It is a small, enduring mystery of the sport of boxing as to what makes a great puncher. The non-boxing fan would look at the physiques of the boxer and use that to determine who they believe to be the better puncher. The boxing fan knows that it's not always the way the boxer looks. For example, tito doesn't look like a powerful puncher. If a non-boxing fan saw him on the street, they wouldn't be that intimidated but we all know that he hits real hard. Then you have guys like mike tyson, who look like they punch hard, and really do punch hard. Also, there's the guys who look like they punch hard but don't. Umm.. can't think of one right now, but i'm sure there are lots of examples.
So.. anyone have any ideas on what makes a great puncher... and other punching related stuff.

It is a small, enduring mystery of the sport of boxing as to what makes a great puncher. The non-boxing fan would look at the physiques of the boxer and use that to determine who they believe to be the better puncher. The boxing fan knows that it's not always the way the boxer looks. For example, tito doesn't look like a powerful puncher. If a non-boxing fan saw him on the street, they wouldn't be that intimidated but we all know that he hits real hard. Then you have guys like mike tyson, who look like they punch hard, and really do punch hard. Also, there's the guys who look like they punch hard but don't. Umm.. can't think of one right now, but i'm sure there are lots of examples.
So.. anyone have any ideas on what makes a great puncher... and other punching related stuff.

I think its how much practise they have had throwing a punch. For eg. once u get used to punching, u automatically throw ur punches straight, and also jerk the punch, and also twist ur body. i think wat makes a great puncher is just plain old practise

A boxer's power can be maximized with proper technique. That's pretty much all one can do. Everything else is simply the way your body is made.

technique is definitely important in punching. but what about other things, like strength conditioning? does this have a major impact on punching power. in general, are punchers born or are they made? and how come some skinny boxers (e.g. skinny arms, looks like doesn't have much muscle) punch a hell of a lot harder than muscular boxers. i find it a little perplexing.

technique is definitely important in punching. but what about other things, like strength conditioning? does this have a major impact on punching power. in general, are punchers born or are they made? and how come some skinny boxers (e.g. skinny arms, looks like doesn't have much muscle) punch a hell of a lot harder than muscular boxers. i find it a little perplexing.

Its simple, what you put into the punch is what you get out. Maybe what you were seeing when muscular guys were punching is them not really trying too much with their punch. Whilst u saw the skinny guy actually putting in some heart into his punch.

You're trying to find a clear cut answer, but here is none. Punchers are born, in my opinion. It has nothing to do with body type or strength. Technique + god given ability/talent = power. And that's simply a theory. There's no one single element into having power.

You're trying to find a clear cut answer, but here is none. Punchers are born, in my opinion. It has nothing to do with body type or strength. Technique + god given ability/talent = power. And that's simply a theory. There's no one single element into having power.

I agree :D Good old cple with his sensible theories.

There are clearly three power generators for a big punch. Shoulders,legs and lower back.
In order to have the best punch you could develop(everybody has different limitations) you have to train these parts of body. Weights wont help you much. You gotta train them good old way. road work, heavy bag and sit ups. Second thing is the speed and accuracy. You may not be the strongest puncher in the world(like Roy Jones) but you will KO people(like Roy jones) if you land fast and accurate. And third the actual technique. Like short crisp punches instead of looping haymakers so the opponent won't see them. This is all I can think of right now. IMHO though all these elements are more or less God given

It is a small, enduring mystery of the sport of boxing as to what makes a great puncher. The non-boxing fan would look at the physiques of the boxer and use that to determine who they believe to be the better puncher. The boxing fan knows that it's not always the way the boxer looks. For example, tito doesn't look like a powerful puncher. If a non-boxing fan saw him on the street, they wouldn't be that intimidated but we all know that he hits real hard. Then you have guys like mike tyson, who look like they punch hard, and really do punch hard. Also, there's the guys who look like they punch hard but don't. Umm.. can't think of one right now, but i'm sure there are lots of examples.
So.. anyone have any ideas on what makes a great puncher... and other punching related stuff.


i think it is the combination of a fighters punching technique, physical build, and bone density. there is not one answer. look at how differnt tommy hearns and tyson were built differently yet both could kick like a mule.

weightlifting can make u punch harder but its sort of natural too? Hey does anyone know if the size of your wrist count on your power punches.

weightlifting can make u punch harder but its sort of natural too? Hey does anyone know if the size of your wrist count on your power punches.

The size of your wrist makes a differnece, but only insofar as it means that you ahve larger bones. If a boxer has a really big wrist, then his bones are bigger and therefor more of his total bodyweight. At heavyweight guys like Mike Tyson use this extra mass to its fullest advantage. Some people, on the other hand, are able to weigh far less than they should for their strength due to small wrist sizes and therefore smaller bones. So it could work both ways.

A boxer's power can be maximized with proper technique. That's pretty much all one can do. Everything else is simply the way your body is made.
Thats right. Punchers are born. A fighter can greatly improve his power by making sure his feet get planted, and turning into the target, and landing shots at the right distance.

the strongest guy in the world could punch someone in the head and not ko them
some lil dude with proper technique and practice could do the same and do 2 times the damage

strength is all very good but it needs proper application

Technique and accuracy.