In soccer, the ultimate goal is to shoot a ball through a 24-foot goal. Runners compete to be the first to cross the finish line, while football players aim for the end zone. For those whose sport involves lacing up gloves and competing within the 80-foot perimeter of a boxing ring, the knockout punch is the ultimate goal of the sport. The knockout punch serves as a sudden win for the competitor throwing the punch and an instant defeat for the knockout victim, despite the clock or any previous score.
The Science of a Knockout Punch
In medical terms, a knockout punch is a form of cerebral concussion. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, a concussion is considered a brain injury and results in a temporary loss of brain function. When a punch hits the side of a boxer's jaw, the initial blow causes a fast rotation of the skull. The brain is unable to keep up with the rotation and collides with the skull, tearing nerve fibers and bruising the temporal lobe. A rotational punch is usually the result of hooks or roundhouse punches. When a punch hits the opponent and his or her head throws straight back, it is linear punch often caused by a jab. A linear punch causes minor rotational acceleration. Oftentimes, it knocks the boxer into a daze, giving the opponent a chance to apply a rotational punch which may lead to an unconscious knockout.
Types of Knockouts
There are four types of knockout punches, categorized by the severity and effect of the punch. The first type of knockout is a technical knockout. A technical knockout occurs when the hit boxer remains on his feet but is disoriented and unable to self-defend. The second type of knockout occurs when the boxer is hit to the floor, remains conscious, but is unable to rise before the count of 10. In the third type of knockout, the boxer is knocked unconscious but recovers quickly. The final type of knockout occurs when a boxer is knocked out and remains unconscious for an extended period of time.
How to Throw a Knockout Punch
"The ideal place for a knockout punch is on the chin," states Paul Barton, boxing trainer at Irongloves Boxing in Tempe, Arizona. "It just hangs there. There is nothing to absorb the impact. For example, if you knock on your chin, you should feel it by your ears." Another target spot is right infringement of the ears because this is the same place that takes the impact from getting hit in the jaw. Paul adds that "regardless of where you hit a person, if you hit hard enough anywhere on the head, there is a chance of a knockout."
Dangers
Boxing is a dangerous sport with the potential to cause serious head injuries to its participants. The American Association of Neurological Surgeons states, "The force of a professional boxer's fist is equivalent to being hit with a 13 pound bowling ball traveling 20 miles per hour, or about 52 g's." Their studies indicate most professional boxers have some degree of brain injury. Throughout the years, several famous boxers have suffered brain injury in the ring and later in life. At the age of 42, prominent boxer Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Many people believe his condition was caused by brain injuries sustained in the boxing ring.
Prevention
Amateur boxing leagues require participants to wear head gear and undergo a physical performed by a doctor prior to participating. Gum shields are also worn to protect the boxer's mouth. However, in an article on the ESPN website, professional boxer Wayne "Pocket Rocket" McCullough says wearing head protection is like wearing blinkers and that you cannot see the punches coming to defend yourself. Over the years, many people, including medical professionals, lobbied to have the sport banned. Boxing supporters claim that if the sport is banned, it will only go underground, creating potentially more dangers.
