The Frazier Left Hook Unleashed

"Looking back at Frazier's career, several things stand out. He was without peer as a body puncher. He fought with never-ending stamina and became stronger as the fight progressed. He cut off the ring and forced his opponents to fight his fight at his pace and possessed a left hook that was without equal in the heavyweight division." - Frank J. Lotierzo, East Side Boxing

The Joe Frazier left hook in all it's glory. Let's examine what made it work:

• It was short - the strongest hook is a short one. The hook is best executed by a short pulling motion with a vertical fist, with the elbow kept low to involve the lats and chest to snap it in. Frazier executes it perfectly.
• Frazier's low then high hook exploited Zyglewicz' low guard by bringing it even lower. The body hook stunned him, lowering his guard, then he took a nice short snappy one to the jaw that dropped him. This was set up by the earlier body hooks - he didn't want any part of that pain, then got floored. That brings up the next point - relaxation. Notice the smooth and looks manner in which it's thrown.

What did Zyglewicz do wrong?

1. Stand in front of Frazier. He was immobile, setting up all of Frazier's power shots. He should have circled to his left, away from Frazier's power hand. This is a common mistake. Always circle away from the percieved threat to take away it's power, and prevent the opponent from getting set.
2. Low guard. He used the Foreman style criss-cross guard. It's great when you're tall enough, but left the right side of his head open. When he fires, he drops the other hand. Practice in the mirror. When you keep the rear hand up, you lose a little power, but gain a lot of defensive benefit.

See also:

Why do we get hit?
How to be a good hooker!
Boxing Combinations: Jab-Lead Hook Combination
Why you lead with a jab, not a hook