Tag: Combat

The majority of fighters in the world are either right-handed or stand in the orthodox stance. It’s obviously the most common stance in all striking martial arts since most people in the world are right-handed.

We talked about the southpaw stance in a previous write-up, so let’s talk about the stance that nearly all fighter’s use. Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to know about the orthodox stance. 

What is the Orthodox Stance?

For new fans that may not know, let’s explain the orthodox stance. It’s a fighting stance, where fighters stand with their left foot in front and their right foot in the back.

Your right hand is connected to your chin or head, while your left hand is in the lead. The lead left hand works as the first line of defense to test the range between you and your opponent.

Ninety percent of the world is right-handed, which means that most that train in striking arts are left-handed.

How was the Orthodox Stance Created?

When people first started studying the science and physics of striking, righties began making realizations about how they fight. 

Early fighting practitioners realized that their back hand exerted more power than their lead hand. This obviously due to a law of physics that you can create more force with a greater distance.

The mechanics of a back punch involves the generation of power by turning your hand and shifting your weight. Since there’s more distance between your back hand and opponent means more force is generated.

So, early practitioners also realized that we all have a dominant hand, we do most tasks with. It was just common sense for right-handed dominant people to make their right hand their power hand.

Righties have more control over their right hand, which makes it easy to generate power on their punches.

The Benefit of Fighting in the Orthodox Stance

The biggest benefit to being a fighter that stands in the orthodox stance is that you’re in the majority. You’re going to have an easier time picking up the fundamentals of striking easier when more people stand like you.

Not just learning how to strike, but also how to move, defend, and set up traps. Righties definitely have a leg up on lefties since southpaws have to learn everything in reverse.

Do Southpaws Stand in the Orthodox Stance?

When you train around more experienced fighters, you will learn something that may surprise you. Not all fighters that fight in the orthodox stance are left handed and vice versa for southpaw fighters.

When a fighter begins to develop their skills, they realize that they don’t have to stand in just one type of stance. They can begin switching stances to throw their opponents off and land a variety of different punches.

Many fighters with a strong back hand like to switch their stance and put it in front. Enabling them to throw more powerful jabs and hooks with their left hand in front.

There’s many left-handed fighters like Paul Daley that chose to stand in an orthodox stance. He would do this to set up his deadly left hook that put many fighters to sleep during his career.

Tips For Standing in the Orthodox Stance

If you’re a righty just getting into training in MMA, boxing, or Muay Thai, here are some tips for standing in the orthodox stance. (Note: Many of these tips can also be used if you stand in the southpaw stance)

Hands Up! 

No matter what stance you stay in, the same rule applies whether you’re practicing, boxing, Muay Thai, or MMA. Keep your hands up!

Your lead left should be slightly rotated outward to parry and catch punches. Then your back right hand should either be in front of your chin, against your chin, or the side of your head.

This is basic 101 boxing and striking to protect yourself at all times.

Chin Down

Whether you’re a righty or a lefty, you always need to keep your chin down. Your chin is the main target that your opponent will be looking to hit.

If you develop a bad habit of keeping your chin up, your opponent will have an easier path to hit you. That’s why you need to be mindful of lifting your chin and try to keep it down. 

Bend Your Knees

Any good fighting stance involves that you have a bend in your knees. It allows you to be more fluid with your movement and exert more speed and power on your strikes.

When you’re shifting your power forward, you have to bend your knees. Which is why you always need a little bend in your knees when sparring or drilling technique.

Don’t Be Flat-Footed 

Along with always keeping your knees bent, you must never stay flat-footed when practicing technique. When you’re fighting flat-footed, your movement and speed of your strikes is noticeably slower. It also makes it easier for your opponent to hit you.

That’s why you should try to stand on the balls or center of your feet with your heels slightly off the ground. Standing like this gives you more bounce in your step, allowing you to move faster and have more fluid technique.

