Rabbit punches.

[Shake]

I'm a big boxing fan, and have seen a lot of notable fights. Just now, I watched Gerald McLellan vs Nigel Benn, which is a fight I had avoided for a very long time. I knew the outcome, and I didn't want to see it.

What I wanted to bring up is the fact that rabbit punches are still abundant today. While an intentional low blow or intentional headbutt will get you a warning and/or point deduction fast, you can safely rabbit punch for eight rounds before most referees take decisive action. Having just watched the fight I have..

Why?

[The Kurgan]

Some possible reasons-

1. Innaccuracy. It is at least perceived by refs to be easier to accidentally hit behind the ear than to accidentally punch below the belt.

2. Often it doesn't change the result of the fight. As far as I'm aware, there has never been any medical proof that McClellan's injuries were caused by rabbit punches (he was reporting "something wrong" to his corner after the second round). A low blow or a headbutt can totally turn a fight around in a way a rabbit punch can't.