on a good jab, advanced footwork, patience, and notable defensive skills.
Boxing Booth
Long before boxing became a lucrative profession, many contests took place in the English countryside in ‘boxing booths’ as early as the 18th century. The booths travelled with fairs and circuses around the country, where the fighters would entertain crowds of people.
Boxing Commission
An organization which regulates and oversees professional boxing matches to ensure bouts are both fair, properly conducted, and meet high standards of health and safety.
Boxer-Puncher
Refers to a fighter with refined technical skills who also carries a heavy punch; modern fighters like Danny Garcia and Gennady Golovkin are considered ‘boxer-punchers’.
Boxer’s Handshake
The moment both boxers touch gloves before the first bell of a fight; it is seen as good sportsmanship, but is not compulsory. During a fight, boxer’s may also touch gloves for other reasons, out of sportsmanship at the beginning or end of a round, or in an apologetic manner if, for example, a fighter accidentally head-butted his opponent.
Boxing Rules
You can find an extensive list in our Boxing Rules area.
Boxing Shoe
A type of shoe worn by a boxer to aid in his performance, particularly that of footwork; typically high-topped to provide ankle support, with a short heel and rubber soles.
Brawler
A fighting style that usually involves tossing caution to the wind and throwing powerful punches in bunches; Brandon Rios is often considered to be a brawler.
Breadbasket
Refers to a fighter’s stomach.
Break
Refers to the moment a referee separates both fighters – who may have been in a clinch – to help resume ‘clean’ action. Both fighters are usually asked to take two steps back following the break.
British Boxing Board of Control (BBBofC)
The governing body of professional boxing in the UK and Northern Ireland which regulates and oversees boxing personnel and bouts. It also sanctions bouts where victors are awarded with Area, National and the prestigious British (Lonsdale) title belt.
Brutal Ballet
Refers to the sport of boxing, aptly named as it features a mixture of ‘dancing’ (footwork/subtlety) and brutality (punching/violence). Many people are drawn to boxing due to this strange juxtaposition; arguably an art form, both poetic and beautiful, yet ever so barbaric on the surface.
Buckled (legs)
Refers to the moment a fighter’s legs become unsteady after getting tagged by a heavy blow.
Buckshot Punch
Most commonly known as a straight right-hand, followed by a one-two feint, and finally another straight right.
Bum/Chump
A fighter who is considered inept as a fighter; an unworthy contender.
Bum Rush
Usually a term to describe the manner in which a fighter charges and unloads heavy punchers on his opponent – often from the first bell of a round – in an effort to surprise and knockout his opponent.
Buzzed
Or rocked, shaken; the moment a fighter is caught with a big shot that dazes him. An opponent (who delivered the shot) will often turn on the pressure and look to knockout the ‘buzzed’ fighter.
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Boxing Glossary: C
Canvas
Refers to the flooring of a boxing ring.
Cash Cow
A fighter who generates huge public appeal and therefore exceptionally great profits for himself, promoters, managers, etc, whenever he fights. One of today’s greatest unbeaten fighters, Floyd Mayweather, often takes home purses in excess of $40 million. For that reason, fighter’s queue up to face him to earn usually their biggest pay day to date. Global phenomenon Manny Pacquiao is also known as one of boxing’s ‘cash cows’.
Catchweight
Fights taking place outside of regulation weight limits; for instance, a Junior Welterweight and Welterweight may compromise by agreeing to fight at a ‘catchweight’ of 143 pounds. Titles are not usually on the line in these fights given the bout is taking place at a weight unrecognized by sanctioning bodies. Catchweight fights can often affect a fighter’s performance, especially if it’s their first time deviating from their natural fighting weight. You can find out more about conventional weight divisions in our Weight Class section.
Caught Cold
The moment a fighter is stunned, hurt, or knocked out in the early stages of a fight. For instance, a fighter is knocked down just seconds into the 1st round; it could be said he was hit before he could warm up/find his legs, rhythm.
Cauliflower Ear
The inside of one or both of a fighter’s ears may have become puffy and swollen due to a high number of punches that have landed in that area.
Caution
Or a warning; the referee may give a caution to a fighter who has committed a foul; for example, an intentional low blow. You can find out more about infringements on our Boxing Rules page.
Championship Reign
The period of time a fighter holds a world title before losing it to another fighter.
Championship Rounds
Refers to the final quarter of a fight, usually rounds 10-12 which are the most testing for fighters both physically and mentally; a veteran might criticize a young prospect by saying: “He’s good, but he’s never been the distance before – does he have what it takes to go into the Championship rounds?”
Chapter
A seldom used term for a boxing round.
Check-Hook
An effective punch strategically thrown while an opponent is lunging forward and loading up with a big shot; the check hook is executed by leaning back and throwing a counter-hook which catches the attacking fighter. A perfect example of this can be seen when Floyd Mayweather knocked down Ricky Hatton.
Check One’s Chin
A boxing fan may comment that a particular young prospect “has never had his chin checked”; in other words, he may be wondering how said fighter will cope when he gets tagged by a big shot.
