Boxing words · Intermediate
The words that make the commentary make sense. They build on the beginner words.
I · Intermediate · 23 words · Step 2 of 2Basic setup terms
Ringside doctor
The doctor who examines an injured or hurt boxer when the referee asks, and who can advise the referee to stop a bout.
Age categories
World Boxing competitions are held for elite, under-19 and under-17 boxers, men and women separately. Round length depends on the category.
Scoring and winning terms
Scoring criteria
The three tests judges apply, in order of importance: the number of scoring blows, technical and tactical superiority, and competitiveness.
See also: Judges
RSC-I
A win when the referee stops the bout because a boxer is unfit to continue after an injury, whether from scoring blows or not from a foul.
Also called: referee stops contest, injury
See also: Bout, Referee
Abandonment
A win when a boxer retires voluntarily, or a second throws the towel into the ring or says the boxer will not resume.
Also called: ABD, throwing in the towel
See also: Ring
Walkover
A win awarded when the scheduled opponent does not take part, for example after missing the weight.
Also called: WO
Fouls and rule violations
Technique terms
Feint
A fake movement meant to draw a reaction from the opponent, opening them up for a real punch.
Counter punch
A punch thrown in response to an opponent's attack, timed to land as they finish their own move.
Bolo punch
An unusual, looping punch thrown with a windmill like motion, rarely used but occasionally effective as a surprise.
Overhand right
A wide, looping right hand punch thrown over the opponent's guard rather than straight through it.
Check hook
A hook thrown while stepping to the side, used both to hit and to avoid a counter at the same time.
See also: Hook
Shoulder roll
A defensive technique where the lead shoulder is used to deflect incoming punches.
Strategy terms
Ring generalship
How well a boxer controls the pace, positioning and direction of movement during a fight.
See also: Bout
Pressure fighter
A boxer whose style relies on constantly moving forward and closing distance.
Boxer-puncher
A fighter who combines technical boxing skill with strong power punching.
Rope-a-dope
A defensive tactic of leaning back against the ropes to absorb and avoid punches while tiring out the attacker.
Match and rule terms
Sanctioning body
An organization such as the WBA or WBC that oversees rules and awards championship titles.
Unified champion
A boxer who holds multiple sanctioning body titles in the same weight class at once.
See also: Weight class, Sanctioning body
Vacant title
A championship belt with no current holder, usually contested when a champion retires or moves weight classes.
Weigh-in
The official event before a fight where boxers confirm they meet their weight class limit.
See also: Bout, Weight class