Feet Placement 

Just as important as not being flat-footed is your feet placement in a fighting stance. Depending on the striking art you practice, the placement will slightly vary, but they all share one thing in common.

Your feet need to be placed in a way where you have full control of your balance. Either keep your feet shoulder width apart or just a half step further, so as not to compromise your balance.

Also in an orthodox stance, have your left foot slightly ahead of your right foot. Never keep your feet aligned with one another in a fighting stance.

Remember to Shift Weight 

The three tips above go together for this tip, which is to remember to shift your weight. Any time you throw a punch, kick, or elbow, you create power by shifting your weight.

The power is generated in your back foot, then as you shift towards your opponent, your power gets transmitted. Then as you shift your weight forward, this power gets thrown outward towards your opponent.

Turn Your Punches/Kicks Over 

One thing that you can do to create more power on your strikes is to learn how to turn your punches/kicks over. Do a quick test where you throw a punch or roundhouse without turning your hand or foot over.

Now, throw one of these strikes where you turn your hand or foot over. You’ll notice a huge difference in the force you created by turning your hand/foot over when you threw your strike.

That is why you alway need to remember to turn your punches or kicks over to create more powerful strikes.

Lead Foot Placement

Whenever you’re fighting another person that’s in an orthodox stance, you must win the battle of foot placement. Beginner orthodox fighters are taught the importance of keeping their lead foot between their opponent’s feet.

This gives them an easier path to land strikes to their opponent’s body and head. Don’t forget this tip when you fight someone in an orthodox stance.

Learn to Move to the Right 

Generally when you first learn how to move in an orthodox stance, you’re more comfortable moving to the left. Righties will first learn how to move in their stance and will always go left. This is because it’s more comfortable moving towards your lead leg than your back leg.

That’s why it’s really important for orthodox stance fighters to learn how to move to their right. By moving to the right during sparring, it will knock off the rhythm of a fellow right-handed fighter.

Doing this could also jam their front hand, disabling them from throwing jabs and lead hooks. These problems reading the range will limit their punches and give you an advantage over your opponent.

Learn to Cut Off the Ring/Cage

Another tip that both orthodox and southpaw fighters use is to learn how to cut off the ring or cage. There is a special art in knowing how to cut off your opponent.

If you’re good at cutting off your fight area, you have a huge advantage over your opponent. You’re able to control the distance and set up your combos easier than your opponent.

By learning how to cut off the ring, you will keep your opponent on the defense and backing up.

There are numerous types of Karate, but arguably the most vicious form of this martial art is Kyokushin Karate. A special style of Karate where every technique is thrown with as much power as possible.

Here is everything you need to know about the special history of Kyokushin Karate. Going from how it was developed, its principles, the belt system, and rules of a Kyokushin Karate competition.

The History of Kyokushin Karate 

The art of Kyokushin Karate was created by Grandmaster Masutatsu “Mas” Oyama, who began developing the style in 1953. Master Oyama was originally a practitioner of Goju-ryu Karate who was teaching this style at his own school called Oyama Dojo.

Oyama’s dojo was located behind Rikkyo University, where he would get many of his students. Eventually, Oyama would stop teaching the Goju-ryu style and began teaching his own style of Karate.

The style of Karate that Oyama would teach used much more force than traditional forms of Karate. His style was one that was focused on strength and unleashing force in every technique.

Mas’ would continue on his project for the next ten years and legitimize what would become known as Kyokushin Karate. 

In Japanese, the word “kyokushin” means “ultimate truth.” Meaning that Oyama’s style of Karate shows the true potential of a Kyokushin Karate practitioner.

Known Students of May Oyama

When Oyama started his academy, he would not teach beginners. Instead, he would leave that job to his trusted advanced students to develop the fundamentals of the new students.

Some of the most known early instructors included: famous Japanese actor Masashi Ishibashi, Eiji Yasuda, and ichiro Miyamoto.

