Cross - Hook - Cross

A right-left-right (orthodox) staple, often thrown after a slip outside the opponent's jab. The first cross goes down the centre, the hook lands on the angle, and the second cross returns to the centre to finish. Used by Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr. to demoralise opponents in the pocket.

Key points

• ▸First cross sets the rear-foot pivot.
• ▸Hook pivots the lead foot inward.
• ▸Second cross pivots the rear foot again — the hips swing through.
• ▸Stay in the pocket for the combination — do not retreat between punches.

Common mistakes

• ✗Throwing all three from the same hip position — soft punches.
• ✗No pivot on any of the three — loses all power.
• ✗Pulling out of the pocket between hook and second cross.

Drills

1. Heavy-bag: 5 rounds, focus on three distinct hip pivots.
2. Mitts: catcher calls "2-3-2" — combination must land in 1.0 seconds.

Related techniques