Boxing Terminology
Instructions: Step into the ring and test your knowledge of boxing terms!
- 1.
In boxing, what is a 'southpaw'?
AA right-handed boxerBA left-handed boxerCA boxer who fights defensivelyDA boxer who leads with jabs - 2.
What does 'TKO' stand for in boxing?
AThird Knockdown OutBTime Kept OngoingCTechnical KnockoutDTotal Knockout Option - 3.
In boxing, what is 'rope-a-dope'?
AA training drill using ring ropesBA penalty for holding the ropesCA strategy of leaning on the ropes and letting the opponent tire themselves outDA style of jumping rope for conditioning - 4.
What is a 'standing eight count' in boxing?
AAn eight-punch combinationBAn eight-second rest between roundsCCounting to eight before the bell ringsDA mandatory count given to a standing but hurt boxer - 5.
In boxing, what is an 'uppercut'?
AA vertical rising punch thrown upward toward the chinBA quick straight punch to the bodyCA wide looping punchDA downward chop to the shoulder - 6.
What does 'throwing in the towel' mean in boxing?
AA foul for using a foreign objectBWiping sweat between roundsCCelebrating a victoryDA corner stopping the fight by tossing a towel into the ring - 7.
In boxing, what is a 'clinch'?
AHolding or grappling an opponent at close range to prevent punchingBA knockout blowCA winning punchDA quick defensive sidestep - 8.
What is a 'rabbit punch' in boxing?
AA very fast jabBAn illegal punch to the back of the head or neckCA punch thrown while hoppingDA light tap punch - 9.
In boxing, what does 'pound for pound' mean?
AA ranking of fighters regardless of weight class based on overall skillBA method of weighing boxersCThe exchange rate of punches landedDThe cost of a boxing match per pound of weight - 10.
What is the 'sweet science' a nickname for?
ABoxingBFencingCWrestlingDGymnastics - 11.
In boxing, what is a 'haymaker'?
AA jab followed by a crossBA defensive blockCA wild, powerful swinging punchDA punch aimed at the stomach - 12.
What is 'stick and move' in boxing?
AA foul involving pushingBThe post-fight celebration danceCA training exercise with a heavy bagDA strategy of jabbing and quickly moving to avoid counter-punches - 13.
In boxing, what is the 'neutral corner'?
AEither of the two ring corners not assigned to a boxerBThe center of the ringCThe corner where neither fighter's team sitsDThe corner closest to the judges - 14.
What does 'on the canvas' mean in boxing?
AA boxer has been knocked down to the matBPainting a mural at the venueCFighting in an outdoor ringDThe undercard of a fight - 15.
In boxing, what is a 'body shot'?
AA punch aimed at the opponent's torsoBA shot of adrenaline given between roundsCA photograph of the boxerDA punch thrown while turning the body
Answer Key
A southpaw is a left-handed boxer who leads with the right hand and right foot forward, the mirror image of the orthodox stance.
TKO stands for Technical Knockout, when the referee stops the fight because one boxer cannot safely continue, even though they have not been knocked down for a full count.
Rope-a-dope is a strategy famously used by Muhammad Ali, where a boxer leans against the ropes, absorbs punches, and lets the opponent exhaust themselves before counterattacking.
A standing eight count is when the referee temporarily stops the action to count to eight and assess whether a standing but visibly hurt boxer can safely continue.
An uppercut is a powerful vertical punch thrown in an upward arc, typically targeting the opponent's chin or solar plexus at close range.
Throwing in the towel is when a boxer's corner team tosses a towel into the ring to signal they want the fight stopped, conceding defeat to protect their fighter.
A clinch occurs when a boxer grabs or holds the opponent at close range, tying up their arms to prevent further exchanges, often used as a defensive tactic.
A rabbit punch is an illegal blow to the back of the head or neck, named after the method used to dispatch rabbits. It is banned because it can cause serious spinal injury.
Pound for pound is a ranking concept that attempts to determine the best boxer regardless of weight class, evaluating skill, achievement, and dominance relative to competition.
Boxing is known as 'the sweet science,' a term popularized by sportswriter A.J. Liebling, referring to the skill, strategy, and artistry involved in the sport.
A haymaker is a wild, looping, powerful punch thrown with maximum force, often sacrificing accuracy and leaving the thrower open to counter-punches.
Stick and move is a boxing strategy where the fighter uses quick jabs ('sticks') and then immediately moves away to avoid being hit in return.
The neutral corners are the two corners of the ring not occupied by either boxer's team. A fighter who scores a knockdown must retreat to a neutral corner while the referee counts.
'On the canvas' means a boxer has been knocked down, referring to the canvas material covering the ring floor.
A body shot is a punch targeted at the opponent's torso, particularly the ribs and solar plexus, designed to weaken and slow the opponent over the course of a fight.