Peek-a-Boo (boxing style)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the song by Siouxsie & the Banshees, see Peek-a-Boo (song).

Peek-a-Boo is a boxing style where the hands are placed in front of the boxer's face. It offers extra protection to the face and makes it easier to jab the opponent's face.

Peek a boo boxing was developed by legendary trainer Cus D'Amato. Peek a boo boxing utilizes relaxed hands with the forearms in front of the face and the fist at nose-eye level, as opposed to the orthodox style where the hands are at chin level with the left hand slightly in front of the chin and the right hand next to the chin. Other unique features includes side to side head movements, bobbing, weaving and blind siding your opponent. The number system e.g 3-2-3-Body-head-body or 3-3-2 Body-Body-head is drilled with the stationary dummy and on the bag until the fighter is able to punch by rapid combinations with what Cus calls "bad intentions". The style allows swift neck movements as well quick duckings and the bad returning damage, usually by rising uppercuts or even rising hooks.

[edit] Boxers known for the Peek a Boo style

Mike Tyson was well known for using this boxing style.
Floyd Patterson used this style as well. (Patterson was also trained by Cus D'Amato)
Kevin Rooney, Mike Tyson's former trainer, is an expert in peek a boo boxing, having once been a Golden Gloves champion.
Winky Wright, well known for this style, particularly in his fights against Felix Trinidad and Jermain Taylor.
Jose Torres Light-Heavyweight champion also trained by Cus D'Amato used this style.
Miguel Cotto, current welterweight world champion, uses the peek-a-boo very effectively with his brawler fight style.