Explanation of a Knockout Punch

The knockout punch, whether it occurs in a boxing match or a mixed martial arts competition, is one of the most exciting -- and sometimes frightening -- events in sports. Fighters train hard to deliver knockout blows and to develop techniques to prevent being knocked out themselves. To deliver or avoid a knockout punch, it helps to understand some of the inner workings of the human body.

  1. The Beginning of the Knockout Blow

    • As described in "The Anatomy of a One-Punch Knockout," the blow that disables an opponent actually begins when the puncher plants his rear foot into the ground. His energy travels upward to his hips and through the most powerful muscles in his back and shoulders. When the fighter twists his hips and snaps his arm, the energy is released through his fist into his target.

    Skull Reaction

    • When the knockout punch connects with the point of the chin or the temple, the target's neck snaps backward or sideways. This causes the skull to accelerate and then come to a sudden stop in an unnatural manner.

    Brain Movement

    • After the skull stops moving, the brain inside continues to float in its fluid. It bangs back and forth inside the skull, much like a pinball, suffering damage whenever it comes in contact with the bone.

    Neurological Reaction

    • The neurological circuitry responds to the brain trauma with an "electrical storm" that short-circuits the nervous system throughout the body. The result is a loss of consciousness.

    Avoiding a Knockout

    • Debate continues as to whether proper training can create a knockout-proof fighter. The only way a fighter can truly avoid being knocked out is to avoid being punched. In his article "The Chin, the Beard, the Knockout," Ross Enamait says strengthening the neck can be beneficial because it will keep a fighter's head from excessively snapping back in response to a punch, which in turn will reduce the amount of brain movement inside the skull.