In boxing, a cross is one of the three key punches in a fighter's arsenal, alongside the jab and the uppercut. The cross is one of the two main power-punches, the other one being the uppercut. Compubox, a computarized punch scoring system, counts the cross as a power-punch.
The cross is thrown from the attacker's side, crossing in front of the opponent with a sweeping motion. The cross' main target is usually the opponent's chin, but the cross can also be landed effectively when connected to the cheeks or the ears.In a conventional boxing combination, the cross would be the last punch thrown, following the jab and the uppercut.
Crosses are pretty effective when aimed at the opponent's body too: They usually land around the opponent's ribs or hips, eventually slowing the opponent down and undermining his or her ability to fight a long bout. Crosses could end a fight if landed to the solar plexus.
Rocky Marciano is said to have had one of the best crosses in history, and the cross he connected to knock out Jersey Joe Walcott in round thirteen of their first fight (to win the world Heavyweight title) is one of the most famous punches in boxing history; some even call it the most famous one. Mike Tyson was also famous for his crosses.