Six years after Master Oyama opened his dojo, he would award Hirofumi Okada his black belt. Making him the very first Kyokushin Karate black belt that was promoted personally by the founder May Oyama.

Oyama Establishes the IKOK

Eleven years after Oyama created his Kyokushin style of Karate, he would establish an official organization for his martial art. He would call it International Karate Organization Kyokushin Karate.(IKO/IKOK)

After establishing this organization, Oyama would hand pick black belt students to open their own academies. Not just picking students by their ability, but also by their marketing abilities.

This approach allowed for Kyokushin Karate to become one of the most practiced styles of Karate.

The First Full Contact Kyokushin Karate Competition

Master Oyama did not only develop his own Karate style, but also created his own style of Karate competition. In 1969, Oyama put on the very first All-Japan Full Contact Karate Open Championship. 

A unique and more brutal style of sparring that allowed full contact to an opponent’s entire body.(Groin attacks, eye gouges, and bites excluded.) The winner of the very first full contact Karate championship was Terutomo Yamizaki.

Four years after the first full contact Karate tournament, Oyama would put on the full contact world championship. His inaugural world championship event would take place in Tokyo Champion.

Critics of Kyokushin Karate

After the first full contact Karate events, traditionalist Karatekas were critical of Oyama’s style. Calling Kyokushin, a brawling style of Karate for the brutish way Kyokushin practitioners fought.

Oyama detested the moniker of “Kenka Karate (Brawling Karate) that many were calling his style. He believed that his style of Karate was more practical and how Karate should be practiced.

Despite the criticisms, Kyokushin Karate would continue to grow and become internationally practiced.

The Principles of Kyokushin Karate

The principles of Kyokushin Karate vary differently than the principles of other forms of Karate. Three specific principles that should be implemented in both your training and personal life.

• Self-Improvement
• Discipline
• Hard Training

Through discipline and hard training, you will continue to become a better you. Applying these principles to your training and everyday life would no doubt help you have a better quality of life.

The Training of Kyokushin Karate

The main thing that separates Kyokushin Karate from other styles of Karate is the hard training. You don’t just do the techniques, but execute them with force. 

But just like other forms of Karate, the class in Kyokushin Karate is also broken into three parts.

• Kata
• Kumite(Sparring)
• Self Defense

Kata

In Kyokushin Karate, they also do katas, which are formalized sequences of different fighting techniques. Kyokushin practitioners practice three specific katas, which are the Northern Kata, Southern Kata, and Ura Kata.

The Northern Kata was inspired by Shotokan Karate, while the Southern Kata was inspired by Goju-ryu Karate. Oyama’s Ura Kata was developed to help a student develop balance.

These katas are generally done at the beginning of class before the Kumite or sparring.

Kumite (Sparring)

Kumite(sparring) is done toward the end of class. As you probably already guessed, this is the segment of class where you apply the techniques you practiced earlier in class.

The sparring in Kyokushin Karate is hard, but they tend to never go 100%. Mainly going between 50-80% to save themselves for legitimate full contact competitions or kickboxing matches. 

This is an especially important segment of class for more advanced students that actively compete.

Self Defense

The self defense portion of a Kyokushin class has generally gone by the wayside as the style. Mainly due to this style of Karate moving more towards a sports style of practice rather than for self defense.

Master Oyama also never established techniques for self defense in the guidelines of Kyokushin. Each Kyokushin dojo may teach different self defense techniques depending on the instructor(s).

The Kyokushin Karate Belt System

In Kyokushin Karate, there are six lower belts a student must work through before earning their black belt.

• White Belt
• Orange Belt
• Blue Belt
• Yellow Belt
• Green Belt
• Brown Belt

In modern Kyokushin dojos like in most other martial arts with belt rankings, stripes are given out between each promotion.

When you receive a black belt in Kyokushin Karate of Dan, you are given a gold strip after every degree.

The Rules of Kyokushin Karate Competitions 

The rules of Kyokushin Karate or full contact Karate competitions are widely different from traditional Karate sparring events. Participants do not wear any form of protection. Just their Karate uniforms and hearts.

