To judge is to create an opinion. All of us boxing lovers would love to say it’s a fact that these are the top ten knockouts of all time. The physical force of a knockout is often such a shock at the time to see it, it lives ith us forever. Some knockouts by never heard of boxers could be great one’s but don’t hold any individual or historical significance.
The greatest fighters of all time deliver the greatest knockouts of all time, period. All time is a long time so the Knockout has to stand out in the history of boxing, Sport.co.uk's top ten knockouts are judged in accordance with the following three key factors, the savagery of the knockout, the technique used to knockout the opponent and the historical significance of that knockout victory.
1. George Foreman v Muhammad Ali. 1974
Ali was meant to be destroyed by Foreman, before round eight these predictions seemed correct, that was of course until Ali pounced out of the rope- a -dope to knockout Foreman with a sharp combination. It was a picture perfect knockout,
2. Joe Louis v Max Shmeling ll, 1938
This was a huge KO with boxing and historical significance. Joe Louis sent a message around the world that denied Hitler’s theory of the perfect race. In a rematch after Louis was defeated by Schmelling, he makes a comeback with a vicious body and head combination knocking out the pride of Nazi Germany.
3. Foreman v Frazier, 1973
This Knockout earns its place in at no.3 for the brutality and force of the punch. Frazier a tough brawler was ripped to shreds by the menacing Foreman in this heavy weight championship bout. Frazier was lifted off his feet by Foreman’s uppercut. A display of utter brutality. The knockout will also be remembers for the famous commentary ‘down goes Frazer.’
4. Hearns v Duran, 1984
A sensational right hand from Hearns to knock out the ‘hands of stone’. This punch delivered by ‘The Hitman’ , was textbook stuff, right down the pipeline, annihilating Duran’s otherwise durable chin.
5. Hagler v Hearns, 1985
This fight was known as ‘The War.’ It was a medieval brawl that had everything, including an emphatic knockout by the Marvelous one. It involved Hagler and Hearns at their peak. Many felt that the actual fight could never live up to expectation, but boy did it. Both fighters were in suicidal mode, with Hagler persevering to KO Tommy Hearns
6. Tyson v Buster Douglas, 1990.
Now looking back we can see how easily it was to beat Tyson at this point in his troubled life. However on the night, the unthinkable happened, Tyson the most ferocious fighter that had ever been seen was shockingly pole axed to the canvas by Buster Douglus.
7. Pacquiao v Hatton, 2009
A modern gem. With nothing much to shout about in boxing these days this night served as an Oasis. Pacquiao gave a classy and savage beating to Hatton that night, it was short and brutal, ending with Hatton’s wife shrieking, and the once Great Britainout Stone cold.
8. Roy Jones Jnr v Kelly, 2002
This knockout could be anywhere in the top ten. Roy Jones Jnr delivers a piece of boxing magic. Jones claims he learnt the technique in which he used to KO Kelly from his Cockerel. A knockout probably never to be seen again, a right whipped out from behind his back.
9. Ali v Liston, 1965
The Phantom punch. This KO is here because it has been talked and debated about for Ali called the punch that knocked out Liston the anchor punch, maybe too fast for all to see. A punch Liston never saw, as the execution was impeccably accurate.
10. Tyson v Berbick, 1986
A truly memorable night as the unstoppable Tyson tore apart Berbick to win the Heavyweight Champion of the World. A young Tyson delivered a cruel combination of haymakers, sending Berbick though the ropes and crashing into the photographers. A Horrific display of power by Tyson.