Boxing remains one of the most popular sports, and the definitive most popular combat sport in the world. While mixed martial arts is not too far behind, and in fact many believe MMA might overtake boxing soon, the world’s oldest striking martial arts still remains in top form.
Not just in terms of fans either. Boxing is the most practiced sport around the world. Gyms are filled to the brim with would-be pros, amateur boxers, and even just people who want to blow off some steam. Betting websites also cover matches and tournaments extensively.
Online sportsbooks are always the first to put up some excellent odds, offer live-viewing options, and share information about fighters and their history. Best of all, these sites often double as casinos. An example would be the Novibet online casino, where you can play all the popular gambling games, like slots, roulette, blackjack, etc.
Newbie fans of boxing might be confused about some of the more esoteric terms regarding the sport. So, in this article, we are going to go over important terminology that any fan should be aware of.
Southpaw
Usually, a boxing stance involves placing your left hand and left leg forward, and using it for jabs and straights, following with a right cross left hook. The reason this is the norm is because most people throughout history have been right-handed, and the stance makes sense with that in mind.
However, many left-handed boxers came to prominence in the 20th century. In order to make better use of the dominant hand, they created the southpaw stance. The southpaw stance involves placing your right foot and arm forward, and using your left hand to deliver the finishing blow.
The term could also be used to describe a left-handed boxer, or a fighter who uses the southpaw stance in general.
Rope-a-Dope
One of boxing’s most popular techniques is the rope-a-dope. Commonly associated with greats like Muhammad Ali, the rope-a-dope technique entails leaning against the boxing ring’s ropes and drawing out non-injuring punches. The goal is to tire the opponent out while taking the time to rest. Once their opponent is tired, a rope-a-dope fighter goes on the counter-offensive.
Sucker Punch
The term sucker punch is often associated with a cowardly attack that comes unexpectedly, while the recipient is distracted. The term originates from boxing, and it refers to a punch thrown after the bell rings.
The sucker punch is an incredibly popular tool in popular culture. In 2011, Zac Snyder released his action-thriller film, titled Sucker Punch, which was a box office and critical flop. A sucker punch is also a key plot element in Clint Eastwood’s 2004 sports film, Million Dollar Baby.
Saved by the Bell
Sometimes, a boxer is downed or losing a round. No matter how hard they try to recover, the opponent has the edge. And just when it looks like it is all over, the bell rings. The round is done and both fighters withdraw. At that point, we could comfortably say that the losing fighter was “saved by the bell.”