Here is a complete breakdown of the All-Japan Full Contact Championship rules taken from the official Kyokushin news website. https://kyokushinkarate.news/en/kyokushin-rules/competition-rules-all-japan-fullcontact-karate-championship

Judging Criteria

1. The five referees including the main referee shall judge the competition. However, the final decision rests with the Head Judge.
2. Since the decision should be a majority decision, in case of IPPON, WAZA-ARI, HANSOKU, JOGAI, HANTEI, etc, the decision is valid if at least three out of the five referees support it. A decision not supported by the majority, that is less than three of the referees, or a decision supported by only the Main Referee is not valid. However, any of the five referees has the right to protest a decision and claim further discussions. In the discussions, a monitor (video image) might be used as a reference.
3. The weighing shall be done with the attendance of referees before the competition.
4. If there is a weight difference of more than 7kg between the weight in the application and the weight checked before the competition, the competitor will be disqualified.
5. In case a competitor cannot continue the bout due to the opponent’s YUKO WAZA (effective attack), HANSOKU WAZA (foul attack) etc., the tournament doctor may give a “doctor’s stop” after consulting with the five referees or the Head Judge.

Striking Areas

Fights are full contact, but the rules for punches, kicks, and elbows vary. You can kick an opponent anywhere from their legs to head, but not the groin. You are only allowed to throw punches to the body and elbows to the head.

Kumite Rules

1. The time of the bouts is as provided later.
2. Victory is awarded to the competitor who has scored one full point (IPPON) or the one who has won by decision (including WAZA-ARI – half point) or the one whose opponent has been charged with a foul, or whose opponent has been disqualified.
3. The competitors shall enter the competition mat from opposite sides and stand by two lines, red and white, in the center of the fighting area, taking postures of Fudo Dachi, facing the front.
4. The bout starts with the Main Referee’s command HAJIME and ends with the Main Referee’s command YAME.
5. In case of any accident during the fight, the Main Referee may stop the bout.
6. When the Main Referee makes the sign of “Time”, the bout shall stop for a moment, and when he makes the sign of ZOKKOU (continue) the bout shall start again.

Ippon Gachi(Full Point)

An Ippon Gachi is a full point victory in full contact competitions. It is any legal strike that downs the opponent for more than three seconds. The competitor that landed the strike is awarded with the win.

Waza-ari(Half Point)

A Waza-ari is a half point that’s awarded when a competitor drops their opponent for less than three seconds. If the opponent can continue, the fight goes on and their competitor is awarded half a point.

If the fighter that drops earns another Waza-ari, they’re awarded a full Ippon Gachi. Much similar to the rules in Judo, where a half point is given for a semi-clean throw.

Hante(Decision)

If the time limit of the bout expires, the decision will go to the five judges, which is called a “Hante” or decision. For a competitor to win, three of the five judges must vote in their favor.

Famous Kyokushin Karate Fighters

There have been numerous combat sports athletes that became champions with their Kyokushin Karate background. Here are the most famous Kyokushin Karate fighters.

Andy Hug

Andy Hug was the first Kyokushin practitioner that became an international superstar in Karate. After winning multiple full contact titles in Europe, Hug transitioned to kickboxing and Muay Thai

He would go on to win the WKA Super Heavyweight Champion and the 1996 K1 Grand Prix Champion. Using his patented ax kick that made him famous.

Bas Rutten

Bas Rutten is an MMA pioneer and holds a fifth degree black belt in Kyokushin Karate. He would use his Karate and grappling skills to win the Pankration Championship and UFC Heavyweight Championship.

Georges St Pierre

Georges St Pierre is a legend in MMA that was known for being a complete fighter. His base in Kyokushin Karate helped establish him as one of the best MMA fighters of all time.

A term that you’ve probably heard before from either watching or training in combat sports is the term “rabbit punch.” A highly illegal technique in most sports that will result in a loss of points or immediate disqualification.

