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{{Short description|Person responsible for preventing and treating physical damage to a fighter}}
{{About|a fight responsibility|the Mega Man video game character named Cut Man|Robot Master|the Horse the Band song|R. Borlax|the Daredevil episode|Cut Man (Daredevil)}}

[[File:Cutman treating fighter.jpg|thumb|Cutman Jacob "Stitch" Duran administers treatment to fighter [[Wladimir Klitschko]].]]A '''cutman''' is a person responsible for preventing and treating physical damage to a fighter during the breaks between rounds of a [[Contact sport#Full-contact|full contact]] match such as a [[boxing]], [[kickboxing]] or a [[mixed martial arts]] bout. Cutmen typically handle [[hematoma|swelling]], [[nosebleed]]s and [[laceration]]s. In addition to degrading a fighter's performance, the rules of combat sports stipulate that these injuries can be a cause for premature match stoppage, counting as a loss to the injured fighter. The cutman is therefore essential to the fighter, and can be a decisive factor in the outcome of the match.

The compensation for cutmen varies, but is generally 2-3% of the fighter's prize money.<ref name=souza>Whisler, John (2004). [http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/boxing/stories/MYSA053004.1C.Souza.1165db35b.html "Battered boxers want Joe Souza in their corner"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614092548/http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/boxing/stories/MYSA053004.1C.Souza.1165db35b.html |date=2006-06-14 }}. www.mysanantonio.com. URL last accessed May 9, 2006.</ref> For many fighters on a low budget, the cutman duties are performed by their [[cornerman]]. While most athletic commissions require cutmen to be licensed, there is usually no formal training or certification required. Most cutmen learn their trade through [[apprenticeship]] and [[Autodidacticism|self-education]].

Unlike boxing, cutmen for mixed martial arts events are generally provided by the promotion, rather than the fighter's corner. This is to prevent allegations of "greasing" (applying [[petroleum jelly]] to areas other than the forehead, which provides an unfair advantage in grappling situations).

Cutmen should not be confused with the fight physician, an official who monitors the health of the fighters and whose task is closer to that of a neutral [[referee]].  The fight physician provides medical advice, monitors the safety of both fighters in accordance with regulations or law, and evaluates their ability to continue fighting.

==Treatments==
Before the fight, cutmen will usually put [[petroleum jelly]] on the most likely areas of impact, especially the fighter's face, making the skin more elastic and slippery, and hence less likely to tear. It is not considered good practice to use large amounts of petroleum jelly, since during the fight it is likely to end up on the gloves of the opponent, and later in the eyes of the fighter if the opponent lands a [[punch (strike)|punch]] close to their eyes. Cutmen might also tape fighters' hands, which helps protect the bones and tendons. Wraps are used during training but are illegal during competition, though people still commonly use the term "wrap" to describe the taping method of using gauze and tape.

During the fight, cutmen try to control any swelling or bleeding during the breaks between rounds. Since cutmen are not doctors, and have a very short period of time to treat the fighter, their treatments are limited to advanced [[first aid]] treatments.

===Swelling===
[[File:Enswell.JPG|thumb|right|A standard enswell used by cutmen to reduce swelling from facial injuries.]]
[[hematoma|Swelling]] is usually associated with facial [[hematoma]]s {{nowrap|(bruises{{hsp}}{{mdash}}{{hsp}}}}localized bleeding outside of blood vessels), and is traditionally reduced by applying firm pressure with a chilled enswell or an ice bag on top of the area of [[physical trauma|trauma]].<ref name=tenny>Tenny, Dave (2002). [http://www.thecutman.com/tennyarticle.htm "How to Use Enswell and Take Care of a Nosebleed"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060427200330/http://www.thecutman.com/tennyarticle.htm |date=2006-04-27 }}. www.thecutman.com. URL last accessed March 18, 2006.</ref> The cutman presses the enswell against a fighter's skin to cool and reduce swelling from injuries, especially in areas around the eyes where swelling can impair vision. Since the time between rounds is very short, cutmen try to apply the enswell right away and hold it as long as they can, but a common mistake is using the enswell to push directly on the swollen area in an attempt to disperse it or move it into a safer place such as away from the eye.<ref name=guzman>Guzman, Trinidad; Duran, Jacob (2004). [http://www.fightnews.com/guzman0038.htm "Boxing through the eyes of a cutman"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060504010211/http://www.fightnews.com/guzman0038.htm |date=2006-05-04 }}. www.fightnews.com. URL last accessed March 18, 2006.</ref> Such treatment will not move the hematoma, and may disrupt the microscopic [[blood vessels]] under the skin, thus causing an increase in bleeding and enlargement of the swelled area.{{Citation needed|date=July 2009}}

[[File:BoxingNosebleed.jpeg|left|thumb|PFC Raelina Shinn (left) battles on with a nosebleed during the first female fight in the Armed Forces Boxing Championships.]]

