It tells the audience the punch was thrown, they hear a knap, and the victim is 'injured'.

1820, The Edinburgh Monthly Magazine, volume 8, no.43, page 81, October 1820.
Some entered the ring in very bad condition, and immediately got a-piping, like hot mutton pies - fell on their own blows, and knapped it every round, till they shewed the white feather and bolted.

"That will be sixpence," he said without looking up. She knapped her lips together and turned on her heel without another word.

He breaketh the bow, and knappeth the spear in sunder.

"Horses..turn'd to knap each other at their ease."

Knap

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Noun

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