5 Best Switch Hitters in Boxing History
Switch hitters are arguably the hardest type of boxers to face in the ring. They can fight in both stances and constantly change their movement patterns to leave their opponents guessing.
Here is a list of the five best switch-hitters in boxing history. Check out their stories below and see how their stance-switching abilities made them boxing champions.
Terence Crawford
In the modern era, Terence Crawford is considered one of the P4P best. What isn’t talked about enough is Terence is one of the best switch hitters in boxing history.
Crawford is actually a natural southpaw, who generally fights in the orthodox stance. However, his fighting IQ is so high that he can adapt to any opponent in front of him.
Terence is a deadly fighter from both stances, which makes him one of the most dangerous boxers in the sport.
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Willie Pep
Willie Pep was a defensive genius, who is considered one of the best switch hitters in boxing history. Opponents and experts from Willie’s era said trying to fight him was akin to trying to fight a ghost.
One of Pep’s best defensive weapons was constantly switching his stance. Willie’s constant stance changing threw off his opponents, who could never figure out his rhythm.
Pep used his masterful defense and stance switches to win multiple titles and become a boxing legend.
Marvin Hagler
Of all of the best switch hitters in boxing history, Marvin Hagler is often considered the greatest of all time. Hagler was a complete fighter, who was equally good at fighting in both a right and left-handed stance.
Marvin was a natural southpaw but often chose to train in the orthodox stance. Choosing to train in the orthodox stance helped Hagler develop a powerful left jab and a devastating lead left hook.
His versatility and ability to fight from either stance effectively led “Marvelous” to dominate the middleweight division. Hagler’s style helped influence the style of many great boxers like Terence Crawford.
Prince Naseem Hamed
Of all of the best switch hitters in boxing history, Prince Naseem Hamed was the flashiest and most unorthodox. Hamed brought a charisma and style into the ring that was all his own.
The UK great could knock out his opponents with either hand and they never knew where it was coming. Prince Naseem would constantly switch his stance, plant his feet awkwardly, and throw punches from crazy angles.
He was an incredibly difficult puzzle to solve, which is why he became the king of the featherweight division.
Andre Ward
Andre Ward was subtly one of the best switch hitters in boxing history, which he isn’t given enough credit for. The undefeated champion was a master of fundamentals and never out of place in the ring.
Ward wouldn’t switch his stance often, but only when he saw openings to utilize it. Any time Andre saw his opponent make a mistake or give an opening, he’d switch stance to land a shot.
Thanks to his excellent footwork, Ward could always hide his switches and keep his opponents guessing.