Boxing is a superior workout along with developing an invaluable skill.

A boxing workout is the perfect combination of cardiovascular and muscle training.

You'll burn more calories, build more stamina, develop and tone more muscles in a boxing workout than you will with any other training method.

To perfect the basic boxing skills while developing the stamina to survive three, three-minute rounds of sparing (actual fighting in a controlled gym-setting to prepare for the real thing), one needs to be supremely conditioned and strong enough to throw powerful punches from round one through to three.

Stance & Footwork
The stance in boxing is vitally important as it sets the platform for all basic punches.

The main stance in boxing is the common orthodox stance, which is used when sparring or engaging in bag work. To get into this stance do the following:

Stand with the feet hip width apart.

Take a single, regular, striding step forward with the left foot.

Back foot kept at a 45-degree angle.

Shift weight onto the balls of the feet.

Distribute weight equally between the feet.

Keep the knees bent.

Bend elbows and tuck them into the sides (to protect the vital organs).
    As arms are brought into sides, place fists at cheekbone level, with left hand
    slightly out, poised to jab.

Keep chin down and look up.

Roll shoulders forward slightly.

Position body partially sideways with left shoulder and hand slightly closer
    opponent.

Basic Punches
Before even contemplating sparing, four basic punches need to be mastered:
the left jab, right cross, left hook and left uppercut.

These punches are designed for the orthodox stance fighter.

The southpaw will simply perform these punches with the opposite hands, leading with the right jab.

These punches are the bread and butter of boxing, and once mastered, can be put into combinations and used in a sparing context.

Putting punches into combinations will help the trainee to master them more effectively. A good boxing offense includes a multitude of punches fired at quick succession rather than one or two thrown sporadically - when it comes to punching, more is usually better.

Please visit our Focus Pad Drills page for combinations in Boxing Training.