Concept:This question tests the exact boxing vocabulary needed to describe deflecting punches with raised gloves.
Explanation:Jim holds his gloves up in front of his face to protect himself, so the missing word must name that specific defensive action.
Defending (A) is too general because it simply means protecting oneself, without describing the glove movement in the text.
Dodging (B) means moving the head or body away from a blow, which is not what Jim does while keeping his arms raised.
Dubbing (C) is unrelated; it means giving someone a knighthood or adding sound to a film.
Parrying (D) is the accurate boxing technique of using the gloves to deflect or redirect an incoming punch so that it misses its target.
This matches the sentence because Jim intercepts every punch with the gloves held before his face.
Thus, “by parrying the punches” is the most suitable option.
Answer:D. parrying