Here are eight illegal boxing punches:
- Rabbit Punch
- Kidney Punch
- Low Blow (Groin Punch)
- Elbow Strike
- Superman Punch
- Spinning Backfist
- Headbutt
- Knee Strike
Illegal boxing punches are devastating and can change the outcome of a fight. Not only can they get you disqualified, but they also have a chance of causing severe damage to your opponent. Many boxers have questioned me about this, so I decided to write this article.
This post will discuss the seven most devastating illegal boxing punches and why they’re illegal.
Table of Contents
1. Rabbit Punch
Rabbit punch is a punch to the base of the skull or behind the head. It’s illegal because you can separate the victim’s brain from the brain stem. If thrown, you will get a warning at first. Continued usage will lead to point deduction and disqualification.
The name of the punch comes from how hunters used to kill rabbits: a rapid, sharp blow to the base of the skull. It is seen as dangerous and harmful since it can potentially hurt the cervical vertebrae, which could harm the spinal cord and cause severe and permanent damage.
Why Is the Rabbit Punch Illegal in Boxing?
A rabbit punch is illegal in boxing because it is extremely dangerous and can cause severe injuries to the opponent.
A rabbit punch can separate the victim’s brain from the brain stem, killing the victim instantly. The back of the head is made up of many fragile nerves. A single rabbit punch could severely damage spinal nerves and cause paralysis.
What Happens if You Throw a Rabbit Punch In Boxing?
If a rabbit punch is thrown accidentally, the ref may warn you but not penalize you. However, continued usage will lead to a deduction in points and disqualification. Whether or not the punch causes harm will determine the severity of the punishment for a rabbit punch.
2. Kidney Punch
A kidney punch also known as the “gut shot” is an illegal boxing punch that’s aimed at the kidney. It is illegal because it can cause severe injuries to the opponent’s kidneys. The first time it occurs, the referee will warn the fighters.
Why Is a Kidney Punch Illegal in Boxing?
A kidney punch is illegal in boxing because, if misused, it can also cause severe injuries to the opponent’s kidneys. This punch can also lead to a concussion and even death.
It is a fist punch to the lower back that is banned by boxing regulations because it has the potential to cause severe internal damage.
What Happens if You Throw a Kidney Punch In Boxing?
The first time it occurs, the referee will warn the fighters. If a kidney punch is thrown purposely, the referee may disqualify you immediately. Continued use, however, will lead to further deductions from points and eventually a loss.
3. Low Blow (Groin Punch)
The low blow is a punch to the lower part of the groin that can cause serious injury. The punishment in boxing depends on how severe the low blows are.
If your opponent cannot proceed, you will be eliminated. Low blows are viewed as unfair or immoral and are frequently considered dishonorable.
Why Is a Low Blow Illegal?
In extreme cases, low blow is illegal because it can cause significant damage and even organ rupture. Low blows are illegal in boxing since they almost always result in an immediate victory over the opponent, which is not considered a fair fight.
What Happens if You Use Low Blows in Boxing?
When throwing low blows in boxing, the penalty depends on the severity. If you continue to throw low blows, you will be disqualified.
You will be disqualified if your opponent cannot continue, which often happens. Otherwise, it’s an immediate point deduction, even if it’s the first time and accidental.
4. Elbow Strike
The elbow strike is a punch that strikes an opponent in the head, jaw, or nose with the elbow. You will be automatically disqualified if you purposely execute an elbow strike in boxing.
Why Is an Elbow Strike Illegal?
The elbow strike is illegal because it’s against the basic rules of boxing, where you are only supposed to punch with your fists and gloves, not other parts like elbows.
Boxing is very strict about its rules, where even punching with the underside of gloves is illegal. An elbow strike is entirely legal in MMA and kickboxing as they are not as dangerous but could easily cut your opponent, making them bleed.
This type of elbow strike is more likely to cut an opponent or injure their eyes, which is the purpose of the ban.
What Happens if You Use an Elbow Strike in Boxing?
You will immediately get disqualified in boxing if you purposely throw an elbow strike. However, accidents happen, and most refs would warn you and deduct points, or in some cases, the refs might just give you a warning and not deduct any points.
5. Superman Punch
A superman punch is a type of illegal boxing punch that throws a cross, while kicking back to simulate a kick and adding more force to the punch.
