What Is A Southpaw In Boxing & MMA? Definition & Meaning

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You are here: Home / All The Lingo / Sports Terms That Begin With ‘S’ / Southpaw

south*paw

What Is The Definition Of Southpaw In Boxing & MMA?

1. A southpaw is a left handed fighter. This means that the fighter jabs with their right hand and throws their power punches with their left hand. Southpaw fighters are also called unorthodox fighters.

Why Is It Called Southpaw?

Although the term “southpaw” is used in boxing to describe a left-handed fighter, many believe the term actually originated in baseball to describe a left-handed pitcher. Due to the layout of most baseball diamonds, a batter would face east when at home plate in order to avoid staring into the setting sun and the pitcher would then face towards the west. However, if a left-handed pitcher is facing west, their back is then to the east and their pitching hand, or paw, is directed towards the south. This is most likely how the term southpaw came into existence.

Examples Of How Southpaw Is Used In Commentary

1. Jones never felt comfortable fighting the southpaw the entire bout, and it was his opponent’s powerful left hook that caught him off guard and knocking him out.

Sport The Term Is Used

1. Boxing

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