I think punching power can be taught

[Tails]

Most top level boxers hit way harder than it seems on tv. It's the defense that allows them to avoid and roll with what would be fight ending shots against a novice or someone of lower skill (except for Paulie, he really is void of having a power shot on the somewhat elite level which is rare for a boxer that makes it that far).

Now if you are talking straight one shot KO artists on the top level then that cannot be taught. Most have a natural leverage and gifted understanding of their body to deliver heavy shots on the drop of a dime. All boxers work on their power constantly because if you are ever down in a fight losing, or on the verge of getting stopped then that is your only equalizer.

[Scipio2009]

Alright, well to analyze this what is it exactly that Paulie lacking that other fighters with crushing power around his height and weight have that leave him with pillow hands while they're knocking guys to Neptune?

A tendon connection that's just to far, or close, to maximize the leverage from the shoulder on out (the brittle hands don't help much either).

What to point to specifically, I have no idea, but that's the genetics piece.

Now, if he had the backing at the start to have a dedicated hand specialist wrapping his hands (like Floyd was able to get when his hands started causing him problems), maybe he holds onto a bit more power, but the genetics are the genetics.