The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Boxing Terms and Slang

Boxing is one of the oldest and most exciting sports in the world, with a rich history and a language of its own. Whether you're stepping into the ring or just watching from the sidelines, understanding boxing terminology can help you appreciate the sport on a deeper level.

Below, we break down the most common boxing terms, including scoring, fight strategies, and weight classes, along with some classic boxing slang.

Scoring Terms

Decisions & Outcomes

• Unanimous Decision – When all three judges agree and score the bout in favor of one fighter.

• Split Decision – When two of the three judges score the bout for one fighter, while the third judge scores it for the other.

• Majority Decision – When two of the three judges score the fight for one fighter, while the third judge scores it a draw.

• Majority Draw – When two judges score the fight as a draw, while the third judge gives the win to one fighter.

• Split Decision Draw – One judge scores the bout for one fighter, another judge scores it for the opponent, and the third judge calls it a draw.

Knockouts & Stoppages

• Technical Knockout (TKO) – When a fight is stopped by the referee, doctor, or corner because a fighter is deemed unable to continue.

• Knockout (KO) – When a fighter is knocked down and fails to get up before the referee’s 10-count.

• Disqualification (DQ) – When a fighter is removed from the bout due to excessive fouls or rule violations.

Other Scoring Terms

• Technical Decision – When a fight is stopped early due to a cut, injury, or unforeseen circumstance, and the judges' scorecards determine the winner.

• Technical Draw – When a fight is stopped early, and the scorecards are even.

• Point Deduction – When a referee deducts a point from a fighter due to repeated fouls or infractions.

• No-Decision (No Contest) – When a fight is ruled as if it never happened, often due to an accidental foul or unforeseen event.

• Go to the Cards – When a fight lasts the full scheduled rounds, and the judges decide the winner based on scorecards.

General Boxing Terms

• Bout – A boxing match.

• Cornerman – A coach, cutman, or team member who assists a fighter between rounds.

• Neutral Corner – One of two white-colored corners where a fighter must go after knocking down an opponent.

• Orthodox – A stance where a boxer leads with their left foot and uses their right hand as their power shot.

• Southpaw – A left-handed boxer who leads with their right foot and throws power shots with their left hand.

• Punch Mitts/Focus Mitts – Foam pads used by trainers to help fighters practice punches and combinations.

• Roadwork – Running or sprinting done as part of a fighter’s conditioning routine.

• Undercard – The fights that take place before the main event of a boxing match.

• Bum – Slang for a weak or unskilled fighter.

• Glass Jaw – A fighter who is easily knocked out.

• Tomato Can – A weak or overmatched fighter who is expected to lose.

Fighting Techniques & Strategies

Punches

• Jab (1) – A quick, straight punch thrown with the lead hand.

• Lead Right (2) – A straight right-hand punch thrown instead of a jab.

• Hook (3 or 4) – A semi-circular punch thrown with the lead or rear hand.

• Uppercut – A powerful punch thrown in an upward motion, often targeting the chin.

• Check Hook – A hook thrown while stepping back to catch an advancing opponent.

Defensive Techniques

• Clinch – When a fighter grabs onto their opponent to slow the action or recover.

• Slip – Moving the head to evade an incoming punch.

• Roll – A defensive move where a fighter ducks under a punch and moves to the opposite side.

• Parry – Redirecting an opponent’s punch away from its intended target.

• Rope-a-Dope – A strategy where a fighter leans against the ropes to absorb punches and tire out their opponent (famously used by Muhammad Ali).

• Shell Defense – A defensive stance where a fighter keeps their hands high and elbows tucked in to absorb punches.

Fighting Slang

• Body Work – Targeting an opponent’s midsection to wear them down.

• Shoe Shine – A flashy but ineffective combination of rapid punches.

• Haymaker – A wild, powerful punch thrown with knockout intent.

• Rabbit Punch – An illegal punch to the back of the head.

• Dirty Boxing – Utilizing sneaky or borderline illegal techniques, such as holding and hitting.

• Caught Cold – When a fighter gets knocked out early in a fight before fully warming up.

• Punch Drunk – A term for a fighter who has taken too much punishment over their career.

• On the Ropes – When a fighter is backed into the ropes and in trouble.

Weight Classes and Limits

Final Thoughts

Boxing is a sport of skill, endurance, and strategy, and its language reflects that. Whether you're training in the gym or watching from the stands, knowing these terms will help you follow the action more closely and appreciate the artistry of the "sweet science."

Now that you’ve got the lingo down, step into the ring or tune in to the next big fight with confidence! 🥊