3 Must-Know Boxing Combos from an Olympic Pro
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As an Olympic medalist boxer and former undefeated pro, I know a thing or two about mastering advanced boxing combinations. In this in-depth blog post, I’m going to share with you three powerful combination punches that can take your boxing skills to the next level.
Combinations are the lifeblood of any great boxer. They allow you to overwhelm your opponent with a flurry of punches, set up devastating power shots, and create openings to land clean, fight-ending blows. But not all combinations are created equal. There are certain combinations that stand out as true game-changers – the ones that can make even the most seasoned fighters look amateurish.
In this post, I’m going to break down three such combinations, complete with step-by-step breakdowns, video demonstrations, and tips to help you master them. By the end, you’ll have a trio of advanced combo punches in your arsenal that will have your sparring partners and opponents alike wondering what just hit them.
Combination #1: The Manny Pacquiao Special

Let’s start with a classic – the 9-punch combination made famous by the one and only Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. This is a masterful display of hand speed, timing, and precision that can absolutely overwhelm your opponent if executed correctly.
Here’s how it breaks down:
Part 1: 1-2-hook
Part 2: 1-1-2
Part 3: 1-2
The key to this combo is to think of it in three distinct parts. Start with the 1-2-hook, then seamlessly flow into the 1-1-2, and finish it off with the 1-2. When you put it all together, it looks like this:
As you can see, the speed and fluidity with which Pacquiao throws this combination is truly mesmerizing. But don’t be discouraged if you can’t match his pace right away. The key is to master the individual parts first, then gradually work on stringing them together.
Start by practicing each section slowly, focusing on proper form and technique. Once you have that down, start picking up the pace. Remember, it’s not about how fast you can throw the punches, but how crisp and accurate they are.
And don’t forget to check out my video on perfecting your boxing footwork. Having a strong foundation of footwork will be essential for being able to seamlessly flow through this combination.
Combination #2: The Body-Head Blitz

Next up is a combination that starts with some body work before transitioning up top. This is a great way to set up your opponent and create openings for big power shots.
Here’s how it goes:
Part 1: 1-2-hook to the body
Part 2: Lead hook to the head
The key to this combo is to really commit to those body shots in the first part. Dig deep with that hook to the midsection, then immediately bring that same hand up to the head for the lead hook. The rapid transition from body to head can really catch your opponent off guard.
As with the Pacquiao combo, start by drilling the individual parts slowly, then gradually increase the speed and fluidity. Pay close attention to your footwork and body positioning – you want to be in the right place to seamlessly flow from the body shots to the head shot.
And don’t forget to check out my video on how to properly hit the heavy bag. Mastering your bag work will be crucial for developing the power and technique needed to really make this combination sting.
Combination #3: The Pressure Cooker

Our final combination is a real pressure-packed one that starts with some jabs to the head, then transitions to a flurry of hooks to the body, and finishes with a powerful lead hook to the head.
Here’s the breakdown:
Part 1: Jab-jab-2
Part 2: 4 hooks to the body
Part 3: Lead hook to the head
Part 4: Step back and 2
The idea behind this combo is to first use the jabs to push your opponent back and get them on the defensive. Then, unleash a barrage of hooks to the body to really soften them up. Finally, cap it off with a big lead hook upstairs and a quick 1-2 to create some distance.
The key to this combo is to really commit to those body shots. Don’t just tap them – really dig in and put some mustard on those hooks. The more you can disrupt your opponent’s rhythm and wind them, the more openings you’ll create for the big shots upstairs.
And of course, don’t forget to practice that defensive step-back at the end. As I mentioned in my video on boxing footwork, having a strong defensive foundation is crucial for being able to safely let your hands go.
Mastering the Defense

Speaking of defense, no discussion of advanced boxing combinations would be complete without talking about the importance of having a solid defensive game plan.
After all, what good are these powerful combinations if you can’t protect yourself while throwing them? That’s why I want to share with you what I believe is the single best defensive move in all of boxing – the step back.
The step back is a simple but highly effective way to create distance and get out of harm’s way. By stepping back with both feet, you not only remove yourself from your opponent’s range, but you also put yourself in perfect position to counter or reset.
The key is to make sure you keep your feet shoulder-width apart as you step back. This will allow you to quickly shift your weight and fire off a shot of your own if the opportunity presents itself.
And don’t forget to check out my video on perfecting your boxing footwork. Solid footwork is the foundation for any great defensive move, so make sure you’re putting in the work to develop that crucial skill.
Putting It All Together
Alright, now that you’ve got these three advanced combinations in your arsenal, along with a rock-solid defensive move to complement them, it’s time to start putting it all together.
The key is to not just memorize the individual parts, but to really internalize the flow and rhythm of each combo. Visualize yourself throwing them in sparring or a real fight scenario. Feel the weight transfer, the snap of the punches, the defensive step back.
And don’t be afraid to mix and match these combinations. For example, you could start with the Pacquiao combo, then transition into the body-head blitz, and finish with the pressure cooker. Or maybe you start with the jabs and body shots of the pressure cooker, then surprise your opponent with the Pacquiao special.
The possibilities are endless, but the key is to make sure you’ve drilled these combos to the point where they feel like second nature. That way, when the adrenaline is pumping and the lights are shining, you can just let your hands go and trust that your body will do the rest.
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Well, there you have it – three advanced boxing combinations that can truly be game-changers, along with the defensive move to tie it all together. Now it’s time to get to work. Drill these combos, perfect your footwork, and get ready to start dominating the ring.
And don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more great boxing content, including my video on proper heavy bag technique and my video on realistic street fight combinations.
Let’s get to work!
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