In boxing, mastering your own stance is just the beginning. When you face an opponent with an opposite stance, whether you’re an orthodox fighter (left foot forward, right hand power) or a southpaw (right foot forward, left hand power), things can get tricky. Everything from foot positioning to punch angles shifts in ways that can either help you dominate or make things feel awkward. This article breaks down how to approach fighting against an opposite stance, so you can gain the upper hand.
Key Differences Between Orthodox and Southpaw Stances
Boxers are usually used to fighting others with the same stance. An orthodox fighter going against another orthodox opponent knows the angles and rhythms. The same goes for southpaws. But when a southpaw and an orthodox fighter meet in the ring, it’s a whole different game. Here’s how it changes:
- Foot Positioning: When fighting someone with the opposite stance, the lead foot (left for orthodox, right for southpaw) becomes crucial. Whoever can keep their lead foot outside their opponent’s lead foot will control the angles, making it easier to land clean punches and avoid counters.
- Angles of Attack: Punches come from different directions when facing the opposite stance. The straight punches—straight right for orthodox, straight left for southpaw—become the bread and butter. They travel down the middle and are harder to see coming, so you want to position yourself to land these shots cleanly.
- Guard Adjustments: You’ll need to tweak your guard when facing the opposite stance. Orthodox fighters need to watch out for the southpaw’s straight left hand, which comes from a different angle than they’re used to, and southpaws need to be wary of the orthodox fighter’s straight right.
If You’re an Orthodox Fighter Facing a Southpaw
For orthodox fighters, the first time fighting a southpaw can feel awkward. Punches seem to come from weird angles, and it can be hard to find your rhythm. But with the right strategies, you can quickly get the hang of it.
- Control the Lead Foot: The most important thing is keeping your left foot outside your opponent’s right foot. This gives you better angles to throw your straight right hand and makes it harder for the southpaw to hit you cleanly.
- Use the Straight Right: Your straight right hand is going to be your most valuable punch. It’s direct, powerful, and can catch your opponent off guard, especially if you step outside their lead foot as you throw it. Aim to land it down the middle whenever you can.
- Attack the Body: Southpaws often have a high guard to protect their head from your right hand. This leaves their body open for punches. A good strategy is to mix in body shots to wear them down and create openings for headshots later in the fight.
- Watch for the Straight Left: The southpaw’s straight left hand is their biggest weapon against you. It’s quick and powerful, so make sure to keep your guard high and be ready to defend against it, especially when you’re stepping in for a punch.
If You’re a Southpaw Facing an Orthodox Fighter
Southpaw fighters often enjoy an advantage because most fighters aren’t used to facing them. But to make the most of that edge, you’ll still need to be strategic.
- Lead Foot Battle: Just like your orthodox opponent is trying to keep their lead foot outside, you should be doing the same. By keeping your right foot outside their left, you’ll control the angles and make it easier to land your straight left hand.
- Create Angles: Southpaws are great at creating angles that orthodox fighters aren’t used to. Move laterally and circle to your right (away from their power hand) to make it harder for them to land punches.
- Fire the Straight Left: Your straight left is your go-to punch. It’s fast and powerful, especially when thrown down the middle. Keep throwing it to keep your opponent off balance and force them to constantly adjust.
- Counter Off Feints: Orthodox fighters tend to overreach with their right hand when facing southpaws. Use feints to bait them into throwing a punch, and then counter with a straight left or left uppercut. This will make them hesitate and give you more control over the fight.
Challenges in Southpaw vs. Orthodox Fights and How to Overcome Them
Foot Tangles: One of the most common issues in these matchups is foot tangling. Both fighters are trying to keep their lead foot outside, which can cause awkward clashes or even make you trip. The key is to stay light on your feet, be mindful of positioning, and avoid getting too close without purpose.
Southpaw Jab Problems: Southpaws often throw jabs from angles that orthodox fighters aren’t used to, which can make them tricky to defend. To counter this, you can slip to your left (outside) and throw a straight right, or parry their jab downward and come back with your own punch.
Classic Southpaw vs. Orthodox Fights to Watch
Some of boxing’s most exciting matchups have featured orthodox vs. southpaw showdowns. Watching these fights can give you great insights into how to handle these battles. Here are a few:
- Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto: Pacquiao, a southpaw, used his speed and angles to overwhelm Cotto, an orthodox fighter. Pacquiao’s relentless movement and sharp counters are a great example of how southpaws can dominate.
- Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Jorge Linares: Lomachenko’s fight against Linares shows how a highly skilled southpaw can outmaneuver an orthodox fighter with slick footwork and precise angles.
- Floyd Mayweather vs. Zab Judah: Mayweather, an orthodox boxer, fought Judah, a southpaw, in a tactical bout. Mayweather’s ability to neutralize Judah’s left hand and control the pace is a masterclass in how to handle a southpaw.
The Last Punch
Fighting someone with an opposite stance might feel challenging at first, but with the right strategies, you can turn it into an opportunity. By controlling foot positioning, adjusting your guard, and knowing which punches to focus on, you’ll be able to handle any stance matchup with confidence.