Crossword Genius

Sucker punch victim (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

lamprey

'sucker' is the definition.
(aquatic animals with sucker mouths)

'punch victim' is the wordplay.
'punch' becomes 'lam' (lam can mean to hit).
'victim' becomes 'prey' (prey is a kind of victim).
'lam'+'prey'='LAMPREY'

(Other definitions for lamprey that I've seen before include "Eel-like vertebrate with a sucker mouth and horny teeth" , "sucker in the main" , "Freshwater eel-like fish" , "Marine carnivore" , "Eel-like creature - play REM (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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