Let’s get into this striking technique and go over everything that you need to know about the rabbit punch. Going over why the rabbit punch is illegal, where the name comes from, and tragic stories from using these strikes.

What is a Rabbit Punch?

A rabbit punch is a type of hand strike that targets the back of an opponent’s head. Also, the base of the skull where your spine connects to your skull.

The term “rabbit punch” was first coined in 1915, which is used to kill rabbits. A person would strike a rabbit in the back of their head to instantly kill them.

Why is the Rabbit Punch Dangerous?

Just going by the definition of a rabbit punch, you can obviously guess that it’s an extremely dangerous strike. They not only pose the threat of permanent damage, but also death.

By striking at the base of the neck/skull, a fighter can paralyze their opponent by damaging their vertebrae. They could even disconnect their brain stem, which will cause instant death.

This is why rabbit punches are extremely dangerous and should never be thrown in practice or competition.

Is a Rabbit Punch Legal in Any Combat Sports?

There is not a sanctioned combat sport that allows rabbit punches in their rulesets. Whenever a referee or athletic commission official does a pre-fight rules meeting, they give their definition of a rabbit punch,

They will tell the fighters that they are allowed to strike their opponent from their nose to their airs. No types of strikes behind an opponent’s head are allowed in any combat sport that allow strikes.

Were Rabbit Punches Ever Legal?

The only time rabbit punches were allowed were in the early no-holds-barred events that the UFC used to run. Another promotion that allowed rabbit punches was the International Vale Tudo Championship.

Rabbit punches would be quickly outlawed in UFC events as rules were added during the evolution of the sport. The International Vale Tudo Championship would allow rabbit punches up until the year 2012.

Now the rabbit punch is illegal in all combat sports and rightly so.

What are the Penalties for Landing a Rabbit Punch?

Whenever a fighter lands a rabbit punch, the punishment is left up to the decision of a referee. Usually, they will either take a point or disqualify the fighter who threw the punch. Some more lenient referees may give a warning, which would be a heavily scrutinized decision.

If it is severe enough, a fighter may suffer a number of penalties after the match. They could subsequently be suspended, fined, and even have their fighter’s license revoked.

What Type of Punches are Considered Rabbit Punches? 

Literally any type of punch that targets the back of a fighter’s neck or head is considered a rabbit punch. It could be straights, hooks, overhangs, cupping strikes, or even hammer fists. 

Rabbit Punches in Boxing

In boxing, we generally see boxer’s land rabbit punches with looping punches, hooks, and cupping strikes. It all depends on the situation on what type of rabbit punch is used.

If an opponent is keeping tight guards, a fighter may try to land looping shots or hooks. Going around their opponent’s gloves to target behind their knee.

Whenever an opponent continuously ducks their head down, it’s not uncommon that a boxer strikes the back of their head. Throwing anything from hooks, overhangs, or cupping strikes to their neck to hurt an opponent.

Rabbit Punches in MMA

Given that MMA is a more dimensional combat sport than boxing, this gives more openings for rabbit punches. Just like in boxing, an MMA fighter could possibly land a rabbit punch using a hook or overhand.

But rabbit punches in MMA are more likely to occur within a grappling situation. Especially when a fighter is using ground n pound.

Let’s say a fighter has their opponent in mount, and their opponent turns to give up their back. This opens for them to throw a wide variety of strikes to the back of their opponent’s head.

Anything from straight downward punches, hooks, and also hammerfists. A fighter will most likely be disqualified if they hit their opponent with a rabbit punch from this position.

Pritchard Colon

Probably the most known story that proves the danger of the rabbit punch is the story of Pritchard Colon. A young Puerto Rican boxer that would have his life destroyed from being hit with rabbit punches.

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or Youtube, you have probably seen what Pritchard looks like now after the incident. But before that horrible event, Colon was a talented young prospect.

