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Whilst the term 'boxing' is used to describe Panantukan, we should emphasise that it does not relate to the more usual gloved style of 'English', or 'Western' boxing we see today!
Compared to the weaponry-based Filipino Martial Art fighting methods, the empty-hand should be seen as a back-up system for when the weapon is lost, or disarmed. It must be said, however, that whilst modern-day training methods emphasise 'safety', in former times, this was not so much of a consideration. For example, as well as being left bare, the fist was not infrequently also covered in hemp rope, especially in real fights!
An important aspect of Panantukan is the principle of 'manipulating' an opponents body into a position where it is more vulnerable to attack. For example, this might include the use of pulling on the arms and shoulders, kicking the legs, using the fingers and thumbs against particularly vulnerable areas, off-balancing an opponent generally and lifting the head to expose the jaw and neck as easier targets.
Whereas in gloved boxing, exponents of the art may often favour one lead over the other, in Panantukan training, practitioners are expected to regularly switch from left to right foot lead (forward positions). One advantage of this approach is that it instantly allows one to fight against more than one attacker at a time - something that's not an issue in western boxing!
It is necessary to remember, however, that Panantukan is the empty-hand brother of the weaponry-based Filipino fighting arts. To leave out either of these two inseparable training methods is like half learning to tie one's shoelaces!