Southpaw
Southpaw
A reversed boxing stance typical of left-handers, with the right foot and right hand forward.
Quick Facts
CategoryConcept / Principle
Pronunciation/[sowth-paw]/
Definition
The term southpaw originally comes from baseball, but in boxing and other combat sports it denotes a left-handed stance. Since most fighters are right-handed (the so-called orthodox stance), fighting against a southpaw is often unusual and confusing. The lead right hand (jab) and rear left hand (cross) arrive from unfamiliar angles. Both fighters' lead feet often collide, which opens space for a powerful rear-hand cross to the body or head. Experienced left-handers frequently exploit this mirrored asymmetry tactically.