===Cuts===
Cuts ([[wound#Types of wound|lacerations]]) are the primary focus of the cutman because unless the bleeding is stopped promptly, the fight physician may stop the fight and declare that the injured fighter has lost the match. Physicians also will stop a match for a laceration that is perpendicular to the eye. The most common area of the face to be cut is around the eye. Cuts are treated by applying a cold towel to clean and simultaneously cool the area of the cut, causing a decrease in blood flow. A cotton swab soaked in [[Epinephrine (medication)|epinephrine]] is applied with pressure to decrease blood flow even more. A [[collagen]]-based [[hemostat]] for [[Thrombus|clot]] formation (such as Avitene) is put into the cut to [[Coagulation|coagulate]] the blood.<ref name=souza/> A cutman might also cover the area with [[petroleum jelly]] to prevent further damage.

===Nosebleeds===
Most [[nosebleed]]s occur near the opening of the [[Human nose|nose]]. To stop the bleeding, cutmen generally apply a cotton swab soaked in epinephrine to the damaged area, while simultaneously pressing the nostril against the cotton swab with the other hand. Once the bleeding has stopped, the area is chilled with an ice pack or an enswell. The fighter is usually instructed to breathe through the mouth during the treatment.<ref name = tenny/>

A [[broken nose]] is a more difficult case, and can be detected by a heavy flow of dark colored blood from the nose. The bleeding is generally treated the same way; however, the fighter is usually instructed to avoid swallowing blood as it may induce [[nausea]] or [[vomiting]], and the cutman is more likely to consult the ringside physician to ensure the fighter's safety.
{{clear}}

==Tools==

===Equipment===
<!-- Missing image removed: [[File:Enswell.jpeg|thumb|175px|right|The enswell is the most characteristic tool of the cutman's trade.]] -->
* '''Enswell''', sometimes called ''end-swell'', ''endswell'', ''stop-swell'', ''no-swell'' or ''eye iron'', is a small piece of metal with a handle. It is traditionally kept on ice and is used to cool the area of a [[bruise]] or a cut by applying direct pressure to [[Vasoconstriction|decrease the blood flow]] to the area.
* '''[[Cotton swab]]s''' are used to apply medications to the fighter's wounds. While some cutmen use ready-made cotton swabs, others make their own.<ref name=souza/> It has been suggested that the practice of past cutmen's in keeping cotton swabs behind their ears or in their mouths is unsanitary and unprofessional.<ref name=guzman />
*'''[[Ice pack]]s''' are used to cool [[bruise]]s, cuts and sprains, and to keep the enswell cold.
*'''[[Petroleum jelly]]''' is put on the cuts and most likely areas of impact to make the skin more elastic and slippery, and hence less likely to tear. Some cutmen<ref> https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3686568</ref> cover cuts with homemade [[salve]] containing a mix of petroleum jelly and adrenaline chloride, so that adrenaline keeps getting applied to the wound during the bout. Also, [[perspiration]] from above the eyes will be prevented from reaching the eyes by applying petroleum jelly to the eyebrows.
*'''[[gauze|Gauze pads]]''' are used to dry cuts.
*'''[[Medical gloves]]''' are worn by the cutman to limit the fighter's exposure to [[infection|infectious]] matter, as well as limiting the cutman's exposure to [[blood]].

===Medications===
Cutmen used to{{when|date=June 2022}} create their own medications, and the recipes were passed from masters to apprentices as trade secrets. Today,{{when|date=June 2022}} the use of various medications in sports is highly controlled, and most{{quantify|date=June 2022}} cutmen use only two or three standard medications from the list below.
*'''Epinephrine''' (also ''adrenaline chloride'', usually a 1<nowiki>:</nowiki>1000 solution): Applied topically to decrease blood flow. This is arguably the most common medication used by cutmen.<ref name=guzman/>
*'''Microfibrillar collagen hemostat''' (brand name Avitene): [[Coagulation|Coagulant]] used for bleeding cuts. Usually used in a powder form. It works best when the surface is dry.<ref>Davol, Inc. [http://www.davol.com/HTMLFiles/Hemostasis/AviteneMicroInst1.html Avitene Microfibrillar Collagen Hemostat Instructions for Use] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060313025545/http://www.davol.com/HTMLFiles/Hemostasis/AviteneMicroInst1.html |date=2006-03-13 }}. ''www.davol.com''. URL last accessed March 20, 2006.</ref> The treatment includes covering the affected area with Avitene, and applying moderate pressure with dry gauze.
*'''[[Thrombin]]''': Coagulant used when the blood is removed and the surface is dry.
*'''Oxidized regenerated cellulose''' (brand name [[Surgicel]]) and '''absorbable gelatin sponge powder''' (brand name [[Gelfoam]]): Two other substances also used for coagulation, although less frequently than Avitene or thrombin.
*'''Ferric subsulfate solution''' (also known as '''[[Monsel's solution]]'''): This widely outlawed [[hemostatic]] quickly stops the blood flow by chemically [[cauterization|cauterizing]] the [[biological tissue|tissues]] surrounding the cut, while generating severe [[granulation tissue|scar tissue]]. Contrary to popular misconception, this hemostatic solution does not contain lead.<ref name="guzman" />

