When thinking about the most dangerous punch in boxing (or any combat sport), the key is to separate the criteria which could make a punch/strike dangerous. Is it the punch that someone throws the hardest? Is it the punch that someone throws the fastest? Or can land the most? Or the one that targets the most vulnerable spot?
It could be any one of those things or a blend of them all. And then you might have to factor in who you are fighting. But I believe it can all be summed up by saying that the most dangerous punch is boxing is the one you don't see coming. This is consistent with the majority of knockouts we see as well as just common sense. If we know a punch is coming, we can avoid it, block it or at the very least, brace for impact, which even by itself makes a HUGE difference. If you have no idea it is coming and are not prepared in any way, you are toast.
But that is kind a crap answer. Not because it's not true - it is almost undeniably so - but if I read the headline, I wouldn't want to hear something like, "it's the one you don't see coming" so I want to give you something a little more specific. What is the specific punch that you are least likely to see coming?
I truly believe it is the #3 lead hook to the jaw, more often than not. Particularly with 2 fighters of the same handedness (righty vs. righty, southpaw vs southpaw) but it can often still be true with open stances as well. Once again, this is consistent with knockouts we see in the ring but also some degree of common sense. Here are several reasons why that killer lead hook can be a total shock to the system:
1.) Most punches from that side are jabs - Most punches in a fight are usually jabs, period. While not the most dangerous punches in boxing, jabs are certainly the most important. They set everything up, they buy you time, they buy you position, they draw your opponent out, and more. So if your opponent used to responding to jabs from that lead side, this may provide the split-second you need to surprise them with a hook. Whether they parry, catch, or slip the jab, this provides opening for your hooks to land cleanly
2.) Lead hooks can come from outside of peripheral vision - Along those lines, when you are looking at an opponent straight on, the lead hook can often come in from an angle outside of your peripheral vision, especially if your hands are up high and slightly blocking your view, which certainly can happen. Plus, the closer you are to your opponent, the more outside this punch is and thus, gets harder to spot.
3.) Opponents are more focused on your power hand - Along THOSE lines, depending somewhat on your style, your opponents are likely going to be paying strict attention to your other hand, as that is the power side that they really don't want to get hit from. Doesn't mean they will ignore your lead hand but if they are expecting power to come from the rear, you might be able to catch them sleeping on that front hook.
4.) Opponent commits their rear hand - This is the big one that I see often in fights. Someone throws the rear hand, like a cross, uppercut or overhand and that means that hand is no longer protecting their face. It also means that their eyes are likely focused on target of their fist. So the entire side of their face is open and their eyes are temporarily distracted. Add on potentially being slightly off balance if the punch misses and the opportunity for a brutal lead hook couldn't get much more golden.
This has all been in reference to a hook at the head of our opponent but the same is mostly true for a hook to the body is well, although those can be easier to spot. Very effective weapons and something you can throw with just about as much power and explosiveness as you can throw with your dominant hand. Just takes a lot of practice as lead hooks are almost always awkward at first. But more on that later! For now, I would love to hear any questions, comments, or better yet, alternative suggestions!!
