In the build-up to any fight, two styles used by boxers is something always discussed by fans and experts.
These types of styles being 'orthodox' and 'southpaw', but what is the difference between these terms?
Find out below.
What does 'orthodox' mean in boxing?
An 'othodox' fighter will use an othordox stance when competing inside the ring.
This sees the fighter place their left foot in front of the right foot which means their weaker side is closer to the opponent.
The stance favours the stronger and more dominant side, often the right, and is the most common style used in combat sport.
It is mostly used by right-handed fighters.
Famous orthodox fighters
- Muhammad Ali
- Sugar Ray Robinson
- Floyd Mayweather Jr
- George Foreman
- Mike Tyson
- Wladimir Klitschko
What is does 'southpaw' mean in boxing?
A 'southpaw' fighter is one that has the right hand and right foot forward in their stance.
They will lead with right jabs during a fight and it mirrors the more common orthodox stance.
But while it is style which often favours fighters who are left-handed, it's not uncommon to see right-handed fighters implement this stance.
This is often done for a number of reasons including tricking an opponent into a false sense security.
However, the southpaw stance can leave the lower body exposed.
Famous southpaw fighters
- Joe Calzaghe
- Marvin Hagler
- Naseem Hamed
- Manny Pacquiao
- Adonis Stevenson
- James J. Corbett
- Audley Harrison