A hook is a punch in boxing. It involves the turning of the core muscles and back, swinging the arm, which is bent at an angle near or at 90 degrees, into the opponent. A hook is usually aimed at the side of the head, but it can also be used for body shots, especially the liver. In violence and martial arts, a punch is a strike made using the hand closed into a fist. ... 2004 Armed Forces Amateur Boxing Championships, held in 2003. ... The liver is an organ in vertebrates, including humans. ...
The cross could be referred to as a more powerful hook, being thrown by the rear hand. The puncher drops his body weight to one side, allowing him to swing his opposite fist horizontally and hit the opponent. The puncher pivots on his front leg, and then steps forward, in order to throw his whole body into the technique. In practice, it looks like a straight power punch being thrown from the side. This is a very powerful punch, often used to score a knockout. It makes contact with the jaw or side of the head. Knockout (K.O.), or simply knock, is a winning criterion of many ringsports, such as boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai and others. ...
Boxing, also called pugilism, prizefighting (when referring to professional boxing) or the sweet science (a common nickname among fans), is a sport in which two participants of similar weight fight each other with their fists in a series of one to three-minute intervals called "rounds".
Earliest evidence suggests that boxing was prevalent in North Africa during 4000 BC and the Mediterranean in 1500 BC.
A hook may also target the lower body (the classic Mexican hook to the liver) and this technique is sometimes called the "rip" to distinguish it from the conventional hook to the head.