A sucker punch (American English), also known as a cheap shot, coward punch, one-punch attack, or dog shot[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]