"A left half scissors hook to the liver"?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by McGrain, Aug 21, 2016.


  1. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    112,195
    46,436
    Mar 21, 2007
    This is the punch Battling Nelson claimed to have landed on Joe Gans in round three of their first fight. He said:

    "At the end of the third round I retired to my corner and told them I would knock [Gans] out in the next round. I had just landed a good hard left half scissors hook to the liver which finally proved the undoing."

    Does anyone have a clue what a left half scissors hook to the liver might be?
     
  2. Woller

    Woller Active Member Full Member

    1,372
    312
    Nov 24, 2005
    According to Nelson“s biography he used a left hook, but did not close the glove. Instead he hit his opponent with the thumb and first finger straight in the liver. The gloves at that time were not made to make a fist.
    I am from Denmark, so pardon my English.
     
  3. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    112,195
    46,436
    Mar 21, 2007
    Your English is fine, and thanks.
     
  4. dempsey1234

    dempsey1234 Boxing Addict Full Member

    4,764
    269
    Jun 25, 2012
    Exactly and with those small gloves they used it was especially painful. You couldn't do that today cos of the difference in glove size. It was almost like a karate blow. Try it you'll see, it's very good blow to use in a street fight, just put your forefinger 2nd knuckle and thumb together and drive it in. I wonder if it was a legal blow?
     
  5. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

    112,195
    46,436
    Mar 21, 2007
    "This punch was delivered with the forefinger and thumb, the knuckle being up and landed directly on the liver, on the right side of his body just above the second rib." - Nelson.
     
  6. latineg

    latineg user of dude wipes Full Member

    22,077
    16,722
    Jun 4, 2009
    if it was legal it was only because it hadn't been made illegal yet, lol

    not saying he did anything wrong, he just improvised a bit in areas that others hadn't thought of :smoke

    if the liver gets "poked" the bodies response is so quick and powerful you are on the floor before you realize whats going on.
     
  7. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

    97,200
    28,142
    Jun 2, 2006
    I know Nelson is supposed to have used this punch,but it seems like a good way to get your thumb broke/dislocated to me.
     
  8. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

    51,934
    42,532
    Apr 27, 2005
    It came from a Choynski trick, from which Nelson built on to develop his left half scissors hook.
     
  9. mcvey

    mcvey VIP Member Full Member

    97,200
    28,142
    Jun 2, 2006
  10. JohnThomas1

    JohnThomas1 VIP Member

    51,934
    42,532
    Apr 27, 2005
    Watched that earlier, interesting lil clip. Choynski used to put his fingers on the opponents right nipple in clinches then snap down with his palm with great force at the liver. When the surprised opponent doubled over surprised Choynski would belt him out. This prompted Nelson to study anatomy and come up with his own modified move.

    Jan is going to love me :lol:
     
  11. Unforgiven

    Unforgiven VIP Member banned Full Member

    58,748
    21,558
    Nov 24, 2005
    I thought it was where they hold half a pair of scissors in the glove and stab the opponent in the liver with the sharp end.

    Gotta love the old school.