Essentials of boxing

[mommas boy]

Hello,
Im 18 and brand new to this forum and boxing. My friend had a pair of gloves, and target mitts, and a bag so I've kinda gotten into it.
I've worked out steady for like 1/2 a year, and way 160. I do full body workouts and my top bench ONCE has been i think 180. Not too bad for a begginer, a great pay off.
So any way, weve been boxing in his basement, having fun with it ya know. We do alot of punching practicing too, but without too much knowledge. Ive read some posts before signing on, and see how you guys are pretty into this, and realize there are probably alot of posts on this, so plz, DONT flame me! I've read somethings how your supposed to keep youre chin down while fighting, get power by punching the bag...
If you have the time and knowledge post some of the most important things you think you should be doing in a match, simple training(beginners) and such. Remember i am new to boxing, spent like 6 yrs in karate till i was 13 when i was a kid(adult, kid and workout classes each week), but thats a diff story. I try to eat right because of protein for workin out, and haved a lot of knowledge on that.
Also, i watch alot of boxing and STILL dont know what simple punches are called(im retarded, i know) so just help me out with that too.

thx alot, i appreciate any response, and think ill be on these forums for a while, they look prety interesting...

[Tom Yum]

Well, I'm not an expert and I got started in boxing because I enjoyed watching fights. A couple of basic rules

1. Allways keep your hands up, covering the area between your ear and your chin. If your right handed, your right hand stays up and you can bring your left hand out, maybe 6 inches away from your face. If left handed, do the opposite. When you are close enough to smell his breath, keep both hands close to the face.

2. Tuck your chin and look up and out as if you were looking through your eyebrows. Exposed chin is bad. Keep your eyes on your opponents chest/shoulders, not on his hands. Learn to read his body.

3. Your punching power comes from the push off from your legs and rotation of the hips, not just your arms. Punch with your entire body.

4. When throwing punches make sure your head stays between your feet and that you're not leaning your head out. Punch power comes from the lower third of your body.

5. Your stance/body should be poised, not tense and flexed like a bodybuilder but not loose like a wet noodle.

6. When punching, allways make sure that the other hand is up and covering your cheek/jaw.

7. Go to a boxing gym. Talk to some fighters. Find a coach and just have fun with it. Some people will be intense and serious and some people will be laid back.

[Tom Yum]

Doh, also if you're right handed, your left leg should be in front. If you're left handed, the reverse. This is important because in boxing your power side stays slightly away from your opponent. And if you're gonna spar, buy atleast a mouthpiece and head gear.