Page:The American Cyclopædia (1879) Volume XIV.djvu/84

 76 PUGILISM weight rests mainly upon the right leg, the left leg being free to advance. The body is erect, the head easily poised and erect, so that the movements are free, and the hands are placed at about the level of the upper part of the chest, with the fists closed and the arms slightly bent. The left hand is somewhat in advance of and lower than the right, and is used mainly for striking when the antagonist is just within distance. The right hand is used in guarding blows of the left and in close work. A boxer keeps his eyes constantly fixed upon the eyes of his opponent, ready to hit or guard when occasion offers. Sparring technically means the movements of the hands to and fro, which are constantly made when boxers are in position. The main point in striking a first blow, or " lead-off," is to deliver the blow with- out any "show" or warning, and so quickly that the opponent cannot defend himself. In boxing, feints are frequently made to direct the attention of the adversary from the place where the real blow is to be delivered. The blows of all good boxers are struck straight from the shoulder, and the most effective blows are those into which the whole weight of the body is thrown. It is not correct judg- ment to strike a blow unless the distance and position of the opponent be such that the blow will probably " get in." A " chopping " blow is one in which the fist is brought from above downward. This blow is frequently used by good boxers in returns, but is not a good blow as a lead-off. The great point in striking is to hit quickly, straight, and as hard as pos- sible. One solid blow is worth a hundred light taps. Rounding blows are seldom if ever used by good boxers, as these are not effi- cient and they expose the person. The most efficient blows are about the face and neck, on the pit of the stomach, and over the lower ribs. All blows below the waist are foul. Blows are avoided by guarding, jumping back, dodging with the head, &c. Dodging the head is very useful, and is practised in making many of tho so-called " points." A very slight move- ment of the arm upward in front of the face is sufficient to cause a powerful blow to glance off. A movement of the arm downward across the body wards off a body blow. In hitting, the large knuckles should strike, and the back of the hand should be turned downward. In real fights points are seldom used, and the practical work is done by plain hitting and guarding of the head and body. The " coun- ter " is a very effective blow, as it meets the man while he is advancing. This is a great practical point with good boxers. The man watches his opponent closely, and when he thinks he is about to lead off he strikes, hoping that his blow will get in before that of his adversary. At the same time he endeavors to guard his adversary's blow. A plain counter is when both men strike at nearly the same instant, with corresponding hands. If a man be remarkably quick in countering, he often demoralizes his adversary, who becomes afraid to make a full lead-off, under tho apprehension of the counter blow. A man may counter either upon his opponent's head or body. In countering, the opponent's blow is sometimes avoided by dodging the head to one side. If the head be dodged backward, the force of the counter is lost, and the opponent may get in a severe blow in following up. When the op- ponent has received a heavy blow, it is well to follow up the advantage with close work and to keep the man moving, so that he has no time to recover himself. Close work, rapid blows at close quarters, or " fibbing," requires great skill and judgment. The blows in close work should always be straight, as they protect from the blows of the adversary. Such quick work, however, is a great strain on the wind and endurance. Right-hand work is very ef- fective in close quarters. In making points the right hand is very useful. A man dodges his head to one side to avoid his opponent's lead-off with the left, and strikes his opponent with the right in the face (called a cross coun- ter, because the right, arm crosses the adver- sary's left), or he strikes his opponent in the body. Another point is to drop the head quickly under the arm of the opponent when he strikes, and to deliver blows right and left when the head is raised. Another point is to strike the opponent's left-hand blow aside with the palm of the left, and immediately strike with the right. Another is to strike the left- hand lead-off up with the left elbow, and strike immediately a chopping blow with the same hand ("peak and chop"). Numerous points such as those just mentioned are used, particu- larly in " fancy " boxing ; but they can hardly be described clearly, even with the aid of illus- tration by drawings. Most of these " points " require great confidence, as the man advances to meet his opponent as he strikes, avoiding the blows mainly by dodging, or " head work. There is no such thing as boxing without a master. A good boxer must have great prac- tice and must box with many different per- sons. Clinching, chancery, and throwing are fair, so long as a man does not grasp his op- ponent's legs ; but these manoeuvres are not often practised in friendly boxing with gloves. A man steps in with his left foot, throws his left arm around the neck or chest of his oppo- nent, and tosses him backward, the buttocks being crossed. This is called the " cross-but- tock throw." Another throw is to step in with the right foot, throw the right arm around the opponent's waist, and throw him over the hips (the " hip throw "). Many throws and trips are used in fighting, and each has its counter movement. Throwing in the ring differs from ordinary wrestling, as a man grasps his opponent wherever he can above the belt. The different kinds of chancery con- sist in rushing in when the opponent strikes, or in close quarters, and throwing either arm around his neck, striking him as hard and as