Studies show boxers can punch with 776 pounds of force (source inside). How is it that humans can withstand several of these and remain conscious, but if 776 pounds were dropped on our head we’d die instantly?

Question

Here’s the source: https://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/columns/straight-dope/article/13039270/straight-dope-the-physics-of-punching-someone-in-the-face

In: Physics

Answer 1

776 pounds of force a boxer is hit with represents setting (not dropping) that much weight on your head for a fraction of a second while laying on a really soft mattress. It wouldn’t be pleasant, but very survivable.

Dropping that much weight represents a significantly larger amount of force. 776 pounds might sound like a lot, but when we are talking about instantaneous force, it really isn’t. An adult male runner exerts about 1000 pounds with each step, but his feet and ankles handle it just fine.