Requires pummels, I say! (5)
I believe the answer is:
needs
'requires' is the definition.
('need' can be a synonym of 'require')
I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for needs that I've seen before include "Is desperate for" , "Calls for" , "Misses" , "What is required" , "Wants, requires" .)