There are two different stances used in boxing - 'orthodox' and 'southpaw' - and here we explain what those terms mean.
What does orthodox stance mean in boxing?
As the name suggests, the majority of fighters use an orthodox stance and in simple terms it means the fighter places their left foot in front of the right foot.
This means that their weaker side is closer to the opponent and they will often jab with their left hand, giving them the room to throw their more powerful shots with the right.
This stance favours right-handed fighters who are stronger on that side.
Famous boxers who fought in the orthodox stance include Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather Jr, Mike Tyson, Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez, Tyson Fury, Lennox Lewis, Chris Eubank and Julio Cesar Chavez.
What does southpaw stance mean in boxing?
The southpaw stance is the mirror image of the orthodox stance, so the right foot is placed in front of the left foot.
The stance generally favours left-handed fighters, but there are a number of right-handed fighters who will take this stance.
A right-handed fighter will use a southpaw stance for a variety of reasons, it may allow them to dictate the pace with a right-handed jab rather than use their weaker hand or it could be a tactic to trick or confuse an opponent.
There are many advantages to fighting out of a southpaw stance and some boxers will struggle against southpaws, although it can also leave a fighter exposed to body shots.
Famous southpaw boxers include Oleksandr Usyk, Manny Pacquiao, Joe Calzaghe, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Sergio Martinez, Errol Spence Jr., Marvin Hagler, Naseem Hamed and Gervonta Davis.
What is a switch-hitter in boxing?
Some fighters are known as 'switch-hitters', a boxer who can comfortably switch between fighting in both stances.
Some boxers will change stances between rounds, and some will switch their stance while the action is taking place. The latter method carries the most risk as it may leave a fighter open.
Marvin Hagler, Andre Ward, Vasiliy Lomachenko, Terence Crawford and Tyson Fury are all examples of 'switch-hitters'.
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