A sucker punch (American English), also known as a cheap shot, coward punch, one-punch attack, or king-hit[1] (Australian English), is a punch thrown at the recipient unprovoked and without warning,[2] allowing no time for preparation or defense on their end. The term is generally used in situations where the way in which the punch has been delivered is considered unfair or unethical, and is done using deception or distraction.
In boxing, a sucker punch—as is done when 'hitting on the break',—is illegal. For example, when James Butler knocked Richard Grant unconscious after losing a fight to him on points, his license was suspended and he served four months in prison. It is often thrown from behind—such as in the 'knockout game'—although striking from behind is not a prerequisite for a sucker punch. In 2021, notable figures in the MMA community, such as UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and City Kickboxing head coach Eugene Bareman, called for legal changes and 'coward punch laws'. In 2014, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria all introduced such laws.[3]
- ^ "Coward Punch: Sucker Punch Laws in Australia". Criminal Defence Lawyers Australia. 29 November 2023. Archived from the original on 11 December 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2025.
- ^ "Coward Punch Campaign – Stop The Coward Punch". cowardpunchcampaign.com. Retrieved 15 May 2024.
- ^ Holland, Zoe (18 May 2021). "'I am distraught': Israel Adesanya calls for 'coward punch laws' after fellow MMA fighter attacked". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 18 November 2024. Retrieved 10 February 2025.