If you have any desire to learn the sport of boxing, also known as the "sweet science," the jab is a faster, longer range punch that will decide your fate in the ring. It may also be the punch you throw most often because although it's one of the weaker punches, it can help you win by point decisions rather than by knockout. Over 90% of the punches that boxing great Muhammad Ali threw were jabs. The purpose of a jab is to keep your opponent away from you, give him a little sting, wear him down gradually, and set him up for stronger punches.