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Expanded the ‘Rabbit Punch’ article to provide a comprehensive overview, including its definition, origins, legality across different combat sports, notable incidents highlighting the dangers associated with the technique, and penalties enforced in various sports disciplines.
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{{Short description|Blow to the back of the head}}
{{Short description|Blow to the back of the head or base of the skull, considered illegal in combat sports}}
{{About|the illegal boxing move|the 1948 cartoon|Rabbit Punch}}
{{About|the illegal boxing move|the 1948 cartoon|Rabbit Punch}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2024}}
{{wiktionary}}


{{Infobox martial art form
A '''rabbit punch''' is a [[punch (strike)|blow]] to the back of the head or to the base of the [[skull]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://healthyliving.azcentral.com/rabbit-punching-boxing-3702.html |title=What Is Rabbit Punching in Boxing? |first=Matthew |last=Lee |publisher=AZCentral}}</ref> It is considered especially dangerous because it can damage the [[cervical vertebrae]] and subsequently the [[spinal cord]], which may lead to serious and irreparable [[spinal cord injury]]. A rabbit punch can also detach the victim's [[brain]] from the [[brain stem]],<ref>{{cite web |title=The medical effects of one punch on the human body |url=https://www.health.qld.gov.au/news-events/news/one-punch-medical-effects-can-kill |website=www.health.qld.gov.au |publisher=[[Queensland Health]] |access-date=24 November 2019 |date=22 August 2017}}</ref> which can kill instantly.
| name = Rabbit Punch
| other_names =
| image = [[File:Rickson vs Zulu 1.jpg]]
| imagesize = 50px
| caption = A depiction of a rabbit punch, an illegal strike to the back of the head.
| martial_art = Boxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
| origin =
| creator =
| creation_date =
}}

A '''rabbit punch''' is a [[punch (strike)|blow]] delivered to the back of the head or to the base of the [[skull]], notorious for its potential to cause severe and irreversible injuries, including spinal cord injury or even instant death.


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
The term was coined in 1915.<ref>{{cite web |title=Rabbit punch |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rabbit%20punch |website=Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary |publisher=Merriam-Webster |access-date=26 February 2023}}</ref> The punch's name is derived from the use of the technique by [[hunter]]s to kill [[rabbit]]s with a quick, sharp [[strike (attack)|strike]] to the back of the head.<ref>{{cite web |last=Langer |first=Richard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040501011125/http://www.motherearthnews.com/menarch/archive/issues/015/015-018-01.htm |title=Extract from "Grow it!" |website=www.motherearthnews.com |url=http://www.motherearthnews.com/menarch/archive/issues/015/015-018-01.htm |archive-date=2004-05-01}}</ref>
The term "rabbit punch" dates back to the early 20th century<ref>{{cite web |title=Rabbit punch |url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rabbit%20punch |website=Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary |publisher=Merriam-Webster |access-date=26 February 2023}}</ref>, which derives from a hunting technique where a quick, sharp strike to the back of a rabbit's head was used to ensure a swift kill without damaging the fur, considered a humane method for killing injured or trapped rabbits.<ref>{{cite web |last=Langer |first=Richard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040501011125/http://www.motherearthnews.com/menarch/archive/issues/015/015-018-01.htm |title=Extract from "Grow it!" |website=www.motherearthnews.com |url=http://www.motherearthnews.com/menarch/archive/issues/015/015-018-01.htm |archive-date=2004-05-01}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bigrightboxing.com/what-is-a-rabbit-punch-in-boxing-and-why-its-so-nasty|title=What Is A Rabbit Punch In Boxing? (And Why It's So Nasty)|publisher=Big Right Boxing|access-date=2024-02-12}}</ref>


