Thursday, January 12, 2012

Things to Know About Boxing South Paw Stances


A south paw in boxing is nothing more than a colorful way to identify a left-handed boxer. The phrase “south paw” is often used to describe left-handed pitchers in baseball, too. Because a minority of boxers are left-handed, identifying one as a south paw is worth doing since being left-handed affects how a boxer stands, what hand he leads with and how an opponent will try to defeat him.
SOUTH PAW STANCE
A south paw boxer will stand up to an opponent with his right foot forward. He will also lead with his right hand, using that one to jab his foe. The left hand will be used for the power punches because those blows will come with a greater wind-up and with the force of the whole body behind them. Because most boxers are right-handed, this approach can throw a boxer off, which is often why a top boxer will use sparring partners who are south paws in preparation for a fight against a left-handed opponent.
ORIGIN OF THE PHRASE
While “south paw” is used frequently in boxing, it’s origins are in baseball. Early baseball parks were usually designed so that the batter faced east when facing the pitcher. That way the sun wouldn’t be in the batter’s eyes for afternoon or evening games. As a result, if a pitcher was left-handed, his pitching hand would be facing south.
"ROCKY"
One of the more entertaining and enduring explanations of the phrase “south paw” can be found in the 1976 Oscar-winning boxing movie, “Rocky.” In one scene, Rocky, played by Sylvester Stallone, is on a date with Adrian, played by Talia Shire, and he tries to explain where the term “south paw” originated. He tells her that a boxer in Philadelphia noticed that his left hand was facing South Jersey. In the script, Stallone says, “A long time ago, a couple of hundred years ago, this guy was fightin'. I think it was around Philadelphia. He was left-handed. His arm was facin' towards New Jersey. And that's south,
so they called him Southpaw. You see? Southpaw, South Jersey, South Camden, Southpaw ... you know what I mean?" Adrian's not sure she buys that story.
FAMOUS SOUTH PAWS
In addition to the fictional Rocky, several real-life boxing champions have been south paws. They include Marvin Hagler, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker, Oscar de la Hoya, and “Gentle Jim” Corbett. Hagler, who was known for occasionally mixing up his approach and boxing like a right-hander, was known for a powerful left hook. De la Hoya also often fought in the traditional stance, even though he was a natural left-hander.

 
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