Body punches often don’t get the recognition they deserve. Sure, everyone loves when a left hook to the liver or a solid right to the ribs leads to a knockout. But, more often than not, the art of targeting an opponent’s midsection to drain their energy and weaken them is underappreciated—even by judges sitting ringside. Yet, there’s hardly a more effective boxing strategy than wearing down an opponent with relentless hits to their core and ribs.
Most fighters sprinkle in some body shots during a bout, but then you’ve got those warriors for whom body punching is a fundamental part of their fight strategy. Here’s a tribute to twelve boxers who took body punching to new heights, showcasing the best of the best in this often-overlooked craft.
Starting the list at number 12 is Micky Ward. Known as “Irish” Mickey, his signature liver punch—a devastating left hook—secured some clean knockouts and made him a standout among punchers who rely heavily on a single tactic.
Next, at number 11, there’s Alexis Arguello. Nicknamed “The Explosive Thin Man,” Arguello was an expert at gradually wearing his opponents down with intentional strikes to the midsection. He masterfully blended head and body shots into fluid combinations.
At number 10, we celebrate Mickey Walker, a fierce brawler and relentless fighter dubbed the “Toy Bulldog.” His constant body attacks broke down larger opponents, making him a force to be reckoned with.
Joe Frazier earns the ninth spot. Known for his ferocious hits, Frazier’s strategy often began with punishing the midsection using vicious left hooks, setting the stage for a powerful follow-up attack to the head.
Coming in at number 8 is Billy Petrolle, nicknamed “The Fargo Express.” Petrolle was renowned for his aggressive approach and his left-hook-loaded attacks directed at the body.
Seventh on this list is Mike McCallum, whose moniker, “The Body Snatcher,” says it all. This triple crown champion was famous for defeating top-tier fighters like Herol Graham and Donald Curry with his brutal body punching prowess.
Julio Cesar Chavez lands at number 6, with an unmistakable reputation for delivering body punches that left echoes throughout the 1990s. His effective hits resulted in 87 knockout victories, earning him the well-deserved title of “The Lion of Culiacán.”
The fifth spot goes to Jake LaMotta, famously known as “The Bronx Bull.” LaMotta’s style involved taking hits as he bulled forward to deliver punishing body shots, taking down legends like Sugar Ray Robinson and Marcel Cerdan in the process.
At number 4, we have Tony Zale. Known as “The Man of Steel,” Zale had a reputation for breaking down rivals with his steady, precise rib-targeted attacks, leaving many opponents unable to withstand his relentless body punches.
Sam Langford snags the third position. His famous philosophy, “Hit the body and the head dies,” showcases his expertise in body punching. Langford’s brutal punches were legendary, even causing his opponents to marvel at their impact.
In second place is Henry Armstrong, known as “Hurricane Hank.” His strategy was to get up close and personal, sticking to his opponent like glue while pounding away at their midsection.
Finally, in the top position is Bob Fitzsimmons. The first triple-crown champion mastered the solar plexus punch, utilizing it to drain his foes’ energy. His iconic left hook to the body won him the world heavyweight championship back in 1897.
Honorable mentions must go to other body punch greats: Rocky Marciano, Eusebio Pedroza, Marcel Cerdan, Pernell Whitaker, Roberto Duran, James Toney, Joe Louis, Tony Canzoneri, Thomas Hearns, Sugar Ray Robinson, Nicolino Locche, Wilfredo Gomez, Ricky Hatton, Jack Dempsey, Mike Tyson, Gennady Golovkin, Carlos Zarate, Gerald McClellan, James Scott, Frank Klaus, Kid Azteca, Brian Viloria, Ruben Olivares.
Here’s to the body punchers who refine their craft and give it their all, demonstrating that it’s not just about landing a hard punch—it’s about strategic mastery in the art of boxing.
