'Everything comes from the jab. If you don't naturally have punching accuracy, which I was fortunate to have, then you cannot hope to box or punch without getting your jab working and landing. But the thing to have in mind is it goes both ways - if the opponent cannot hit you with his jab, less can come off for him, which is why learning to defend effectively against the jab can be even more important than usage of your own jab. You can slip it or you can catch it. 'You slip it by moving your head quickly out of its trajectory. The most effective way to slip a jab is to move diagonally outside, before pulling out of range. Slipping develops reflexes and teaches a fighter not to flinch. The novice is likely to close his eyes or turn away when he sees a punch coming. Eventually, slipping becomes an instinctive reaction, and the fighter develops the mental ability to stay focused under pressure. 'To catch, you use the palm of the right hand glove to take the sting and accuracy off the jab, and although it appears to be a simple movement, mastering it requires reflexes, accuracy and instinctive reaction. In order to catch effectively, the technique must be a short, economical movement. Overextention sets you up for a double jab. When catching, remember to keep your left hand relaxed and ready to counter. If you are close enough to catch a punch, you are close enough to deliver a punch.' -currently training the Angolan Olympic Team
