rab*bit punch
What Is The Definition Of Rabbit Punch In Boxing & MMA?
1. This is a term that is used to describe a dangerous and illegal punch that is directed towards the back of the opponent’s head or neck. This type of punch is extremely dangerous because a punch to the back of the head, bottom of the skull, or neck can cause damage to the spinal cord or even detach the brain’s stem that can lead to death.
Why Is Rabbit Punching Illegal?
While MMA maintains no record of a rabbit punch rendering a fighter paralyzed, some rabbit punches in boxing may have contributed to the lasting injuries, such as Prichard Colon. In fact, he suffered such serious injuries by a barrage of rabbit punches that allies introduced a new rule on his behalf urging the World Boxing Council to take a firm stance against rabbit punching.
What Happens If You Rabbit Punch?
The severity of the consequence depends upon the intentionality of the punch. For instance, if on a first infraction the fighter clearly intended to hit the face, the referee will not punish the fighter but might yell a reminder.
If the fighter clearly intended to deliver a punch to the back of the head or neck region, the referee may yell a warning and deduct points or pause the fight to address the infraction. If the fighter repeats this action, the referee will halt the match and address it once more while deducting points.
If a fighter ever collapses due to a rabbit punch, the referee disqualifies the fighter who landed the punch.
Why Is It Called A Rabbit Punch?
The term originated with hunters who used to trap rabbits and in order to kill the rabbit, they would strike the animal in the back of the head. If executed properly, the brain stem detaches and immediately causes death.
Examples Of How Rabbit Punch Is Used In Commentary
1. Johnson throws a powerful right cross, that twists his opponent around and in a daze. With his momentum and instincts taking over, Johnson hits the fighter with a rabbit punch to the back of the head and gets a warning from the referee.
Sport The Term Is Used
1. Boxing
