In boxing, a knockout punch is one that either causes your opponent to lose consciousness or disables his capacity to defend himself within reason. However, your ability to deliver such a blow does not rely solely on the strength of your build. Many aspect of a boxer's skill set combine to create the conditions conducive to knockout.
Sweet Spot
When a fighter talks of hitting someone "right on the button," he is most likely referring to a chin shot, a punch delivered directly to the lowest point of the jaw. In boxing, this is known as the "sweet spot." The reason that a punch to the chin can be so effective in rendering your opponent unconscious is due to the laws of physics. The bones lining the lower sides of your jaw are very conducive to vibration. When a punch lands directly to a person's chin, the energy transmitted travels through the underside of his mouth, up the rear jaw-bone and into the brain. The result is a dramatic shock within his cranial cavity. This sudden jolt throws the persons brain into confusion. The brain then responds by temporarily suspending certain functions unnecessary to life, such as motor ability and even consciousness, as it works to restore equilibrium.
What You Don't See
A widely known truth among boxing insiders is that it's not the hardest punch that tends to knock you out, but rather the one that you don't see coming. When a boxer throws an extremely powerful punch, she often exhibits an excess of bodily movement beforehand. This gives her opponent the opportunity to see the attack coming and "brace" for the blow. When your brain is prepared for a collision, it can often remain coherent following the impact. However, a fighter who is caught completely off-guard will have a difficult time maintaining composure.
Turning it Over
Turning over a punch means to twist your fist and arm, just before contact, in a way that increases its power and "snap." This sends an extra jolt of energy into the impacted area, increasing the damage inflicted. In the case of hitting your opponent on the chin, turning over the punch accelerates and intensifies the vibration sent to his brain, increasing the probability of a knockout.
From the Legs
Power is primarily generated from the legs and abdominal core. While upper-arm strength does contribute to the potency of your punch, most of its force comes from underneath. A knockout punch begins from the floor, by pushing your weight from the calves, through your upper legs and midsection. Your shoulders, arms and hands then act as a delivery system that transfers the momentum created to your opponent.
Power at the End
Although power begins in your lower body, the full impact of your punch lies at the striking end. Each hit is a process, enlisting all muscle groups to create the most force at the point of collision. A punch stopped midway through its extension holds a fraction of the power that one which is followed through contains. At the end of each punch, a skilled boxer will harden her frame the very instant her punch makes contact with the other fighter, completing the motion and creating the perfect conditions for a knockout.
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