what is a rabbit punch

A rabbit punch is a sharp blow to the back of the neck or the base of the skull, and it is considered dangerous and illegal in boxing and many combat sports.

Quick Scoop

It’s called a “rabbit punch” because the term originally referred to the way rabbits were struck in hunting. The move is risky because the area at the back of the head and neck is especially vulnerable to serious injury.

In plain terms

• Where it lands: Back of the neck or back of the head.

• Why it matters: It can cause severe injury, including loss of consciousness or worse.

• In sports: Usually banned because it targets a highly vulnerable area.

Simple example

If someone says a boxer threw a rabbit punch, they mean the fighter struck from behind or near the back of the head in an illegal way.

TL;DR: A rabbit punch is a dangerous, usually illegal strike to the back of the neck or head.