The southpaw boxing stance is one of the most popular types of stance. This style suits boxers with a left-handed opponent. This makes them less likely to fall for takedowns. This stance has been associated with Jake Gyllenhaal’s character Billy Hope. Based on a real-life scenario, the movie title refers also to Billy Hope, a left handed boxer.
For a southpaw, the southpaw boxing position is a great choice. It allows a fighter put his left hand in front his opponent's. This allows the boxer to counter lead jabs and hooks without being hurt by his opponent's right hand. The right hand is also a prime target in this position, so a southpaw should have a strong right hand guard. If you have an opponent who does not have a dominant right-handed style, a southpaw boxing stance can help you.
An orthodox boxing position is also known by the southpaw stance. The right hand leads the way in the ring, and the right foot leads the way. A southpaw is prone to jabs from both hands. The right-handed boxer is more likely to carry his punches longer than the left-handed one in boxing. His right hand can be used to throw a strong right-handed jab. However, his left hand can move forward. This gives him more power when he throws punches.
Left-handed fighters are allowed to use the southpaw style, but it is the left-handed who most often fight in this style. This stance gives southpaws a tactical, strategic and cognitive advantage during fights. This style allows the fighter to use their off-hand to make powerful crosses and jab with it. The forward position of the lead leg is at 45 degrees with respect to the back. The foot of the lead should be planted firmly on a flat surface.
Although the southpaw is more effective for left handed boxers, professional boxers may prefer to use a right-handed approach to protect their left arm. Traditionally, a right-handed fighter would stand up against a southpaw, but some orthodox fighters have adopted the southpaw stance. Try fighting in a southpaw stance if you aren’t sure whether the orthodox or southpaw stance is right for you.
The orthodox stance, which is the most commonly used by boxers in the ring, will not be suitable for a southpaw who must spar with a left-handed opponent. This type of stance can be more difficult to master and may make it harder for opponents predict a southpaw’s movements. It's important that you learn the differences between the different stances of the southpaw and his orthodox one.