These are the top 10 most devastating boxing knockouts in boxing history. In this article, we will tackle and breakdown every aspect that cause those devastating knockouts.
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BOXING KNOCKOUTS IN THE PAST
1. Mike Tyson vs. Michael Spinks (1988)
Event: Undisputed Heavyweight Championship
Date: June 27, 1988
Outcome: Tyson wins by KO in 91 seconds
In a highly anticipated bout, Mike Tyson faced undefeated Michael Spinks. Tyson’s ferocious power was on full display as he knocked out Spinks in just 91 seconds, solidifying his dominance in the heavyweight division.
2. George Foreman vs. Michael Moorer (1994)
Event: WBA & IBF Heavyweight Titles
Date: November 5, 1994
Outcome: Foreman wins by KO in Round 10
At 45, George Foreman became the oldest heavyweight champion by knocking out Michael Moorer with a powerful right hand, showcasing that age is just a number in the ring.
3. Julian Jackson vs. Herol Graham (1990)
Event: WBC Middleweight Title
Date: November 24, 1990
Outcome: Jackson wins by KO in Round 4
Despite being outboxed in the early rounds, Julian Jackson delivered a single, devastating right hand that knocked Herol Graham out cold, highlighting Jackson’s legendary punching power.
4. Deontay Wilder vs. Artur Szpilka (2016)
Event: WBC Heavyweight Title
Date: January 16, 2016
Outcome: Wilder wins by KO in Round 9
In a competitive match, Deontay Wilder unleashed a massive right hand in the ninth round, rendering Artur Szpilka unconscious and emphasizing Wilder’s reputation as a knockout artist.
5. Gervonta Davis vs. Leo Santa Cruz (2020)
Event: WBA Super Featherweight & Lightweight Titles
Date: October 31, 2020
Outcome: Davis wins by KO in Round 6
Gervonta Davis delivered a thunderous uppercut that knocked out Leo Santa Cruz, marking one of the most brutal knockouts in recent memory and showcasing Davis’s explosive power.
6. Nigel Benn vs. Gerald McClellan (1995)
Event: WBC Super Middleweight Title
Date: February 25, 1995
Outcome: Benn wins by KO in Round 10
In a tragic bout, Nigel Benn defeated Gerald McClellan, who suffered severe brain injuries leading to permanent disabilities. The fight raised serious concerns about safety in boxing.
7. David Tua vs. John Ruiz (1996)
Event: Heavyweight Bout
Date: March 15, 1996
Outcome: Tua wins by KO in 19 seconds
David Tua delivered a rapid and devastating knockout against John Ruiz, ending the fight in just 19 seconds and demonstrating his formidable punching power.
8. Hasim Rahman vs. Lennox Lewis (2001)
Event: WBC, IBF & IBO Heavyweight Titles
Date: April 22, 2001
Outcome: Rahman wins by KO in Round 5
In a major upset, Hasim Rahman knocked out Lennox Lewis with a powerful right hand, capturing the heavyweight titles and shocking the boxing world.
9. Oscar Valdez vs. Miguel Berchelt (2021)
Event: WBC Super Featherweight Title
Date: February 20, 2021
Outcome: Valdez wins by KO in Round 10
Oscar Valdez delivered a stunning left hook that knocked out Miguel Berchelt, earning him the WBC title and a nomination for Knockout of the Year.
10. Vincent Pettway vs. Simon Brown (1995)
Event: IBF Light Middleweight Title
Date: April 29, 1995
Outcome: Pettway wins by KO in Round 6
Vincent Pettway’s knockout of Simon Brown was so severe that Brown continued to throw punches while unconscious, highlighting the dangers inherent in the sport.
These boxing knockouts serve as stark reminders of boxing’s inherent risks and the importance of safety measures in the sport.