Which is the most devestating punch in boxing history: left hook or right hand?

In terms of memorable KO’s , it’s probably about even.
What would I rather have? A big right hand

 

I have always thought it was the left hook for 3 reasons.
First, when I was a kid watching the fights from the Olympic Auditorium, I heard Jim Healy say that most right hand fighters, their best punch is the left hook, and that always stuck with me and the left hook became my best punch, which we will call !A.
Second, I read years ago that good fighters don't get hit with right hands. That stuck with me too.
Third, the left hook is often a blindside punch. The right hand, if you are not square to your opponent, you can see it coming for a long time. But that hook, especially if you are finishing combinations with it, gets outside your line of vision.
If somebody took the time to investigate, if it is even possible to do so, I bet that you would find that the number of right hand knockouts increased as more fighters squared up. The punch doesn't travel as far, you don't have as long to see it coming, and your left shoulder isn't in the way.

 

The left hook for me.
A much harder punch to master in actual combat, but the ones that did produced some of the best looking ko's in history.

 

For me they are close enough to equal to call it evens. So many flawless examples of both are abound.

 

Depends on who's throwing it.

I think the right hand has produced more KOs by volume since most people are better at throwing it and it's a hard straight shot, but I think the left hook generates more force when someone is skilled with it. I prefer a good hook KO, personally.

 

The right hand has more force behind it. However it needs more time and space; this makes it easier to see coming and harder to set up or counterpunch/exchange with.

As much as I prefer the right, the left hook's rotation and surprise factor makes the KOs look more impressive.

 

I’ve read “the hook causes sudden rotational forces to the brain resulting high shear forces to the hemispheres, whereas a frontal impact causes the hemispheres to move simultaneously,” reducing trauma. Add the fact it’s often not seen coming and being thrown with tremendous torque and velocity by the fighter suggests it has the potential to do greater damage.

To me, it’s asking if I’d rather be hit by a freight train or an 18 wheeler. Either way, If I survive, I’ll be a turnip for the rest of my days.

 

A hook to the tip of the chin often has some conclusive effects. Likewise, a hook temple shot, or higher on the head, seems to take an opponent's legs away.

The right can produce a great balance shot when thrown concise and straight. When slightly winged you can get Deontay or Rocky style KO's of pure concussion.

Pick your poison.

 

According to Gemini, the lead hook is a bigger punch than the cross and there is no evidence to suggest that knockouts via cross occurred at a higher rate as fighters tended to fight more squarely.