Pritchard Colon was a 16-0 professional boxer in the super welterweight division. He had the makings of a superstar and the good looks and charisma that brought more eyes to his matches.

The Fight

His last match was against Terrel Williams on October 17th, 2015. During this bout, Williams would land multiple rabbit punches to the back of Colon’s head.

Many of which went by without even a warning from the referee Joe Cooper. When Colon complained Cooper was heard responding with “you take care of it.”

Colon would later get deducted two points for a low blow after getting hit with more rabbit punches. He would then get knocked down after sustaining damage from the illegal strikes.

Pritchard was heard telling the doctor Richard Ashby that he felt dizzy, but Ashby let the fight continue.

After the ninth round, Colon would be disqualified after his corner inadvertently removed his gloves. They thought it was the end of the bout, but it was actually the end of the ninth round.

Colon’s corner tried to talk to him, but said he was incoherent and began vomiting in the back. He was taken to the emergency room and fell into a 221 day coma.

The Aftermath

The damage from the fight left Prichard Colon in a persistent vegetative state for. For around two years, he was bedridden and nearly unresponsive. Colon’s mother Nieves Colon would sue Richard Ashby, but the lawsuit has never been settled.

Since 2018, Nieves has constantly posted updates at her son’s attempts to recover. Pritchard can now communicate through a computer, but will probably never walk again.

The Push For Stricter Punishment on the Rabbit Punch

The story of Pritchard Colon is just one of many that suffered from the effects of rabbit punches. Many throughout the 100+ year history of combat sport have suffered permanent damage from these strikes.

After the incident, there has been a push for stricter punishment on those who use a rabbit punch. Many top boxing councils and federations have promised stern action in the future for fighters that use rabbit punches.

We all should agree that harsh punishment should be used for any fighter that used these illegal strikes. Rabbit punches can cripple or kill a fighter, which is why there must be harsh punishment enforced whenever they’re used.

A term that you’ve probably heard before from either watching or training in combat sports is the term “rabbit punch.” A highly illegal technique in most sports that will result in a loss of points or immediate disqualification.

Let’s get into this striking technique and go over everything that you need to know about the rabbit punch. Going over why the rabbit punch is illegal, where the name comes from, and tragic stories from using these strikes.

What is a Rabbit Punch?

A rabbit punch is a type of hand strike that targets the back of an opponent’s head. Also, the base of the skull where your spine connects to your skull.

The term “rabbit punch” was first coined in 1915, which is used to kill rabbits. A person would strike a rabbit in the back of their head to instantly kill them.

Why is the Rabbit Punch Dangerous?

Just going by the definition of a rabbit punch, you can obviously guess that it’s an extremely dangerous strike. They not only pose the threat of permanent damage, but also death.

By striking at the base of the neck/skull, a fighter can paralyze their opponent by damaging their vertebrae. They could even disconnect their brain stem, which will cause instant death.

This is why rabbit punches are extremely dangerous and should never be thrown in practice or competition.

Is a Rabbit Punch Legal in Any Combat Sports?

There is not a sanctioned combat sport that allows rabbit punches in their rulesets. Whenever a referee or athletic commission official does a pre-fight rules meeting, they give their definition of a rabbit punch,

They will tell the fighters that they are allowed to strike their opponent from their nose to their airs. No types of strikes behind an opponent’s head are allowed in any combat sport that allow strikes.

Were Rabbit Punches Ever Legal?

The only time rabbit punches were allowed were in the early no-holds-barred events that the UFC used to run. Another promotion that allowed rabbit punches was the International Vale Tudo Championship.

Rabbit punches would be quickly outlawed in UFC events as rules were added during the evolution of the sport. The International Vale Tudo Championship would allow rabbit punches up until the year 2012.

Now the rabbit punch is illegal in all combat sports and rightly so.

What are the Penalties for Landing a Rabbit Punch?