==Notable cutmen==
* [[Chuck Bodak|Vasil "Chuck" Bodak]], an [[Americans|American]] cutman who has worked with over 50 world champions including [[Muhammad Ali]], [[Rocky Marciano]], [[Tommy Hearns]], [[Julio César Chávez]], [[Evander Holyfield]], and [[Oscar De La Hoya]].<ref>[http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/chuck-bodak-passes-3314 Chuck Bodak passes] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711001328/http://www.fightnews.com/Boxing/chuck-bodak-passes-3314 |date=2011-07-11 }} Fightnews.com, February 6, 2009</ref>
*Rafael Garcia, a [[Mexicans|Mexican]] cutman known for working with boxing legend [[Floyd Mayweather Jr.]] Garcia has also worked with numerous iconic fighters such as [[Roberto Durán|Roberto Duran]], [[Jessie Vargas]], [[Alexis Argüello|Alexis Arguello]], and [[Wilfredo Gómez|Wilfredo Gomez]].
* "Uncle Al" Gavin, an American cutman from [[Brooklyn]] who worked with fighters such as [[Lennox Lewis]], [[Micky Ward|Mickey Ward]], [[Junior Jones]], [[Kevin Kelley (boxer)|Kevin Kelley]], [[Eric Harding]], and [[Oscar De La Hoya]]. 
*[[Jacob Duran|Jacob "Stitch" Duran]], an American boxing and [[Mixed martial arts|MMA]] cutman who worked for [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] and was assigned to many top fights. In 2016, Duran signed a contract to join [[Bellator MMA]] as a cutman. He also appeared in the [[Rocky (franchise)|''Rocky'' film franchise]] as a cutman.
*Mike Rodriguez, dubbed "The Crime-fighting Cutman" due to his military background and career in law enforcement, is an American cutman most known for working with [[Octuple champion|eight-division world champion]] [[Manny Pacquiao]]. He has also worked with fighters such as [[Dmitry Bivol]], [[Errol Spence Jr.]], and [[Shawn Porter]].

==Notes==
{{Reflist}}

==References==
* Bartlett, Sean (2008). [https://www.espn.com/espnmag/story?section=magazine&id=3686568 Bag o' Tricks]. ''www.espn.com''. URL last accessed May 13, 2025.
* Boxingglovesreviews.com. [http://boxingglovesreviews.com/wrap-hands-boxing-gloves/ Handwraps:How to guide]. ''www.boxingglovesreviews.com''. URL last accessed October 27, 2015.
* Coletta, Domenic. [http://www.secondsout.com/ringside/the-sopranos-and-ring-safety/management-of-hematomas--the-proper-use-of-enswell Management of hematomas – The proper use of Enswell]. ''www.secondsout.com''. URL last accessed January 28, 2009.
* Goodman, Margaret (2002). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060414202143/http://www.thecutman.com/goodmanarticle.htm Cuts...To Stop Or Not?]. ''www.thecutman.com''. URL last accessed March 18, 2006.
* Guzman, Trinidad; Duran, Jacob (2004). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060504010211/http://www.fightnews.com/guzman0038.htm Boxing through the eyes of a cutman]. ''www.fightnews.com''. URL last accessed March 18, 2006.
* Homansky, Flip (2002). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060427085425/http://www.thecutman.com/fliparticle.htm The magic of the cutman]. ''www.thecutman.com''. URL last accessed March 18, 2006.
* Manning, Fiona (2004). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060213215401/http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=855&more=1 Jacob "Stitch" Duran: A Boxer's Dream]. ''www.eastsideboxing.com''. URL last accessed May 5, 2006.
* Tenny, Dave (2002). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060427200330/http://www.thecutman.com/tennyarticle.htm How to Use Enswell and Take Care of a Nosebleed]. ''www.thecutman.com''. URL last accessed March 18, 2006.
* TKDTutorage. [https://web.archive.org/web/20060614131957/http://tkdtutor.com/11Training/SparringInjuries.htm Common Sparring Injuries]. ''tkdtutor.com''. URL last accessed May 9, 2006.
* [[F.X. Toole|Toole, F.X.]] ''Million Dollar Baby: Stories from the Corner''. HarperCollins. {{ISBN|0-06-081926-X}}.
* Whisler, John (2004). [https://web.archive.org/web/20060614092548/http://www.mysanantonio.com/sports/boxing/stories/MYSA053004.1C.Souza.1165db35b.html Battered boxers want Joe Souza in their corner]. ''www.mysanantonio.com''. URL last accessed April 28, 2006.

{{Boxing}}
{{Mixed martial arts}}

[[Category:Health care occupations]]
[[Category:Boxing rules and regulations]]
[[Category:Boxing people]]
[[Category:Mixed martial arts people]]