The Cross, also known as a Straight, is a powerful punch thrown with the dominant hand in boxing. It is considered a power punch, along with hooks and uppercuts, and is counted as such by CompuBox, a computerized punch scoring system.
The cross is the second most commonly used punch in boxing, right after the Jab.
When executing a cross, the rear hand is thrown from the chin in a straight line towards the target. The rear shoulder moves forward, finishing with it touching the outside of the chin.
For added power, the torso and hips rotate as the punch is thrown, and weight is transferred from the rear foot to the lead foot.
The cross gets its name from the fact that it crosses over the opponent's leading arm when thrown as they lead with the same side hand.
If the rear hand travels inside the opponent's guard instead, it's called a straight. This punch is often used in combination with other punches, such as following a jab in the classic "one-two combo".
The cross is known for its power and effectiveness.
It has the longest range among punches and can deliver significant force, making it a potential fight-ending blow. Mastering the cross requires practice and attention to proper technique, including foot positioning, body rotation, and hand placement.