An example of the opponent headbutting
Illegal Blows (反則技) are techniques which are barred according to boxing rules, typically by using a body part other than the fists or dangerously targeting a vulnerable body part. Illegal blows are considered fouls and may result in a disqualification after repeated warnings. However, if the referee does not see the illegal blow, a boxer can get away with inflicting serious injury or even a victory.
Unlike amateur boxing, boxers in the professional level are more likely to risk using illegal blows to gain an advantage, especially in a crucial match.
Notable Users[]
Fumito Makino makes indiscriminate use of illegal blows, especially when threatened to be dropped from his gym after starting his pro record with 2 losses. He surprises Manabu Itagaki, who was fighting in his debut match, by obscuring the referee's line of sight and knocking down Itagaki twice with a headbutt and an elbow strike. Ippo Makunouchi later criticised Itagaki for his failure to adapt. Makino progressed through the Rookie tournament relying on subtle illegal blows until he reached the semi-final.
Ryō Mashiba, outmatched by Ichirō Miyata's speed, stepped on and broke Miyata's foot to seal his footwork. He was also involved in a chaotic foul-ridden fight with Ryūhei Sawamura. Sawamura himself is a notorious user of fouls, such as elbows and trips, though he often does so unnecessarily.
Former OPBF champion Aaron Domingo had no problems with using headbutts, shoulder hits and trips to gain leverage over Mashiba.
Techniques[]
Headbutt[]
A strike using the head, usually targeting the opponent's face. Though heads often collide during a fight (especially between aggressive in-fighters like Jimmy Sisphar and Ippo Makunouchi), intentional headbutts can stun an opponent. Yoshio Fujiwara made frequent use of headbutts in his match against Ippo, who nevertheless made short work of him. Manabu Itagaki was caught off guard in his debut match with a headbutt from Fumito Makino, and was subsequently knocked down by a follow-up punch.
Rabbit punch[]
| Main article: Rabbit punch |
Rabbit Punch
A blow to the back of the head or neck which can damage the spinal cord. Ralph Anderson uses this against Ginpachi Nekota, causing him to develop Punch Drunk Syndrome. Notably, Anderson refuses to use it against the follow-up match against Genji Kamogawa out of his boxer's pride.
Open-hand[]
Using the palm to strike or grapple. Used by Naomichi Yamada against Ippo Makunouchi to pull his guard away and land his Solar Plexus Blow.
Elbow strikes[]
A strike using the elbow, usually targeting the opponents jaw for a bone to bone hit. Fumito Makino knocks down Manabu Itagaki with a deliberate elbow strike, securing a victory by TKO. Ryūhei Sawamura was hit with an accidental elbow in a previous match, but returned with a deliberate crushing elbow, earning a disqualification.
Kidney blow[]
An illegal strike to the lower back which can damage the kidneys.
Low blow[]
An unfair or illegal blow that lands below the opponent’s waist; a groin attack.
Back-hand[]
A back-hand.
A strike using the back part of the glove, which can get into a blind spot, usually targeting the opponents temple. This is the main reason Flicker Jabs are uncommon in the sport; they can easily become back-hands and lead to a loss of points from the referee.
See also[]
- Orthodox Boxing Techniques - A list of techniques that are legal.