In-Depth Guide to Mike Tyson Combinations

Introduction

Mike Tyson’s boxing style is a blend of raw power, speed, and technique, allowing him to dismantle opponents with ease. In this guide, we’ll break down specific combinations inspired by Tyson’s approach, giving you the tools to incorporate them into your training.  You can work these combinations with me in this Virtual Padwork video in the Membership.

1. Right Hand Lead Hook and Shovel Hook Combination

• Step 1: Slip the shot to your right and throw a right-hand lead hook.
• Step 2: Immediately follow up with a shovel hook to the body.
• Step 3: Double up on the same side by throwing a lead hook to the head after the shovel hook.

Key Points:

• The shovel hook is delivered with a downward angle, aiming for the opponent’s midsection.
• Emphasize the slip to your right to avoid incoming punches while setting up your combination.

2. Tyson’s Classic 1-2-3 Drop Shovel Hook Combo

• Step 1: Start with a jab (1), cross (2), and a lead hook (3).
• Step 2: Drop into a shovel hook to the body.
• Step 3: Duck under an imaginary counterpunch, shifting your weight to the lead leg.
• Step 4: Finish with a right hand across to the head.

Key Points:

• The drop into the shovel hook helps generate power by shifting your body weight.
• The duck under helps you move off the centerline, setting up the final right-hand shot.

3. Inside Work: Right Hook, Right Uppercut, Lead Hook

• Step 1: Throw a right hook to the body.
• Step 2: Follow with a right uppercut to the head or body.
• Step 3: Finish with a lead hook to the head.

Key Points:

• These are tight, close-range punches, emphasizing power and quickness.
• The uppercut is used to split the guard, creating an opening for the lead hook.

4. Switch Step with Hook and Right Hand

• Step 1: After executing the inside combo (right hook, right uppercut, lead hook), perform a switch step.
• Step 2: Bring your left foot in and swing your right foot around, effectively switching angles.
• Step 3: As you switch, throw a lead hook followed by a right hand.

Key Points:

• The switch step is a movement to create a better angle, moving you to the side of your opponent.
• This sequence allows you to attack from an unexpected position, increasing the chances of landing clean shots.

5. Jab-Shift Combo

• Step 1: Start with a 1-2 (jab and cross).
• Step 2: Shift to the right after the cross, stepping over to create an angle.
• Step 3: Throw a left hook and a right hook from the new angle.

Key Points:

• The shift allows you to reposition yourself, forcing the opponent to adjust while you’re already throwing punches.
• This combination is effective for breaking through an opponent’s guard and changing the line of attack.

6. Jab-Right Hook to the Body-Lead Hook to the Head-Duck

• Step 1: Throw a jab to the head.
• Step 2: Follow with a right hook to the body.
• Step 3: Throw a lead hook to the head.
• Step 4: Duck under an imaginary counterpunch.

Key Points:

• After throwing the hook to the head, the duck helps you evade potential counters.
• Use the duck to load up the next punch, setting up for an explosive follow-up.

7. Slip Jab with Overhand Right and Shovel Hook

• Step 1: Slip to the left while throwing a jab.
• Step 2: Throw an overhand right, aiming to go over the opponent’s guard.
• Step 3: Finish with a shovel hook to the body.

Key Points:

• The slip jab helps you avoid counters while setting up your power shots.
• The overhand right targets the head from an over-the-top angle, and the shovel hook attacks the body.

8. Gazelle Step with Lead Hook

• Step 1: Perform a jab and slip to the right.
• Step 2: Perform a gazelle step, a small jump forward while delivering a lead hook to the head.

Key Points:

• The gazelle step is used to cover distance quickly while throwing a powerful punch.
• This move requires timing and precision, aiming to surprise the opponent with a sudden forward attack.

9. Inside Punching Drill: Right Uppercut, Left Uppercut, Right Hook, Left Hook

• Step 1: Begin with a right uppercut to the body or head.
• Step 2: Follow with a left uppercut.
• Step 3: Throw a right hook to the body.
• Step 4: Finish with a left hook to the body.

Key Points:

• These are close-range power shots designed to break down an opponent’s defense.
• Emphasize speed and power, keeping your punches short and compact.

10. Full Body Movement and Combination Flow

• Step 1: Work on slipping to the left and right, ducking under punches.
• Step 2: Combine this head movement with combinations like jab, cross, and hook.

Key Points:

• Use your legs to control the flow of movement, staying balanced and ready to throw counters.
• This drill helps build muscle memory for head movement and evasion during combinations.

Training Tips for Tyson Combinations

1. Emphasize Technique: Focus on proper form and technique rather than just power.
2. Build Rhythm: Practice these combinations slowly at first to get the rhythm, then gradually increase speed.
3. Head Movement: Integrate head movement into your combinations to avoid counters and create openings.

Conclusion

These combinations are inspired by the ferocity and technical prowess of Mike Tyson. Practicing them will not only improve your offensive game but also help you develop better movement, timing, and defensive skills. Incorporate these drills into your routine to emulate Tyson’s explosive style, and you’ll be on your way to becoming a more dynamic and effective boxer.