In this training tips article, I want to give you 10 boxing combinations that you can do for all levels of boxing.
Boxers using good combinations in this day of age is a very rare thing in my opinion. However these 10 combinations will really help you start putting them together.
Punch number key
The list and combinations below are typical numbers associated with each punch for orthodox fighters. If you are a southpaw you will need to swap some of these combinations punch numbers. (I will make a Southpaw combination list in the near future to help out lefties.)
- Jab
- Cross (Right hand)
- Left Hook
- Right Hook
- Left Uppercut
- Right Uppercut
Top 10 Boxing Combinations
Here is my list of the top 10 boxing combinations. You can watch my video below which shows most of these 10 in action from past fights. Or read on to read my breakdown on each one. This should hopefully give you a better idea of how to use these in a real boxing scenario too. You watch below:
1. Jab – Cross (1-2)
This is probably considered one simplest boxing combination as all that is required is two simple punches! In most cases the Jab is targeted toward the head and followed up with a follow up right hand.
It’s important to note that after you jab you should bring your jab hand straight back back to your guard before you throw the straight right hand follow up.
More advanced moves of this combination could be 1b – 2 or 1 – 2b to change up the rhythm and predictability of it. The option you could use is a fake jab to obscure your opponents vision then land the follow up punch.
2. Double Jab – Cross or Right hand (1-1-2)
Next up is the double jab – cross, which for me can be one of the most dangerous combinations to use. The reason for this is that the jab helps push back or close up the opponent guard, leaving them no option but to defend the cross.
If they are not quick enough to move or their defence is not on point they will get hit with the incoming cross. You can also vary this up where you target the punch. E.g. 1-1b-2 or 1b-1-2. Just remember you will have to be quick!
3. Jab-Cross-Hook (1-2-3)
This is another classic combination that most use and can be extremely devastating if executed correctly. For the most part the jab-cross element is to be used to occupy or tighten up the opponents guard.
If you manage to get the guard to close in as they look to protect their head, this will leave an opening on the outside, where you can land the hook. If your opposition has not worked on his defence he will struggle to defend the incoming left hook.
4. Jab-Cross-Hook-Cross (1-2-3-2)
This is probably the natural movement you will make to do a four way punch combination. This is a lot harder to use in a fight as your opponent can obviously defend all four of these punches technically.
However, this depends on the situation in the ring. Such as your opponent being on the ropes, being on the back foot, or having a tighter high guard. These can be brilliant combinations to unlock openings to connect clearly.
It’s usually quite hard to pull off a four punch combination as it can leave you open for counter, so you will need to be quick using this.
5. Reverse 1-2 or Cross-jab (2-1)
This is a punch combination I noticed Sergey Kovalev liked to use often and when timed correctly it can have destructive results! Leading with the backhand cross can catch your opponent completely off guard while following up with the jab. An extra follow up cross or jab again will almost get through every time when timed correctly.
Another trick you can learn from watching Kovalev is he would sometimes feint or fake the first cross, to see how his opponent would react and instead throw a power jab to the positioning of his body.
6. Jab – Left Uppercut – Left Hook Body (1 – 5 – 3B)
This is definitely a mexican special, or in more recent years a Canelo special! If you are pressure fighters looking to hit the liver shot
This can be a brilliant way to create an opening here. This can also be done vice versa, ethier to create opening for the liver or up top at the head. The jab and left uppercut help to narrow guard, thus leaving an opening for the perfect liver shot.
7. Jab-Cross-Left uppercut-Cross (1-2-6-2)
This is a brilliant move to use instead of throwing a typical hook after the first cross. Throwing the left uppercut is a better way to try and break through the guard more successfully.The follow up cross after the left uppercut can also completely catch an opponent off guard. Leaving them with no chance to move or defend themselves.
8. Right uppercut-Left hook- Cross (6-3-2)
Another very basic combination, but the fact you are leading with the lead hand means you have time at the right moment. If you don’t it could leave you exposed for counter shots.
However, this is a fantastic combination to break up the rhythm of using the lead hand to start your attacks and is a slightly different punch variation to 2-1-2 mentioned at number 5.
9. Jab – Right uppercut – Left hook – Cross (1-6-3-2)
The main difference with this combination to number 4 on this list, is of course the right uppercut. Instead of starting with a typical 1-2 all the time. This helps add another dimension to your game by trying to go under the guard. If your opponent’s guard is not tight enough, you could find an opening with the uppercut. The finish left hook and cross help to apply more damage or pressure.
If you have already thrown the 1-2 a few times in the round, this can help add a bit of unpredictability.
10 Jab – Right Hook Body – Left hook Body – Left Hook head (1-4b-3b-3)
This is probably one the hardest on the list to execute, but can be a great way to find openings on your opponent’s left side. The jab
Final thoughts
These combinations are for all levels of boxing and you will often even see the top pros using these all the time.
The best thing to do now is memorise some of these and start putting them into practice on the heavy bag or shadow boxing if you are training by yourself. If you have a friend or partner you can both try these out.
Make sure to bookmark this page and come back for more. I also recommend you watch the video at the top of this video to see these all in action!
Please note that these combinations are my recommendation and ones I have learnt over my time in boxing training.
Comment below what your favourite combos are.
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