Pull Counter

A two-part counter: lean back to evade the opponent's punch (most often the jab), then immediately return forward and fire the rear-hand cross while their lead hand is still retracting. Floyd Mayweather, Roy Jones Jr., and James Toney built careers on the pull counter — it requires elite timing.

Key points

• ▸Lean back from the waist — feet stay planted.
• ▸The cross fires the instant the opponent's punch passes.
• ▸The torso returns forward as the cross travels.
• ▸Lead hand stays high throughout.
• ▸Exit at an angle.

Common mistakes

• ✗Pulling too far — body weight on the back foot.
• ✗Slow on the counter — opponent recovers and counters back.
• ✗No exit — caught by a hook follow-up.

Drills

1. Partner drill: partner throws jabs at moderate speed; you pull and counter with the cross.
2. Mitts: catcher throws single jabs; you pull and counter on the beat.

Related techniques