The Right Cross
(also called a Straight Right)
The Right Cross is one of the Four main punches in Boxing, the others being the Jab, the Hook, and the Uppercut. There is also an Overhand Right, that is different from a Right Cross, but is not used as much in Boxing.
The Right Cross crosses the body and travels in a straight line for a right-handed fighter (if your left hand is your power hand everything will be opposite). The Right Cross is a straight power punch. The Right Cross is most effective when its thrown behind a Jab, for a classic one-two punch combination.
To throw a Right Cross start with a good basic stance, feet about shoulder width apart, with the front leg slightly bent, and the front foot pointing forward. The body should be turned so that the left hand is closer to the target, and the right hand is farther from the target. The hands should be in the guard position (left hand in front of the chin, and right hand beside the right cheekbone).
As you throw the punch, push off the back foot and rotate the hips and torso counter clockwise. Weight is transferred from the rear foot to the front foot. This results in the rear heal turning outward as it acts as a fulcrum for the transfer of weight. The rotation of the hips, torso, and sudden weight shift are what generates the power in the Right Cross.
As the punch is in route, in a straight line to its target, the thumb should be facing the sky. Then (after the fist covers about 75% of the distance) to the target, it rotates so that the palm is facing the floor upon impact. The rear shoulder is thrust forward and when the Right Cross reaches its target, the shoulder is just touching the chin.
The lead hand should be in front of the chin to protect against a counter punch. The right arm and fist should be relaxed, and tightened only at the point of impact, for a split second, and then retracted back to the guard position.