==Combat sports==
==Legality and Risks==
⚫
Rabbit punches are illegal across all major [[combat sports]], including [[boxing]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/15/sports/othersports/15boxing.html?ref=hasimrahman |title=Lots of Fighting, but Little Resolution for Boxing's Heavyweights |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |first=Clifton |last=Brown |date=November 15, 2004}}</ref> [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.gov/lps/sacb/docs/martial.html |title=NJ State Athletic Control Board – Proposed Rules – Rules Governing Boxing, Extreme Wrestling and Sparring Exhibitions and Performance Bond Procedure |publisher=Nj.gov |access-date=2013-07-21}}</ref> and other combat sports<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usmta.com/PDF-Files/USMTA-Briefing.pdf |title=USMTA Briefing on Muay Thai Rules for Competitive Fighters, 2006 – 2010 Edition|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531010835/http://www.usmta.com/PDF-Files/USMTA-Briefing.pdf |archive-date=2013-05-31 }}</ref> that involve [[strike (attack)|striking]] due to the significant risk they pose to the spinal cord and brain stem. Such strikes can lead to catastrophic injuries, including paralysis, severe brain damage, or death, due to the vulnerability of the back of the head and neck area.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmaturtle.com/what-is-rabbit-punch-in-boxing-and-mma|title=What is Rabbit Punch in Boxing and MMA (Explained)|publisher=MMA Turtle|access-date=2024-02-12}}</ref> The only exceptions are no-holds-barred events such as the [[International Vale Tudo Championship]] (prior to rule changes in mid-2012).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/380296 |title=Sergio Batarelli's IVC to return – Mixed Martial Arts News |publisher=Mixedmartialarts.com |access-date=2013-07-21}}</ref>
[[File:Rickson vs Zulu 1.jpg|thumb|[[Rickson Gracie]] does rabbit punches by elbowing his opponent [[Rei Zulu]] on the back on his head in a [[Vale Tudo]] bout]]
⚫
The rabbit punch is illegal in [[boxing]],<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/15/sports/othersports/15boxing.html?ref=hasimrahman |title=Lots of Fighting, but Little Resolution for Boxing's Heavyweights |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |first=Clifton |last=Brown |date=November 15, 2004}}</ref> [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nj.gov/lps/sacb/docs/martial.html |title=NJ State Athletic Control Board – Proposed Rules – Rules Governing Boxing, Extreme Wrestling and Sparring Exhibitions and Performance Bond Procedure |publisher=Nj.gov |access-date=2013-07-21}}</ref> and other [[combat sports]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.usmta.com/PDF-Files/USMTA-Briefing.pdf |title=USMTA Briefing on Muay Thai Rules for Competitive Fighters, 2006 – 2010 Edition|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531010835/http://www.usmta.com/PDF-Files/USMTA-Briefing.pdf |archive-date=2013-05-31 }}</ref> that involve [[strike (attack)|striking]]. The only exceptions are no-holds-barred events such as the [[International Vale Tudo Championship]] (prior to rule changes in mid-2012).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/news/380296 |title=Sergio Batarelli's IVC to return – Mixed Martial Arts News |publisher=Mixedmartialarts.com |access-date=2013-07-21}}</ref>
⚫
On October 17, 2015, [[Prichard Colón]], a well known boxer, was struck on the back of the head multiple times by his opponent, Terrel Williams by using the rabbit punch. During the match, Colón experienced dizziness as a result of the illegal punches. After the match ended, Colón began to tremble from his legs and started to vomit. He was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with brain bleeding and underwent surgery. He was in a coma for 221 days (7 months, 1 week) until he was transferred to his mother's house. As a result of the injuries he sustained, Colón fell into a [[persistent vegetative state]] where he no longer could move or talk. As of July 2021, 6 years after the fight, Colón is making more progress and is getting treatment for his condition, but is still expected to remain in a vegetative state.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefocus.news/lifestyle/prichard-colon-2021/ |title=Where is Prichard Colon in 2021? Will the former boxer recover? |last=McManus |first=Leigh |date={{date|August 2021}} |website=The Focus |publisher=GRV Media Ltd |access-date={{date|14 May 2022}} |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912123830/https://www.thefocus.news/lifestyle/prichard-colon-2021/ |archive-date={{date|12 September 2021}}}}</ref>