The superman punch isn’t entirely illegal in boxing but it’s questionable. As long as you adhere to boxing rules, there is no penalty for throwing a superman punch.
Why is Superman Punch illegal?
The superman punch isn’t entirely illegal in boxing. However, it is a bit questionable because in boxing – you are supposed to have both feets on the canvas at all times.
No rules dictate that you can not jump when hitting an opponent. As kicks are not allowed in boxing, superman punches can be a bit pointless, which is why they are often looked down upon.
What Happens if You Throw a Superman Punch In Boxing?
As long as you adhere to boxing rules, there is no penalty for throwing a superman punch. Ensure that the jump doesn’t connect to your opponent, which can lead to a point deduction.
6. Spinning Backfist
A spinning backfist is a punching technique that uses the spin of the body to produce higher impact energy than a straight punch – making it an effective strike against stationary or slow-moving opponents.
Since it is against the rules to hit an opponent with an open hand in boxing, a spinning backfist is prohibited. Following the rules, engaging in a spinning backfist entails a warning, a point deduction, or outright disqualification.
Why Is a Spinning Backfist Illegal in Boxing?
A spinning backfist is illegal because of boxing rules whereby it’s illegal to hit an opponent with an open hand, which is what a spinning backfist does.
Since you can’t contact your opponent with the back of your hand, forearm, or elbow in boxing, spinning backfists is illegal. Additionally, you cannot purposefully turn away from your opponent.
What Happens if You Use a Spinning Backfist in Boxing?
The rules state that engaging in a spinning backfist will result in a warning, a point deduction, or outright disqualification. According to boxing concepts, a boxer who turns away from the action is typically doing so out of self-preservation.
This is an obviously illegal attack and would be dealt with far more severely. Boxers who do it risk losing a point or disqualification by the referee.
7. The Headbutt
The headbutt is a deadly move that strikes an opponent in the face with the forehead. This is extremely powerful because the forehead is one of the strongest bones in the human body.
When the forehead is used to strike vulnerable locations like the nose, the nose can easily get broken.
It is prohibited in boxing since it can seriously harm the recipient’s eyes and skull. Accidental headbutts are not penalized, but persistent headbutts are deducted points.
Why Is Headbutting Illegal in Boxing?
The headbutt is illegal because it can cause severe damage to the skull and brain tissue. It is regarded as a rapid, extremely efficient, yet dangerous move because a poorly placed blow can injure the person giving the headbutt. It’s also against the basic rules of boxing, where you are only allowed to use your fist.
What Happens if You Headbutt While Boxing?
Headbutts are common in boxing where some are accidental, some are not. Accidental headbutts are fine, but continuous headbutts result in a point deduction.
Many boxers get away with headbutts because it could be hard to see from the referee’s angle, especially if the fighters are close-range fighters like Mike Tyson.
8. Knee Strike
A knee is a strong move that strikes an opponent in the lower abdomen or stomach.
Because it can seriously internally harm the opponent’s essential organs, it is regarded as prohibited. Because it violates the fundamental boxing rule that you can only use your fits, it is unlawful.
Why Is Knee Drop Illegal in Boxing?
The knee strike is considered illegal because it can cause severe internal damage to the opponent. A knee kick has the same force of impact as being struck by a car.
This can cause serious injury to your opponent and might also end in death, which is why it is illegal in boxing.
What Happens if You Use a Knee Drop In Boxing?
The only goal of boxing is to use your hands to strike and block. In a boxing competition, kicking is considered an offense that could result in a warning, point deductions, or even disqualification.
Is Double Punching Illegal?
No, double punching isn’t entirely illegal. However, it is rarely used as it is considered a pointless punch by many. With a double punch, you cannot get the right hip and shoulder rotation-making your punches ineffective and tiring you out.
A double punch is when you hit your opponent with two punches simultaneously. Many people are curious and assume double punches are illegal because they aren’t used. But it’s legal and such a bad punch that no boxers use it.
Conclusion
Illegal boxing punches are devastating and can change the outcome of a fight. Not only that, they are illegal for a reason. They can cause significant damage to the person at the receiving end of the moves, which is why it’s best if you avoid them during your matches.
In this post, I talked about eight of the most devastating illegal boxing punches, why they’re illegal, and the outcomes you might face if you use them in a match.
