I am often asked about my favorite boxing knockout. Almost always, I am ready with my standard answer of ?Marvin Hagler KO3 Tommy Hearns in 1985.? After all, this fight–aptly billed as ?The War?–is often cited as the greatest fight in boxing history.
After a scorching first round that left Hagler bloody and Hearns hurt, the two went at it again in the second round, with nary a regard for defense as both men were intent on landing serious leather.
In the third–after a series of furious exchanges–Hagler catches a fading and retreating Hearns with a right hook and follows it up with another right. Hearns crumples to the canvas, down and out.
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POPULAR. There are too many spectacular knockouts worthy of mention, but most become part of fistic lore because of the popularity of one or both protagonists.
In truth, so many perfect knockouts happen unnoticed in undercards in shabby coliseums in all corners of the globe, but these are not recorded or even reported in the news.
One of my favorite knockouts not involving superstars is that of James Thunder?s stunning first round knockout of Crawford Grimsleyback in 1997.
Thunder–originally from Samoa–was a heavyweight contender in the mid 90s who had been in the ring with the likes of Trevor Berbick and Tonny Tubbs. He wasn?t the smoothest of boxers and was inconsistent in his performances, but he certainly had a lot of power, especially in that prodigious right hand.
Right after the introductions, both men meet again in the center of the ring and Thunder immediately lands the first punch of the fight (and as it turns out, the last punch too)–an overhand right that crashes on Crawford?s exposed jaw.
Just like that he is out and he falls down, twisting his knee and foot underneath him in a weird angle, a sure indication of a fighter out on his feet and suffering a concussion from the impact of the blow.
It would take Crawford several seconds to recover his bearings and he is seen writhing and attempting to throw punches while on the ground. Watch the fight on YouTube and don?t blink.
The entire fight is only 13 seconds, inclusive of the count.
PINOYS. Among Pinoy fighters, we can all vividly conjure that moment frozen in time when Manny Pacquiao ?s left hand found Rick Hatton?s jaw in the second round which rendered the latter unconscious for several minutes.
Another favorite of mine is Gerry Pe?alosa?s body shot in the seventh round on Mexican Johnny Gonzales back in 2007 which made him a world champion once again.
Of course, I cannot forget Donnie Nietes? conquest of Moises Fuentes in the ninth round in May of this year, as I was ringside when it happened. Nietes was dominating a badly beaten Fuentes and knocked him down twice in the 9th round.
With about eight seconds left, Fuentes is on survival mode when Donnie bludgeons him with a perfectly timed right hand just as he lowers his guard. The ref did not bother to count anymore and called for the denouement of the one-sided beatdown.
JUANMA. Speaking of knockouts, a fighter who just a couple of years ago, was on most pound for pound lists, is apparently getting to be too comfy with being on a horizontal position inside the ring.
Juan Manuel Lopez who came out of nowhere in 2008 to pancake Daniel Ponce de Leon in the first round (yes the same guy who also dealt Rey ?Boom Boom? Bautista his first kayo loss) is now on a horrendous 2 fight losing streak, all via knockout.
Not too long ago, you will recall that the then undefeated Lopez was rumored to be on a collision course with our very own Nonito Donaire after defeating Pinoy contender Bernabe Concepcion and Mexican star Rafael Marquez in succession.
Then he met up with Orlando Salido and the knockout losses became more frequent. Since 2011 his record stands at 4 wins and 5 losses all via knockout. Still young at 30, Lopez is clearly a spent force. Let?s hope he hangs up the gloves while he still has his senses intact.
LAST ROUNDS. It?s on my prolific and talented companero, Atty. Joel Seno who celebrates his birthday this week. Cheers!