==Amateur sports==
==Notable Incidents==
Several high-profile incidents have underscored the dangers of rabbit punches:
⚫
* On October 17, 2015, [[Prichard Colón]], a well known boxer, was struck on the back of the head multiple times by his opponent, Terrel Williams by using the rabbit punch. During the match, Colón experienced dizziness as a result of the illegal punches. After the match ended, Colón began to tremble from his legs and started to vomit. He was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with brain bleeding and underwent surgery. He was in a coma for 221 days (7 months, 1 week) until he was transferred to his mother's house. As a result of the injuries he sustained, Colón fell into a [[persistent vegetative state]] where he no longer could move or talk. As of July 2021, 6 years after the fight, Colón is making more progress and is getting treatment for his condition, but is still expected to remain in a vegetative state.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.thefocus.news/lifestyle/prichard-colon-2021/ |title=Where is Prichard Colon in 2021? Will the former boxer recover? |last=McManus |first=Leigh |date={{date|August 2021}} |website=The Focus |publisher=GRV Media Ltd |access-date={{date|14 May 2022}} |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912123830/https://www.thefocus.news/lifestyle/prichard-colon-2021/ |archive-date={{date|12 September 2021}}}}</ref>
* Francisco Leal died from severe brain and brain stem damage in 2013 after a match with Raul Hirales, where a rabbit punch was involved.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.groundedmma.com/what-is-a-rabbit-punch-in-boxing-mma-penalties-deaths/|title=What Is a Rabbit Punch In Boxing/MMA? (Penalties & Deaths)|publisher=Grounded MMA|access-date=2024-02-12}}</ref>
* Tim Hague, an ex-UFC fighter, died following a boxing match against Adam Braidwood in 2017, with rabbit punches contributing to a fatal brain hemorrhage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.groundedmma.com/what-is-a-rabbit-punch-in-boxing-mma-penalties-deaths/|title=What Is a Rabbit Punch In Boxing/MMA? (Penalties & Deaths)|publisher=Grounded MMA|access-date=2024-02-12}}</ref>


On June 29, 2014, [[soccer]] referee [[Northern Guard Supporters#John Bieniewicz Fundraising|John Bieniewicz]] was punched in the neck by Baseel Abdul Amir Saad, an upset player in an amateur match he was officiating in [[Livonia, Michigan]], a suburb of [[Detroit]]. Bieniewicz died two days later of his injuries, and Saad was charged with [[second-degree murder]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-accused-of-murder-in-michigan-referee-death-due-in-court/ |title=Man accused of fatally punching Mich. referee due in court |date= July 30, 2014 |publisher= [[Associated Press]] |access-date= August 4, 2014}}</ref> Bieniewicz's [[autopsy]] showed that the force of the impact on the left side of his neck just below the base of his skull had resulted in a rare injury with twisted and torn [[arteries]] around the base of his skull, knocking him out before he hit the ground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://archive.freep.com/article/20140731/NEWS02/307310121 |title=Judge: Man should've known punch could kill soccer ref |date= July 31, 2014 |newspaper= [[Detroit Free Press]] |access-date= November 17, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, Saad pleaded guilty to [[manslaughter]] and received a sentence of 8 to 15 years in prison.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bassel Saad, Soccer Player, Sentenced in Killing of Referee |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/soccer-player-bassel-saad-sentenced-8-15-years-prison-killing-n323066 |access-date=24 December 2018 |work=NBC Nightly News |agency=NBC News |date=March 13, 2015}}</ref>
* On June 29, 2014, [[soccer]] referee [[Northern Guard Supporters#John Bieniewicz Fundraising|John Bieniewicz]] was punched in the neck by Baseel Abdul Amir Saad, an upset player in an amateur match he was officiating in [[Livonia, Michigan]], a suburb of [[Detroit]]. Bieniewicz died two days later of his injuries, and Saad was charged with [[second-degree murder]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/man-accused-of-murder-in-michigan-referee-death-due-in-court/ |title=Man accused of fatally punching Mich. referee due in court |date= July 30, 2014 |publisher= [[Associated Press]] |access-date= August 4, 2014}}</ref> Bieniewicz's [[autopsy]] showed that the force of the impact on the left side of his neck just below the base of his skull had resulted in a rare injury with twisted and torn [[arteries]] around the base of his skull, knocking him out before he hit the ground. <ref>{{cite news |url=http://archive.freep.com/article/20140731/NEWS02/307310121 |title=Judge: Man should've known punch could kill soccer ref |date= July 31, 2014 |newspaper= [[Detroit Free Press]] |access-date= November 17, 2014}}</ref> In 2015, Saad pleaded guilty to [[manslaughter]] and received a sentence of 8 to 15 years in prison.<ref>{{cite news |title=Bassel Saad, Soccer Player, Sentenced in Killing of Referee |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/soccer-player-bassel-saad-sentenced-8-15-years-prison-killing-n323066 |access-date=24 December 2018 |work=NBC Nightly News |agency=NBC News |date=March 13, 2015}}</ref>

