Spinning backfists are spectacular, but you never see them in the sport of boxing. Why is that? Is it even legal to perform this move in a boxing setting?
Spinning backfists are not legal in boxing. There are a few reasons why. Firstly, fighters are not allowed to strike their opponent with the back of their hand. Secondly, intentionally turning your back to your opponent is frowned upon. Executing a spinning backfist would require you to perform both of these prohibited actions. As such, it’s an illegal move.
But what is the reasoning behind the illegality? And what would happen if a fighter threw a spinning backfist in the ring? Let’s dive a little deeper into this topic.
Why are spinning backfists illegal in boxing?
Before tackling the move’s history and nuances, let’s define the term.
A spinning backfist is a martial arts move whereby a fighter executes a 360-degree turn and hits their opponent with the back of their hand.
Typically set up behind a jab, this maneuver is effective because there’s an extra beat between the jab and the backfist. That delay can create an opening in the opponent’s defense. The spinning action is what lends the strike its velocity.
How does this tie into boxing? Well, spinning moves were actually once allowed in the sport. Before the use of gloves was mandated, spinning backfists were devastating blows that often resulted in cuts or bleeding. However, they were banned in the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play. “You must not fight simply to win. No holds barred is not the way. You must win by the rules,” wrote John Graham Chambers.
As noted earlier, you can no longer strike an opponent with your backhand. In fact, you can’t hit them with anything but the knuckles of a closed fist. This includes your forearm, elbow, etc.
Since you lose sight of your opponent for a half-second when performing spinning attacks, there’s a distinct possibility that they could shift positions and end up on the receiving end of a forearm or elbow despite your intention of landing a backfist.
We also mentioned that fighters can’t willingly turn their back to their opponent. This is a safety concern. Striking the neck or back of an opponent’s head is illegal, and turning your back to your opponent obviously opens up this can of worms.
In a previous ShortBoxing article, we discussed why hitting the back of the head is against the rules in boxing. It’s simple: This act can cause brain and spine damage because the back of the head doesn’t benefit from the same protection as the rest of the skull. Punching your opponent in the face isn’t as dangerous.
Striking an opponent in the back of the head can have devastating consequences such as brain trauma, loss of consciousness, skull fractures, brain hemorrhage, and other long-term effects.
There’s a strategic element in play too. In theory, constantly having your back to the action would make you ineligible to ever be hit. Thankfully, this is not permitted. Turning your back to your opponent is often perceived as a sign that you no longer wish to continue the fight. The referee may therefore disqualify you.
This all ties back to the Queensbury rules and their principle of holding a “fair standup boxing match.”
What are the consequences of throwing a spinning backfist in boxing?
Performing a spinning backfist is a violation of the rules that can lead to a warning, a point deduction or outright disqualification.
From a boxing perspective, a fighter turning their back to the action is usually an act of self-preservation. They’re merely trying to survive their opponent’s onslaught. A referee will issue a warning the first time this happens. Depending on the official’s leniency, a repeat offense may lead to disqualification.
A spinning backfist, on the other hand, is a different story. It isn’t evasive or defensive. This is a blatantly illegal attacking move that would be treated much more harshly. The referee may deduct a point or disqualify boxers who do it.
With that in mind, attempting a spinning backfist in a boxing ring is a bad idea.
Spinning backfists in other combat sports
Though spinning backfists are illegal in boxing, you’ve surely seen them executed in other combat sports. The move is permitted in mixed martial arts, karate, Muay Thai, and most forms of kickboxing. One notable exception is WAKO kickboxing, which explicitly states that a “spinning backfist is not permitted.”
But this doesn’t mean you should lean heavily on spinning backfists. They’re very much a boom-or-bust proposition.
When timed correctly, you can catch your opponent off guard and perhaps even knock them out cold. When timed poorly, you can make yourself look silly or worse—put yourself in harm’s way.
Last August, UFC lightweight contender Beneil Dariush provided an example of a successful spinning backfist when he squared off against Scott Holtzman (video below). With seconds remaining in the first round, Dariush threw out a lazy jab in hopes that Holtzman would take the bait. He did by attempting to slip the shot and unload an overhand of his own. Dariush’s spinning attack beat Holtzman’s big right to the punch, ending the fight in highlight-reel fashion.
This particular blow also reveals why the move is forbidden in boxing: Being accurate with it is quite difficult. Dariush likely intended to crack Holtzman with his backhand, but he actually rattled his opponent’s jaw with his wrist.
On the flip side, the most infamous spinning backfist blunder came courtesy of Chael Sonnen in his rematch against standup wizard Anderson Silva in 2012. This was a great back-and-forth affair that featured a clash of styles, as Sonnen hoped to impose his wrestling and Silva looked to pick Sonnen apart on the feet.
In the second round, Sonnen inexplicably decided to try his luck with a wild spinning backfist. Silva saw the move coming from a mile away and ducked under it as Sonnen tumbled to the ground. Silva capitalized on the favorable position and ultimately finished Sonnen.
Beyond the quality of their opponents, the difference between Dariush and Sonnen’s spinning backfists is balance. They both throw the same jab-spinning backfist combination, but Dariush completes the move in position to keep fighting. Sonnen, meanwhile, is so committed to the blow that his miss makes him fall to the mat.
Applying the principles to boxing
Spinning backfists aren’t allowed in boxing, but if we look at the move from a broader perspective, the concepts behind it can be valuable to your boxing game.
For instance, we just discussed how crucial it is to always maintain your balance. Much of your elusiveness and ability to counter your opponent comes from your feet, so having a strong and balanced base is of the utmost importance.
Don’t over-commit to your shots. Make sure that you’re in position for the next engagement.
Spinning backfists involve another quality that can be useful in the sport of boxing: deception. A spinning attack typically works because the opponent doesn’t expect it. Boxing doesn’t boast moves that are quite as flashy as a spinning backfist, but you can still employ that unpredictability via your cadence and punch selection.
By sticking to one rhythm or one speed throughout a fight, you’re making life too easy on your opponent. They will grow comfortable and soon gain the upper hand. In addition, don’t throw repetitive combinations. Otherwise, your opponent will pick up on your tendencies and prepare the perfect counter for a punch they know is coming. Throw a double jab or another same-handed combo to break up the 1-2 monotony. Mix in different patterns and body punches in order to present a wide variety of threats.
If you can keep them guessing, you can make them gunshy and fight on your terms.
Conclusion
Spinning backfists are illegal in boxing because you can’t hit your opponent with the back of your hand, forearm or elbow. Also, you can’t intentionally turn your back to your opponent.
Safety comes first.
With that said, studying the basic principles that guide the move can still lead to improvement in the boxing ring. By focusing on your balance, you’ll throw punches with better technique and power. It will also allow you to stay in good offensive and defensive positions. By introducing a measure of unpredictability, you’ll keep your opponent honest and increase your odds of landing quality shots. After all, it’s hard to brace for a punch you don’t see coming.