Chicken Dance
Sometimes seen when a fighter resumes his footing following a severe knockdown due to his lower quarters having not fully recovered. Zab Judah suffered a ‘chicken dance’ following a vicious knockdown at the hands of Kostya Tszyu.
Chin
Refers to a fighter’s punch resistance/ability to handle a powerful punch that lands cleanly on the jaw or chin. The chin is also one of the most – if not the most – vulnerable area of a fighter’s body. This is why trainers constantly tell novices to “keep your chin tucked in!”
Chief Second
Refers to a fighter’s head trainer/cornerman who offers strategy and encouragement in between rounds; with the exception of the cutman, only one chief second is allowed into the ring.
Chief Support
Not to be confused with a Chief Second. Chief support usually refers to the undercard matchup that is staged right before the main event; this bout may carry significant interest to boxing fans. For example, Danny Garcia’s title bout with Lucas Matthysse provided ‘chief support’ to Floyd Mayweather’s encounter with Saul Alvarez.
Clam Shell (defense)
A very tight guard which involves hunching over slightly, and protecting the head through a very tight guard; forearms are locked together.
Clinching
Or holding, hugging; a hurt fighter may ‘clinch’ his opponent to stave off an attack that could lead to a knockout defeat. He may also clinch to catch his breath/reserve energy, or to frustrate or spoil his opponent’s effective punching. Excessive clinching is against the Queensberry Rules.
Close-Range Fighting
Action that takes place at close-range in ‘the pocket’ with little distance between both fighters. Even closer action is referred to as ‘infighting’.
Club Fighter
Can refer to a fighter who literally competes in small club venues, but usually refers to a fighter who performs at a low level. A critic might say: “that John Smith has no chance against the champ – he looks like a club fighter.”
Color
Refers to a boxer’s personality and charisma, which may be exuded in and outside of the ring; flamboyant fighters like Adrien Broner and Prince Naseem Hamed would be described as having “color”.
Combination
Any attack (thrown in sequence) consisting of more than a single punch; for example, an effective combination may be a one-two to the head, followed by a left-hook to the body.
Comeback
Following a career-derailing defeat or string of losses, a fighter continues his career, making a ‘comeback’. Many champions who suffered great losses, such as Ricky Hatton and Amir Khan, went on to resurrect their careers.
CompuBox
A computerized system that counts the amount of punches thrown and cleanly landed in a boxing contest; TV networks such as Showtime and HBO regularly employ the technology to provide viewers with insightful statistics. CombuBox numbers have no influence over scorecards or any say in determining a bout’s outcome.
Contender
Every boxer is considered a contender, since they are usually eyeing a world title shot. However, a boxing fan might say “the champ better watch out tonight, cos’ that John Smith is a true contender”, meaning that John Smith is hungry and looking to put on a spirited performance.
Corkscrew Punch
A punch (usually a straight-cross or jab) thrown with an extra twist of the wrist; though the punch is claimed to add extra power and encourage cuts to open, this is much debated.
Corner
A fighter’s team on fight night who generally consist of a head trainer, second trainer, and cut man. Arguably, there should only be one trainer giving instructions to a fighter; this helps avoid confusion. For example, Ricky Hatton commented after his fight with Manny Pacquiao that he had two trainers in each ear, with their conflicting advice offering little help.
Count
Refers to a referee’s traditional ten-second count given to a fighter following a knockdown.
Counter-Attack
When a fighter attacks an attacking fighter; punches are purposely thrown to land as an opponent is throwing leather.
Counterpunch
A punch strategically thrown at an attacking opponent; arguably one of the best moments to land a clean punch given the opponent’s chin is exposed. For instance, a fighter may throw a hard overhand-right at an opponent who is throwing a (left) jab.
Counterpuncher
A fighter who is renowned for patiently waiting to time effective counter shots; i.e. catching an attacking opponent. Floyd Mayweather is a prolific ‘counterpuncher’ who often scores his best shots against aggressive fighters.
Covering Up
Simply when a fighter raises his gloves defensively to ward off an attack.
Cross
A fighter’s straight rear-hand punch; for an orthodox fighter, this would be his more powerful hand. The cross is commonly thrown following a jab (since it has further to travel), making a textbook one-two combination.
Cross-Counter
A straight shot fired from a fighter’s rear-hand, strategically thrown to catch an attacking opponent.
Cruiserweight
A boxing weight division; fighters in this category must weigh below 200 lbs/91 kg. You can find out about different weights in our Boxing Weight Classes section.
Cutting Weight
Refers to the time a fighter begins to start cutting weight in training in order to make weight.
Cutman
A member of the fighter’s corner. The cutman’s job is to stem bleeding from cuts and the nose, and also reduce swelling around the eyes, in an effort to prolong the fighter’s time in the ring. Cutmen use tools such as a cold iron called an enswell (to reduce swelling), an ice bag, cotton swabs (soaked in adrenaline to quickly decrease blood flow), and petroleum jelly (spread over cuts and areas of the face most likely to receive blows). Given fight’s can be stopped by a referee or doctor due to severe cuts or facial damage, cutmen are viewed as crucial members of the corner.
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