BoxRec

I noticed this more in the Murray fight and Steve Collins mentioned it too as he thought it was an illegal punch. GGG throws an odd angled chopping/looping hook that hit Murray on the top of the head. He knocked Rubio out with a similar punch which landed high on his forehand if I recall correctly.

How is it illegal? It's hitting the top/front of the skull, which is the thickest part of it. That's where most people avoid punching because it can easily break your hand and GGG still throws power shots there.

Steve Collins claimed the punch was illegal as the top of the head is not a legitimate target. Until it's demonstrated otherwise, I believe Collins is wrong on both counts.

Sklar wrote:Steve Collins claimed the punch was illegal as the top of the head is not a legitimate target. Until it's demonstrated otherwise, I believe Collins is wrong on both counts.

He's full of it. I feel bad for people who have to listen to that kind of commentary.

verballistic wrote:Isnt that how Mayweather hurt his hand vs Carlos Hernandez so bad that he took a knee? I seem to remember that punch landed on top of Famosito's head & that's why it hurt so bad.

Guaranteed it was. That area isn't normally targeted for a reason. GGG doesn't put full power into those shots, but enough to hurt, which is also plenty enough to break the hand but perhaps minimized by his technique. Who knows? Sick technique to watch. I bet Malignaggi had a seizure watching it.

This kind of punch is sick guys.. He really uses it so well in combination with his power

Steve Collins was a fantastic fighter but as a pundit he is absolutely abysmal. He shouldn't be doing that job.

No one has ever developed a punch like that. IMO, GGG's goal with that punch is not the top of the head but just creating a different angle of attack that could break the peek a boo defense that most of his opponents employ.

I will say that the left hand he used on Rubio almost caved in his head. That was not exactly the top of the head but top of the forehead so still part of the face. What's it matter, GGG's the baddest man on the planet. #1 P4P.

I think he's trying for a shot at the temple, I've seen him do it twice, both times with left hand - it's a very good angle as it comes from out field, I bet it's awful to take.

Ian1973 wrote:Steve Collins was a fantastic fighter but as a pundit he is absolutely abysmal. He shouldn't be doing that job.

x2

fergusg wrote:

Controversial wrote:I noticed this more in the Murray fight and Steve Collins mentioned it too as he thought it was an illegal punch. GGG throws an odd angled chopping/looping hook that hit Murray on the top of the head. He knocked Rubio out with a similar punch which landed high on his forehand if I recall correctly.

I keep being told that it's an illegal punch.

Neither Rubio, nor Murray, nor their corners, nor their promoters complained. It sure is legal.

Brits come up with all kind of shit to back their countries fighters. Very loyal fans but straight up goofy bastards.

fergusg wrote:

Controversial wrote:I noticed this more in the Murray fight and Steve Collins mentioned it too as he thought it was an illegal punch. GGG throws an odd angled chopping/looping hook that hit Murray on the top of the head. He knocked Rubio out with a similar punch which landed high on his forehand if I recall correctly.

I keep being told that it's an illegal punch.

Only rabbit punches are illegal (back of the head). I can't say I've ever seen another boxer target so high up on the head though.

Must admit, I heard Collins say that it was illegal, and was confused.

I thought it would only be illegal if it didn't land with the correct part of the glove, or if it was brought down in a "chopping" motion.
IMHO, the punch is thrown correctly, just takes a detour on it's way to the target.