Introducing Special Moves!

In this new series of quick videos, we will explore the trademark techniques of history's greatest fighters. In this first episode, I analyze the pawing jab of Thomas "Hitman" Hearns. Though Hearns was known for his powerful right hand, a punch that few boxers could withstand, it was his clever left jab that led most of his 48 knockout victims to the finish.

In particular, it was Hearns' pawing jab that kept his opponents blind to their impending doom. Hearns was a student of the late Emanuel Steward, and the pawing jab was a specialty of the Philly trainer, who counted Michael Moorer and Wladimir Klitschko among his students.

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For more analysis, check out Heavy Hands, the only podcast dedicated to the finer points of face-punching. Our latest episode features BE's own Coach Mike Riordan, who discusses his background in wrestling, and how this underappreciated art is fundamental to mixed martial arts.