Jab-Cross-Hook
The 1-2-3: jab to open, cross to load, lead hook to finish on the inside.
The sequence
From guard, fire the jab to occupy the eyes. The cross follows immediately, driving the hips through to the lead side. As the cross returns, the lead arm is already coiling — the hook fires in a tight horizontal arc around the opponent's guard, aimed at the jaw.
When to use
When the opponent's guard is high and tight: the jab and cross pull their hands up to protect the center line, which opens the side of the jaw for the hook. This is a finishing combination — throw it when you're in range and want to hurt.
Key detail
The hook is thrown from the lead hand because the cross's hip rotation has already loaded the lead side. The lead foot pivots inward, the lead hip turns through, and the fist travels in a short arc — not a wide swing. The tighter the arc, the harder it lands.
Common mistake
Throwing the hook too wide after the cross. A wide hook is slow, telegraphed, and leaves your chin exposed to a counter right hand. Keep the elbow tight and the arc compact.