Slip-Cross Combo

A defensive-to-offensive transition: slip outside the opponent's jab and immediately fire the rear-hand cross down the now-open centre line. This is the highest-percentage counter combination in boxing. James Toney made an entire career out of slip-cross.

Key points

• ▸Slip outside the jab — shoulder and head move together.
• ▸Cross travels through the now-open centre line.
• ▸Rear-foot pivot delivers the power.
• ▸Lead hand returns immediately to guard.
• ▸Step off at an angle after the cross.

Common mistakes

• ✗Slipping the wrong direction (inside) — runs into the cross.
• ✗Slow on the cross — opponent recovers before the punch lands.
• ✗No step-off — caught by a hook counter.

Drills

1. Partner drill: partner throws single jabs at moderate speed; you slip and counter.
2. Mitts: catcher throws single jabs; you slip outside and land the cross.
3. Shadow: 5 rounds of slip-cross only.

Fighters who use the slip-cross combo

Related techniques