Lead uppercut

[shs101]

My question is concerning the usefulness of the lead uppercut.....reak question is,is it really something to focus on to improve and add to my game. I feel comfortable throwing all other punches but on a common basis I cant land my lead uppercut in sparring, I actually feel more vulnerable to a counter, also feels like there's no REAL benefit in throwing it except to create vulnerability in the opponents head (which is important).
Especially for me as a southpaw I find even more reasons not to throw it.....BUT the point of this thread is not to say the lead hand uppercut isnt useful, not at all.....just questions regarding it

1 - what can I do to improve this, as a setup for it or using it to set something else up? as a southpaw fighting most orthodox, would the change in stance effect my ability to pull it off?

2 - Ive seen and heard from many trainers different ways to throw it, some say lean over the lead leg and turn it up, others say actually throw it right from where you are pulling your weight back to the rear leg? Thoughts on either?

3 - can anyone show me a good fighter utilizing this?

My trainer is away for the next 2 days at other gyms sparring getting one of his fighters ready for an upcoming bout and for sure this will be the first question I ask when I see him next

[dan_cov]

You can also pivot off; Randall Bailey vs Mike Jones would be an example off the top of my head.

Its mainly thrown if a fighter is hunched over (early Cotto had this habit) or continually dipping to their right which is a natural instinct for orthodox fighters.

Throwing a lead uppercut leaves you open, its a short punch which is ideally thrown in close quarters with your knees slightly bent & you more squared up.

Do not dip then almost throw yourself up into it, fighters like Ibaebuchi, Tyson, Holyfield etc are not doing this, they're using their hips and exploding into the punch.

[DIB42]

I can't remember off the top of my head, but one of the cubans, Rigo or Lara, throws a pretty impressive lead uppercut from the southpaw stance.

You feel more vunerable to a counter with the lead uppercut because generally you are more vunerable, especially if you're trying to lead with it from the outside.

If you have a guy leaning in or a guy who leads with his head, it can be useful. (basically if the guy has his head in front of his knees)
But its a risky punch to be throwing without being very comfortable with your footwork.