==Penalties and Enforcement==
{{Expand section|date=February 2024}}
Penalties for delivering a rabbit punch vary, with intentional rabbit punches leading to point deductions, disqualification, fines, suspension, or revocation of the fighter's license. Unintentional rabbit punches may result in warnings or point deductions, depending on the severity and the discretion of the referee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxingready.com/what-is-rabbit-punching-in-boxing/|title=What Is Rabbit Punching in Boxing?|publisher=Boxing Ready|access-date=2024-02-12}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.groundedmma.com/what-is-a-rabbit-punch-in-boxing-mma-penalties-deaths/|title=What Is a Rabbit Punch In Boxing/MMA? (Penalties & Deaths)|publisher=Grounded MMA|access-date=2024-02-12}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
⚫
* [[Donkey punch]]
⚫
* [[Whiplash injury]]


⚫
* [[Donkey punch]]
⚫
==References==
⚫
* [[Whiplash injury]]
{{Reflist}}

⚫
== References ==
{{reflist}}


{{Boxing}}
{{Boxing}}
{{Mixed martial arts}}


[[Category:Boxing terminology]]
[[Category:Boxing terminology]]
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[[Category:Banned sports tactics]]
[[Category:Banned sports tactics]]
[[Category:Skull]]
[[Category:Skull]]

{{martialart-stub}}

Revision as of 00:06, 13 February 2024

This article is about the illegal boxing move. For the 1948 cartoon, see Rabbit Punch.

Rabbit Punch
A depiction of a rabbit punch, an illegal strike to the back of the head.
Martial artBoxing, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)

A rabbit punch is a blow delivered to the back of the head or to the base of the skull, notorious for its potential to cause severe and irreversible injuries, including spinal cord injury or even instant death.

Etymology

The term "rabbit punch" dates back to the early 20th century[1], which derives from a hunting technique where a quick, sharp strike to the back of a rabbit's head was used to ensure a swift kill without damaging the fur, considered a humane method for killing injured or trapped rabbits.[2][3]

Legality and Risks

Rabbit punches are illegal across all major combat sports, including boxing,[4] MMA,[5] and other combat sports[6] that involve striking due to the significant risk they pose to the spinal cord and brain stem. Such strikes can lead to catastrophic injuries, including paralysis, severe brain damage, or death, due to the vulnerability of the back of the head and neck area.[7] The only exceptions are no-holds-barred events such as the International Vale Tudo Championship (prior to rule changes in mid-2012).[8]

Notable Incidents

Several high-profile incidents have underscored the dangers of rabbit punches:

