Peek-a-Boo (boxing style)

Peek-a-Boo is a boxing style where the hands are placed in front of the boxer's face,^[1][2] like in the baby's game of the same name. It offers extra protection to the face and makes it easier to jab the opponent's face. Peek-a-Boo boxing was developed by legendary trainer Cus D'Amato.

Peek-a-Boo boxing utilizes relaxed hands with the forearms in front of the face and the fist at nose-eye level.^[3] Other unique features include side to side head movements, bobbing, weaving and blind siding the opponent.^[4]

A fighter using the peek-a-boo style is drilled with the stationary dummy and on the bag until the fighter is able to punch by rapid combinations with what D'Amato called "bad intentions". The style allows swift neck movements as well quick duckings and bad returning damage, usually by rising uppercuts or even rising hooks.

Known users

• Floyd Patterson, The first fighter to use the Peek-A-Boo effectively, becoming Olympic gold medalist and 2-time Heavyweight Champion of the world. Also, the first man to ever win back the heavyweight championship.
• Mike Tyson, whose use of the style is probably the most famous example, was notorious for his amazing punching ability and excellent defense.^[5]
• Kevin Rooney, Mike Tyson's former trainer, is an expert in Peek-A-Boo boxing, having once been a Golden Gloves champion.
• José Torres, who was trained and managed by D'Amato, won the silver medal in the 1956 Melbourne Summer Olympics, and won the Light Heavyweight world title by defeating Willie Pastrano.

References

1. "What is the peekaboo actually?". SugarBoxing. 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2014-05-07.
2. "Tight-Defence Cus D'amato". YouTube. Retrieved 2014-05-07.
3. Boyle, Robert (1967-01-16). "Cus Is Back Aboard A Big New Bus". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved 2012-10-27.
4. "The Science of Mike Tyson and Elements of Peek-A-Boo: part II". SugarBoxing. 2014-03-06. Retrieved 2014-05-07.
5. "Mike Tyson: The Panic, the Slip, and the Counter". Fightland. Retrieved 7 July 2015.