I know it’s controversial, but let’s face it: the jab is a dying art in boxing. There, I said it! But hear me out, as an intermediate boxer or boxing enthusiast, you might be surprised to learn that the jab is actually the most important punch in boxing.

Too many boxers these days focus on flashy combinations, but the truth is, you don’t need a flurry of punches to win sparring matches, amateur fights, or even break world records. All you need is a well-honed jab and masterful movement.

First and foremost, a good jab gives you distance. You don’t need to throw it with force—its primary purpose is to maintain control. When your opponent tries to pressure you, the jab is your secret weapon for controlling distance and asserting ring dominance. Just a light tap can prevent an onslaught of combinations from your opponent.

Here’s where so many fighters go wrong: they launch their attack with a right hand or throw wild combinations without setting them up with a jab. If you’re sparring, you need to gauge your stamina; you can’t throw endless combinations without running out of gas.

The solution? The jab, of course! But there’s more to it than just a simple jab; you need to develop your double jab. The double jab  is crucial for preventing counter punches. By throwing a double jab, you’ll stifle your opponent’s counter with the second jab, ensuring counter punches don’t land during a full round of sparring.

And now, for a little secret: coaches always tell you to aim your jabs at your opponent’s face or body. But why not mix it up? Try throwing jabs to your opponents shoulder, bicep, or even their heart (especially if they’re in a Philly Shell stance). It’s an unconventional tactic, but it’s effective as it adds variables that your opponent needs to think about, and guess what? Thinking makes you tire out in boxing!

Coaches need to bring back the jab as the revered cornerstone of boxing. It’s time to stop underestimating this simple yet powerful punch and embrace it as the key to unlocking your true boxing potential.

Below is a video I subtitled from legendary Russian Boxer Kostya Tszyu. In this intense dumbell workout, Tszyu shows how the Soviet boxers developed endurance for endless jabs:

TL; DR: 

The jab, often overlooked in favor of flashy combinations, is crucial in boxing for maintaining distance and controlling the ring. Developing a double jab can prevent counter punches, and unconventional targets for jabs can be surprisingly effective. Embracing the jab is key to unlocking true boxing potential.