Below is a list of boxing phrases and terminology commonly used in the sport.
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Rabbit Punch -
A rabbit punch is punch to the back of the head or neck. It is illegal in boxing since it can cause cervical vertebrae damage and subsequent spinal cord injury resulting in paralysis or death. Rabbit punch got its name from a technique hunters use to kill rabbits with a quick, sharp blow to the back of their heads with a blunt object.
Retired Out -
If a opponent gets injured during the course of their batting, they may retire with the consent of the referee. In an event where the opponent discontinues without the permission of the referee, they can be declared retired out.
Ring Generalship -
(Score/Judging) The ability to control the ring and action.
Ringside -
A position that is close to the ring.
Ringside Physician -
The doctor who checks the condition of competitors before the bout and determines whether a dazed boxer can continue. The physician has the power to stop a bout at any time.
Roll with the Punches -
When an opponent bends and twists with the punch, minimizing its impact.
Rope a Dope -
Used by Muhammad Ali in his 1974 fight against George Foreman. It involves lying back on the ropes, shelling up and allowing your opponent to throw punches until they tire themselves out and then you exploit their defensive flaws and nail them.
Roughhousing -
When an opponent fights in an overly physical and unruly way.
Rounds -
Professional boxing matches cannot be scheduled for more than twelve rounds for males or ten rounds for females. Each round lasts three minutes for males and two minutes for females with have a one minute rest between rounds.
Rubber Match -
A rubber match is the deciding match in a series of fights between two boxers where each boxer has won a fight against the other. Rubber match usually refers to the 3rd fight in a series, a trilogy. It's seen as the match that determines which boxer is really the best.
Rules of Boxing -
Boxing rules can vary from country to country, state to state, by boxing organization, and whether the fight is amateur or professional. Most sanctioned fights today follow the Association of Boxing Commissions unified rules.
