A punchy pair? (5)

I believe the answer is:

socks

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'pair?' is the definition.
(I have seen 'pair of garments' mean 'socks' so perhaps 'pair' could also mean 'socks')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for socks that I've seen before include "Hits; some clothing" , "Hard blows" , "Footwear - strikes" , "Half-hose" , "Hits forcefully (colloq.)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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