A sucker punch is a blow made without warning, allowing no time for preparation or defense on the part of the recipient. The term is generally reserved for situations where the way in which the blow has been delivered is considered unfair or unethical.
From: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sucker_punch
In practice this often includes blows delivered from close range or from behind.
In the world of boxing a sucker punch thrown outside of the rules is illegal. For example, when James Butler knocked Richard Grant unconscious after losing a fight to him on points, his license was suspended.Because sucker punches come unexpectedly, people at risk of such blows must be alert to the proximity of potential opponents.
On other occasions a sucker punch can strictly be within the rules but against the spirit of the sport – for example Floyd Mayweather’s knockout of Victor Ortiz in 2011, when Ortiz was apologizing to the referee for a headbutt – and not defending himself or even looking at his opponent – technically fell within the boxing code of ‘protect yourself at all times‘ but was deemed by many commentators to be a sucker punch.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. Sucker Punch
