Glossary

Saved by the Bell

Slang

When the round ends just in time for a badly hurt fighter, giving them the 1-minute rest to recover. Under the Unified Rules the bell can't save a fighter who is down: the count carries on until they rise or are counted out.

More Slang Terms

Alphabet Soup

Slang for the confusing number of sanctioning bodies (WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, etc.) that each crown their own "world champion."

Brawler

A fighter who relies on aggression, power, and durability rather than technical skill. Brawlers come forward and trade punches at close range.

Chin

Slang for a fighter's ability to absorb punches without being knocked out. "He has a great chin" means the fighter is durable.

Flash Knockdown

A knockdown where the fighter is not badly hurt and rises immediately. Usually caused by being off-balance when hit rather than by concussive force.

Gatekeeper

A skilled fighter who is competitive but not quite at world-class level. They act as a "gate" - if a prospect beats them, they prove they belong at the top level.

Glass Jaw

Slang for a fighter who is easily knocked out or hurt. The opposite of having "a great chin."

Back to Glossary