Peek-a-Boo
In Short
The Peek-a-Boo is a defensive system developed by Cus D'Amato in the 1960s, famously used by Mike Tyson. It involves pressing gloves against the cheekbones, maintaining a deep crouch, and moving the head constantly to slip inside an opponent's reach. This high-skill style allows shorter fighters to return with explosive uppercuts and hooks.
Cus D'Amato's signature defensive system, developed in the 1960s and used most famously by Mike Tyson. Both gloves are pressed against the cheekbones, the elbows close to the body, the head moves constantly side-to-side, and the body is in a deep crouch. The peek-a-boo allows a short fighter to slip inside a taller opponent's punches and return with explosive uppercuts and hooks. It is a high-skill, high-condition style — only sustainable at a young, peak athlete level.
Key points
- ▸Gloves pressed against the cheekbones — not above the brow.
- ▸Deep crouch — feet wider than shoulder width.
- ▸Constant head movement — the head never sits still for more than 0.5 seconds.
- ▸Slip outside the jab; slip inside the cross.
- ▸Counter every slip — never slip without throwing.
Common mistakes
- ✗Standing tall — defeats the whole system.
- ✗Static head — the opponent times the punch.
- ✗No counter after the slip.
- ✗Maintaining the crouch when out of range — wastes leg energy.
Drills
- Slip-bag drill: hang a ball on a string at head height; slip it for 3 minutes.
- Heavy-bag: 3 rounds of slip-jab-slip-cross + uppercut.
- Shadow: 5 rounds in peek-a-boo posture, focusing on never-static head position.
Fighters who use the peek-a-boo
Related techniques
Frequently Asked
- What are the key physical positions in the Peek-a-Boo stance?
- Both gloves are pressed against the cheekbones rather than above the brow, elbows stay close to the body, and the fighter maintains a deep crouch with feet wider than shoulder width.
- How should head movement be executed in this style?
- The head must move constantly side-to-side and never sit still for more than 0.5 seconds. Static head positioning allows opponents to time punches, which defeats the system.
- What are the common mistakes to avoid when using Peek-a-Boo?
- Common errors include standing tall, keeping the head static, slipping without throwing a counter, and maintaining the crouch when out of range, which wastes leg energy.
- Which fighters are known for using the Peek-a-Boo style?
- Mike Tyson and Gervonta Davis are listed as fighters who use the Peek-a-Boo technique.