Why commentators rarely name the rear hook

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by Overhand94, Jul 13, 2024.


  1. Overhand94

    Overhand94 Active Member Full Member

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    I wanted to know why British/Americans commentators rarely call the rear circular punch as a "hook".
    I often hear the terms "roundhouse", or "sweeping" punch, but they very rarely call it a "hook".
    I know that in much instances, what can appear as a rear hook is in fact an "overhand" punch, but as a French, it's pretty striking how much the term "hook" is far more used than in North America/Great Britain.
     
    Last edited: Jul 13, 2024
  2. Vic-JofreBRASIL

    Vic-JofreBRASIL Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    Yes! I feel you. Even the so called straight right is mostly circular if you look deep enough and it is never called a hook… In here we call “hook” (in english) only the hooks to the body, it becomes a mess.
     
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  3. Overhand94

    Overhand94 Active Member Full Member

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    Yes, that was exactly what I was thinking.
     
  4. Overhand94

    Overhand94 Active Member Full Member

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    Any other opinions ?
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2024
  5. Lankykong

    Lankykong Member Full Member

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    There's a line between a proper right hook and a looping right hand, but there's no real consensus on where it is.
     
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  6. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    They'll call it a hook when a fighter is square. Or when a fighter turns or is southpaw.
     
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  7. Overhand94

    Overhand94 Active Member Full Member

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    Yes, but even when the punch is circular commentators will describe it as a "sweeping", "roundhouse" or "chopping".

    Good observation (although I disagree with your second proposition). But even when Tyson used his famous right hook to the body-uppercut to the chin, announcers will mostly use the generic "right hand" instead of acknowledging it as a hook.