  • On October 17, 2015, Prichard Colón, a well known boxer, was struck on the back of the head multiple times by his opponent, Terrel Williams by using the rabbit punch. During the match, Colón experienced dizziness as a result of the illegal punches. After the match ended, Colón began to tremble from his legs and started to vomit. He was rushed to the hospital where he was diagnosed with brain bleeding and underwent surgery. He was in a coma for 221 days (7 months, 1 week) until he was transferred to his mother's house. As a result of the injuries he sustained, Colón fell into a persistent vegetative state where he no longer could move or talk. As of July 2021, 6 years after the fight, Colón is making more progress and is getting treatment for his condition, but is still expected to remain in a vegetative state.[9]
  • Francisco Leal died from severe brain and brain stem damage in 2013 after a match with Raul Hirales, where a rabbit punch was involved.[10]
  • Tim Hague, an ex-UFC fighter, died following a boxing match against Adam Braidwood in 2017, with rabbit punches contributing to a fatal brain hemorrhage.[11]
  • On June 29, 2014, soccer referee John Bieniewicz was punched in the neck by Baseel Abdul Amir Saad, an upset player in an amateur match he was officiating in Livonia, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. Bieniewicz died two days later of his injuries, and Saad was charged with second-degree murder.[12] Bieniewicz's autopsy showed that the force of the impact on the left side of his neck just below the base of his skull had resulted in a rare injury with twisted and torn arteries around the base of his skull, knocking him out before he hit the ground. [13] In 2015, Saad pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a sentence of 8 to 15 years in prison.[14]

Penalties and Enforcement

Penalties for delivering a rabbit punch vary, with intentional rabbit punches leading to point deductions, disqualification, fines, suspension, or revocation of the fighter's license. Unintentional rabbit punches may result in warnings or point deductions, depending on the severity and the discretion of the referee.[15]

See also

* Donkey punch * Whiplash injury

References

  1. ^ "Rabbit punch". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  2. ^ Langer, Richard. "Extract from "Grow it!"". www.motherearthnews.com. Archived from the original on 1 May 2004.
  3. ^ "What Is A Rabbit Punch In Boxing? (And Why It's So Nasty)". Big Right Boxing. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  4. ^ Brown, Clifton (15 November 2004). "Lots of Fighting, but Little Resolution for Boxing's Heavyweights". The New York Times.
  5. ^ "NJ State Athletic Control Board – Proposed Rules – Rules Governing Boxing, Extreme Wrestling and Sparring Exhibitions and Performance Bond Procedure". Nj.gov. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  6. ^ "USMTA Briefing on Muay Thai Rules for Competitive Fighters, 2006 – 2010 Edition" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 31 May 2013.
  7. ^ "What is Rabbit Punch in Boxing and MMA (Explained)". MMA Turtle. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  8. ^ "Sergio Batarelli's IVC to return – Mixed Martial Arts News". Mixedmartialarts.com. Retrieved 21 July 2013.
  9. ^ McManus, Leigh (August 2021). "Where is Prichard Colon in 2021? Will the former boxer recover?". The Focus. GRV Media Ltd. Archived from the original on 12 September 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  10. ^ "What Is a Rabbit Punch In Boxing/MMA? (Penalties & Deaths)". Grounded MMA. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  11. ^ "What Is a Rabbit Punch In Boxing/MMA? (Penalties & Deaths)". Grounded MMA. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
  12. ^ "Man accused of fatally punching Mich. referee due in court". Associated Press. 30 July 2014. Retrieved 4 August 2014.
  13. ^ "Judge: Man should've known punch could kill soccer ref". Detroit Free Press. 31 July 2014. Retrieved 17 November 2014.
  14. ^ "Bassel Saad, Soccer Player, Sentenced in Killing of Referee". NBC Nightly News. NBC News. 13 March 2015. Retrieved 24 December 2018.
  15. ^ "What Is Rabbit Punching in Boxing?". Boxing Ready. Retrieved 12 February 2024."What Is a Rabbit Punch In Boxing/MMA? (Penalties & Deaths)". Grounded MMA. Retrieved 12 February 2024.
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