diff --git a/code/datums/martial/boxing.dm b/code/datums/martial/boxing.dm
index 3ea5115b19..ea883c5637 100644
--- a/code/datums/martial/boxing.dm
+++ b/code/datums/martial/boxing.dm
@@ -51,7 +51,8 @@
 	return 1
 
 /datum/martial_art/boxing/teach(mob/living/carbon/human/H, make_temporary = TRUE)
-	if(..())
+	. = ..()
+	if(.)
 		if(H.pulling && ismob(H.pulling))
 			H.stop_pulling()