In 2016 I published a short video on peek-a-boo, the boxing style defined by Cus D’Amato and really made famous by Mike Tyson.
I have nothing at all against peek-a-boo, quite the opposite. I have always admired and been fascinated by Cus D’Amato and was blown away by the peak Mike Tyson. He used the concept of peek-a-boo to delight and excite the boxing world.
When I put out my short peek-a-boo video, and it was short at only 1:50, I picked out a couple of peek-a-boo style elements, the elements that I felt defined the style.
Now, by and large I am very lucky when it comes to people leaving comments on my videos. Many are complimentary, and quite a few offer differing viewpoints. I like differing viewpoints, I always learn and enjoy the back and forth – it’s a shared understanding.
In response to peek-a-boo though, there were some comments that I would describe as ranging from angry to just plain aggressive and impolite.
No problem, that’s fine.
It did strike me though that concepts like peek-a-boo, and the similarly venerated ‘Philly Shell’, may lead to people being blinded to the rich range of boxing styles and stylists out there.
Pushing for a versatile range of boxing skills, not defining yourself solely as a practitioner of peek-a-boo or philly shell, and learning from a range of sources leads to a much better training regime and ultimately a better boxing outcome.
No harm in being a peek-a-boo expert, just don’t constrain yourself to being that alone. There is far too much cool stuff out there to learn.
Cheers
Fran
by 
Well stated Fran – I went back and re-watched the 2016 short vid and you even state in there that you can square up once inside. Yes, its fun to square up and throw bombs and do side bend slips (on a bag with no shots back), but Tyson was not square when at long range, and still could slip and bob and land. Apparently the peek-a-boo police must be experts at getting inside, and I’m sure have well drilled exit moves as well as stance switches(he says with sarcasm 🙂 ). Anyway, great stuff and I’m gonna steal your ‘T” person analogy too!!
Keep up the great work and stay safe and healthy,
Mickey
Hey Mickey
Great to hear from you pal, I hope all is well with you and the gym. Peek-a-boo place…peach😂. Keep your hands high, keep your head moving and when you attack cover the ground quickly…is that peek-a-boo or just good boxing advice???
Take care Mickey, I really appreciate you taking the time to write. Keep safe too mate.
I’m a peekaboo fighter, but I am shorter, I am a “busy” fighter. You’re right, peekaboo constantly changing your stance, doesn’t need to be square, biggest thing is rolls, ducks and counters… Peakaboo could be thought of as a combo style, standing square in my opinion is not optimal at all. Tyson wasn’t a tall fighter, he was was brawler, he was busy, as you mentioned once inside it’s a battle royal, don’t forget the body, not sexy but wins fights!!
Meant a battle royal once inside a fighters punching range! 💪👊
I for one am confident in your knowledge and understanding of boxing based on experience wisdom hard work and reality.
Thanks Marty, very kind of you👍
There’s a company called “Precision Striking” that has published a video “course” on Peekaboo, and it’s Teddy Atlas who devised course and does the presenting. I would have thought he’d have a pretty good idea of the style… and he absolutely vindicates everything Fran says in both these videos.
Which is obviously not a surprise!
Straight from the horses mouth then Phil. I’m a big fan of Atlas, always have been. Think he’s a really smart guy who has turned his intellect to the sport of boxing. Thanks for the comment pal.
Thank you for reading those comments – very entertaining! Also, good advice about versatility.
Regards,
Kris Grauel
Memphis
Thank you Kris. Versatility in boxing, as in life, can only ever be a positive 👍
Hey Coach,
As luck would have it, I just recently watched your peek-a-boo video as I was reviewing the principles in several videos and working elements into my heavy bag work.
As someone who has watched Patterson, though not much Torres, I think you gave a solid primer. Glad you could laugh at the keyboard warriors. They obviously never learned, “Absorb what is useful, reject what is useless, add what is essentially your own.” Brice Lee had it right. And as a “T” person, I thank you for that vid and this one.
Silence is free. Amazing how many people in the internet pass on that great deal.
*on the internet
Hey Orlando
“Silence is free” wonderful concept. Yes, we have to laugh. I just take this things as an opportunity for wider learning, and if those who ‘get it’ can take a renewed approach to some of their learning attitudes then that’s mission accomplished.
Thanks pal 👍
Hey Fran, I agree 100%. Broner tried to be Floyd Mayweather with the Philly Shell and got his ass kicked by Maidana. Cus’s other champions, ie. Floyd Patterson used a crouching style and José Torres, who used the high guard but boxed a stand-up style. Neither solely used the peek-a-boo style like Mike Tyson did. Tyson’s physicality, power and explosiveness was tailor made for that style and he perfected it. I’ve seen guys, with no training or experience come into the gym trying to emulate Roy Jones or some other pro boxer so I would let them spar with one of my boxers to make them understand that they know NOTHING! I watched some of your critics videos. It doesn’t look to me like he was ever a boxer. He obviously studies the sport, and emulates what he sees/listens to, but his punch-block (after every punch) and his weight transfers are poorly done. In fact, he’s lifting his feet as he does it in a squared up stance. He sounds like he’s on some kind of stimulant. The comments praising him do not appear to be from people with experience in boxing.
Hi Pug, really nice to hear from you. I hope you and your family are keep well.
I cold have written your comment myself. Never heard anyone say “I want to ‘philly shell’ like Broner”. But of course you are spot on. These concepts need to be treated with great consideration. I still get guys come to the gym saying “I want to do peek-aboo”, and because they are often youngsters I have become adept at being quite diplomatic whilst still saying “If put you in the ring with those skills against one of these guys, it would not be an enjoyable experience!” Then, we starting looking at stances and basics…because we coaches, that’s what we do.
Yes, that guy. He’s never boxed, I don’t think he has ever been coached (as you and I understand coaching) and he has certainly never coached anyone. A boxing fan with an analytical mind, ten-a-penny as we say around here.
Thanks Pug, great contribution as usual…keep yourself safe and well 👍