Whenever a fighter lands a rabbit punch, the punishment is left up to the decision of a referee. Usually, they will either take a point or disqualify the fighter who threw the punch. Some more lenient referees may give a warning, which would be a heavily scrutinized decision.

If it is severe enough, a fighter may suffer a number of penalties after the match. They could subsequently be suspended, fined, and even have their fighter’s license revoked.

What Type of Punches are Considered Rabbit Punches? 

Literally any type of punch that targets the back of a fighter’s neck or head is considered a rabbit punch. It could be straights, hooks, overhangs, cupping strikes, or even hammer fists. 

Rabbit Punches in Boxing

In boxing, we generally see boxer’s land rabbit punches with looping punches, hooks, and cupping strikes. It all depends on the situation on what type of rabbit punch is used.

If an opponent is keeping tight guards, a fighter may try to land looping shots or hooks. Going around their opponent’s gloves to target behind their knee.

Whenever an opponent continuously ducks their head down, it’s not uncommon that a boxer strikes the back of their head. Throwing anything from hooks, overhangs, or cupping strikes to their neck to hurt an opponent.

Rabbit Punches in MMA

Given that MMA is a more dimensional combat sport than boxing, this gives more openings for rabbit punches. Just like in boxing, an MMA fighter could possibly land a rabbit punch using a hook or overhand.

But rabbit punches in MMA are more likely to occur within a grappling situation. Especially when a fighter is using ground n pound.

Let’s say a fighter has their opponent in mount, and their opponent turns to give up their back. This opens for them to throw a wide variety of strikes to the back of their opponent’s head.

Anything from straight downward punches, hooks, and also hammerfists. A fighter will most likely be disqualified if they hit their opponent with a rabbit punch from this position.

Pritchard Colon

Probably the most known story that proves the danger of the rabbit punch is the story of Pritchard Colon. A young Puerto Rican boxer that would have his life destroyed from being hit with rabbit punches.

If you’ve scrolled through Instagram or Youtube, you have probably seen what Pritchard looks like now after the incident. But before that horrible event, Colon was a talented young prospect.

Pritchard Colon was a 16-0 professional boxer in the super welterweight division. He had the makings of a superstar and the good looks and charisma that brought more eyes to his matches.

The Fight

His last match was against Terrel Williams on October 17th, 2015. During this bout, Williams would land multiple rabbit punches to the back of Colon’s head.

Many of which went by without even a warning from the referee Joe Cooper. When Colon complained Cooper was heard responding with “you take care of it.”

Colon would later get deducted two points for a low blow after getting hit with more rabbit punches. He would then get knocked down after sustaining damage from the illegal strikes.

Pritchard was heard telling the doctor Richard Ashby that he felt dizzy, but Ashby let the fight continue.

After the ninth round, Colon would be disqualified after his corner inadvertently removed his gloves. They thought it was the end of the bout, but it was actually the end of the ninth round.

Colon’s corner tried to talk to him, but said he was incoherent and began vomiting in the back. He was taken to the emergency room and fell into a 221 day coma.

The Aftermath

The damage from the fight left Prichard Colon in a persistent vegetative state for. For around two years, he was bedridden and nearly unresponsive. Colon’s mother Nieves Colon would sue Richard Ashby, but the lawsuit has never been settled.

Since 2018, Nieves has constantly posted updates at her son’s attempts to recover. Pritchard can now communicate through a computer, but will probably never walk again.

The Push For Stricter Punishment on the Rabbit Punch

The story of Pritchard Colon is just one of many that suffered from the effects of rabbit punches. Many throughout the 100+ year history of combat sport have suffered permanent damage from these strikes.

After the incident, there has been a push for stricter punishment on those who use a rabbit punch. Many top boxing councils and federations have promised stern action in the future for fighters that use rabbit punches.

We all should agree that harsh punishment should be used for any fighter that used these illegal strikes. Rabbit punches can cripple or kill a fighter, which is why there must be harsh punishment enforced whenever they’re used.