Indigenous Ability

In what now adds up to 43 years [and counting] of loving research in the area of old-school dealers of pain I have come across many unusual blows and quite a few sources naming this or that bit of the human anatomy ideal for delivering a walloping blow. What follows are the targeting observations of an old-timer himself, boxing journalist Earl Raab, writing in 1943, on what he found to be the Top Five Targets from the Bareknuckle Era. ONE-“Beneath the Ear” There are many resources that put targeting the ear fairly high on the list but in Mr. Raab’s findings this bit just below the ear delivers many happy returns. TWO-“Between the Eyebrows” An ungloved blow here was found to give a high-percentage percussive effect. THREE-“The Pit of the Stomach” This would later be called “The Solar Plexus Punch” as made world-famous by Bob Fitzsimmons.  FOUR-“The Heart” A highly coveted blow and ungloved it still has exceptional disconcerting wallop. A pa...

[The following is a preview from our upcoming book Boxing Like the Champs, Round Two. I have removed the second and third drill sets at the request of my publisher. For that information, see the book when it comes out or join the RAWSubscription Service for more historical tips and drills.] Joe “The Brown Bomber” Louis is often rated as one of the heaviest punchers in boxing history We know that he augmented his natural power, thanks to Jack Blackburn’s schooling on his step-and-punch method. Louis also had speed. For a big man he put some quick movement together. Speed is often an inborn attribute. It can be helped along by smooth efficient drilling but, for the most part, speed is a God-given gift. But…there is an attribute of speed that can be hacked and developed, that speedy-attribute is balance. Let’s have a listen to trainer Walter Smith and what he saw as Jack Blackburn’s biggest assist to Joe Louis. “ He taught him balance…As long as a man keeps hims...