by Alexander "The Great" Enriquez • January 04, 2023
After 7 rounds of dancing around in the squared circle, controlling the fight, and continuously taunting Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard became the welterweight champion once again.Quitting at the end of the 8th round with time still left Roberto Duran was beat down mentally and physically.Mentally he got frustrated not being able to hit Leonard, while physically getting beat with straight punches and the Bolo punch.Sugar ray was masterful at using the Bolo punch setting it up for offense and a decoy for other punches.
So what is the Bolo punch?
We will learn what it is and how it is used. This will help us better understand when it is used best.Hi, this is Alex, a professional undefeated boxer, with Boxing Undefeated, bringing you the most important quick tips you can use today inside the squared circle today.The worst part about learning anything new is not understanding it. That type of headache just not knowing can be frustrating and confusing. The more you understand the better any sport or activity becomes.The fastest way to get confident when boxing is learning the basics, the defense and the offense, in and outs, all the lingo so you really get a good understanding of what is going on.Really in boxing, it all starts with your feet, and you can read my articles on footwork if you want to start from the bottom up. Today we are starting from the top down with the Bolo punch.To get started you don't need any fancy equipment or a gym, most of the time when you are learning a new punch, footwork, or defensive movement you don’t need anything at all, you will start out shadow boxing it at first.I would suggest some comfortable shoes, some water, and a mirror if available.Running shoes or boxing shoes are good, have some water to stay hydrated and fueled up, boxing is a total body workout, and a mirror so you can see yourself and correct your own mistakes.All set? Let’s skip right into it.
The Bolo Punch Explained In-Depth
This is a tough one. I am going to have to refer to the Popeye uppercut on this one. Now I know for a normal uppercut this is very contradicting in terms of form and mechanics.Hear me out though, this is the bolo punch, it looks similar but has some slight differences, and popeye threw an extraordinary Bolo punch. There is something to learn here I can feel it.It is similar to an uppercut, add in a windup, and voila you have a bolo punch! So basically it is just an uppercut with a big circular wind up aimed at your opponent’s head or body.What is not is a close-range punch or a punch traveling straight up to the ceiling. It has an angle to it, punching through your opponent.
How to Bolo Punch
Setting up in your basic stance from the orthodox viewpoint bend your knees slightly, hands up, and stay balanced.All my southpaws must be mad right now, but I got alot of love for you all I really do and ill get to you soon enough.So your setup looks like an uppercut is coming what you are going to change is the delivery, timing, and distance.Distance should be a couple of inches out of reach of your fully extended jab. To close the distance you are going to start a short shuffle in with the back foot moving first.Timing is waiting for your opponent to bring their head low while dipping with head movement. You can get them dipping if you throw hooks to their head.Delivery is crucial it is what makes the punch. This will be a windup like you are skipping a rock across the pond. Whipping it underneath with your chin tucked and your knees still bent.
When to use it
When is a good time to use this punch?The best time is when you have an opponent who doesn’t counter you. If they are a counter puncher they will have a great chance of catching you exposed on the windup.Another time to use it very effective is when you see your competitor shelling up into a ball on defense. Usually, a person who shells brings their head down bending at their waist. This is prime time for a Bolo punch.The last scenario I find that works are when you throw a combination and you see they like dipping under hooks. You should then throw a combination looking like a hook is coming and cut it out completely and go straight to the Bolo.Ex. Jab-Cross-Hook to start. Jab-Cross-roll into the Bolo punch.
Conclusion
Style points!My theory on the bolo punch is in modern boxing you don’t see it used often, and when it is used it is used as a showboating tactic the crowd loves it, and it’s really fun to do.I’m all for misdirection and throwing in punches that work, I wouldn’t make it a go-to punch unless it really works for me but I would keep it in my toolbox to use when the time is right.Those are some of the best boxing tips for learning the Bolo punch, you don’t have to fall into the trap of all the fancy moves and equipment to get you started or take you to the next level.You need patience, consistency, and effective training. Build on good habits early so you don’t have to tear down the foundation and rebuild all over again.If you want more in-depth knowledge on a specific question check out our home page for more tips. Let me know what other tips I may have missed or you'd like me to cover by leaving a comment.I can't wait to see you in the future on the next one, keep swinging champs!Now go practice at home.
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