Below is a list of boxing phrases and terminology commonly used in the sport.
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Bare-Knuckle Boxing -
The original form of boxing dating back to Ancient Greece. It's the more savage precursor to the Marquess of Queensberry rules, which mandated the use of gloves.
Barnburner -
A very good fight. One that is very intense and exciting, a real nail-biter. A fight that is so close it's hard to predict who will come out the winner until seconds before it ends.
Beautiful Brawler -
A female warrior. Someone who dedicates her time to the sweet science and loves every second of it. Some one who has confidence, determination, and the eye of the tiger.- #BeautifulBrawlers
Below the Belt -
An imaginary line from the belly button to the top of the hips where a boxer is not supposed to hit. To hit below the belt is to not behave according to the rules or decency.
Bleeder -
A fighter who is vulnerable to cuts.
Blocking -
Using the hands, shoulders, or arms to prevent an opponent's punch from landing cleanly on the head or torso.
Bob and Weave -
When a fighter moves their upper body in an up-and-down motion, making them more difficult to time correctly.
Body Punches -
Punches that particularly come from a left hook delivered to the floating rib area (the bottom of the rib cage and towards the side) where the liver is can stop a fighter if landed perfectly. Body punches delivered not quite so precisely but repeatedly round after round wears a boxer down. A sore gut, bruised ribs makes it hard to breath.
Bolo Punch -
A flashy wide sweeping uppercut that is more about showboating than power. The bolo punch might not even be thrown at all but rather used to distract the opponent so you can hit them with your other hand.
Bout -
A boxing match consisting of rounds with a one minute break.
Boxers Handshake -
Touching knuckles is how boxers greet each other whether they're wearing gloves or not. Touching gloves before the opening bell is also part of boxing protocol.
Brawler -
A slugger. It's a boxer who lacks finesse in the ring, moves slower, lacks mobility, has a predictable punching pattern, but makes up for all that with raw power and the ability to knockout their opponents with a single punch.
Breadbasket -
The stomach area.
Break -
The moment when the fighters are separating from a clinch.
Buckle -
When fighter's legs give way, as in "that punched buckled him."
Bum Rush -
To rush an opponent to get them out of the fight fast. Bum rush or bum's rush indicates the way you hustle someone out.
