Crossword Genius

Whacked like boxer? (3-5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dog-tired

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'whacked like boxer?' is the definition.
'dog tired' can be an answer for 'whacked' (I've seen this before). I am not sure about the 'like boxer?' bit.

'whacked like boxer?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'whacked' could be 'tired' (similar in meaning) and 'tired' is present in the answer.
'boxer?' could be 'dog' (boxer is a kind of dog) and 'dog' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dog-tired that I've seen before include "Exhausted" , "Extremely weary" , "Worn out" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun and The Telegraph.
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