In Homer's time, the cross-counter, which is supposed to be comparatively a recent discovery in pugilism, was clearly understood. Let any one who understands boxing follow the movements in this description by Homer of the bare-handed fight between Ulysses and the ruffian Irus. The ruffian, a giant in size, has grossly insulted Ulysses, who is in disguise, and a ring is formed by a lot of idlers eager to see a fight.
The bully, Irus, like all bullies, is a coward. He has watched Ulysses stripping, and is terrified when he realizes the kind of man he has aroused. But he is dragged to the scratch, and as they face each other, Ulysses, disgusted at his cringing cowardice, concludes that he is not worth killing, and that he will only "knock him out." Just then Irus strikes out savagely—he "led with his left," in the parlance of the gymnasium. We know it was his left, because the blow fell on Ulysses' right shoulder. Says Homer, who evidently knew just what he was describing:
"On his right shoulder Irus laid his stroke;
Ulysses struck him just beneath the ear,
His jawbone broke, and made the blood appear;
When straight he strewed the dust."
Now, this was a straight-cross-counter, accurately described, and it tells a whole story of striking and parrying, as we shall see presently.
