You’re probably wondering if you can use the Superman Punch in boxing after seeing it in MMA highlights.
So can boxers throw superman punches? Keep reading to find out!
Can You Superman Punch In Boxing?
Yes, the Superman Punch is legal in a boxing match.
Better put, there are no boxing rules that deem it illegal.
It’s more effective in mixed martial arts where your opponent has to worry about kicks as well as punches.
To throw a superman punch in MMA:
- First, you feint a low kick to make your opponent drop his guard.
- Next, you swing that leg back and launch yourself forward at the same time.
Like the spinning backfist, it looks like a handy tool at first to close the distance fast and catch your opponent off guard.
However, you shouldn’t do it because the risk isn’t worth the reward.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Use The Superman Punch
You shouldn’t use the Superman Punch because:
- It Leaves You Open To Counters
- It Gets You Off-Balance
- It’s Difficult To Set Up
- It Only Works Once
If you decide to use it, make sure you knock out your opponent then and there or make sure that you can recover your balance quickly.
Apart from being high-risk, it’s low-accuracy as well.
It Leaves You Open To Counters
First, you shouldn’t use the Superman Punch because it leaves you open to counters.
While you put all your chips in the pot, your opponent still has time and options to make you miss by:
- Sidestepping out of the way
- Throwing a check hook
- Crouching
All your opponent has to do is create an angle to land any punch he wants.
On the other hand, if you miss the Superman Punch, you’re in no position to defend yourself because:
- Your feet aren’t set
- Your arms are overextended
- Your energy is spent
It’s a huge risk with little chance of paying off.
It Gets You Off-Balance
Next, you shouldn’t use the Superman Punch because it gets you off-balance.
Many boxers don’t have good enough balance or reflexes to land it and avoid a counter if they miss.
In boxing, you’re taught that your strength and balance come from your foundation and legs.
You shouldn’t risk all your balance just to land one wild shot.
(Really, what’s the point of spending all that time training and focusing on form then?)
It’s Hard To Set Up
Next, you shouldn’t use the Superman Punch because it’s hard to set up.
Remember that in muay thai and MMA, you set up the Superman Punch with a feinted low kick and then swing that leg back to launch you forward.
First, your opponent won’t react to your leg feint because he’s not trained to defend against kicks.
Next, it looks bad to the judges and referee if it seems like you’re trying to knee or kick your opponent.
Also, because it’s a long-range attack, your opponent will most likely see you winding up and will have enough time to dodge or counter.
It Only Works Once
Lastly, you shouldn’t use the Superman Punch because it only works once.
Whenever you see this kind of punch in a highlight, the boxer is already tired and unable to move out of the way even if he sees the punch coming.
Once you use it, you lose its surprise factor and your opponent will be ready if you try it again.
If you attempt it more than once and keep missing, it looks as if you’re fighting out of control to the judges.
Conclusion
At first, the Superman Punch in boxing seems useful, but you shouldn’t rely on it even if you’re an experienced fighter.
Some world class boxers with extremely good balance and reflexes that use a similar punch, like the gazelle hook include:
- Manny Pacquiao
- Marvin Hagler
- Mike Tyson
If these boxers wanted to jump while boxing, they used a gazelle-like punch which is easier to set up and recover from.
A better alternative to the Superman Punch is to feint downstairs with a level change and then attack upstairs with a straight punch.
In any case, it’s good to be aware of this punch in case your opponent tries it on you.
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