Peek-A-Boo Boxing Stance

There are a variety of boxing techniques used in the rink, and one of the most popular is the peek-a-boo boxing stance.  Boxing is a sport and an art form.  It takes a lot of practice to learn all of the defensive moves to bring the opponent down, and to learn how to make each punch and jab pay off when in the offensive mode.

The peek-a-boo stance is performed by placing the hands in front of the face.  They are held high enough to cover almost the entire face with the eyes peeking over the top.  This stance is combined with a lot of bobbing and weaving back and forth to avoid the opponent’s swings.  The quick head movements and ducking learned with this stance allows a 3-2-3 punch, also known as a body, head, body punching combination.  Safeguarding the face is the defensive goal of the peek-a-boo stance as well as providing the shortest distance to complete an offensive jab to the opponent’s face. 

The peek-a-boo stance was created and taught by the well-known boxing trainer Cus D’Amato.  He trained many famous championship boxers including Mike Tyson and Jose Torres.  Mike Tyson was known for using the peek-a-boo stance in many fights and it worked well for him.  He was able to keep his opponent off balance with his foot movements, weaving and bobbing, and by shielded his face from serious head blows.  Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion in American boxing due to Cus D’Amato’s training and techniques. 

References:

Scott, David and Roger Conover. The Art and Aesthetics of Boxing. Nebraska Press, 2009.

Patterson, Floyd and Bert Randolph Sugar. The International Boxing Hall of Fame’s Basic Boxing Skills. Skyhorse Publishing, 2007.