In the world of sports, few moments can match the sheer excitement of a knockout punch. These instances are marked not only by their dramatic flair but by their decisive impact, where a single punch changes everything. Here, we dive into the most legendary one-punch knockouts in boxing history. Each of these moments stands out for its unexpected nature and its pivotal role in reshaping the careers of those involved. Let’s explore these unforgettable knockouts—and be sure to check out the linked videos and articles for a deeper dive.
Starting off, we have the unforgettable clash between Sergio Martinez and Paul Williams on November 20, 2010. Their first encounter was a marathon of exhilarating action, nominated for Fight of the Year, with Williams narrowly clinching a victory. A rematch promising an equally fierce contest instead ended shockingly in the second round, with Martinez delivering a perfectly timed left that sent Williams sprawling unconscious, eyes wide open. Williams had never lost by knockout before, but that punch cemented Martinez’s reputation as the premier middleweight globally.
Next up, Hasim Rahman’s shocking triumph over Lennox Lewis on April 22, 2001, packs a punch. Against all odds, as a fifteen-to-one underdog, Rahman went toe-to-toe with Lewis and managed to deliver a thunderous right hand in the fifth round that not only dethroned Lewis but also turned the boxing world on its head, making Rahman a heavyweight champion.
Rewind to May 11, 1900, where heavyweight titans James J. Jeffries and James Corbett squared off. Corbett, an underdog with two noticeable losses, presented Jeffries with a boxing masterclass for 22 rounds, only to be silenced by a single, jaw-breaking right in the 23rd. That knockout didn’t just end the fight but also shifted the heavyweight landscape, leaving Jeffries as the undisputed champion for years.
Fast forward to November 24, 1990, when Julian Jackson faced Herol Graham. Graham, leading decisively for the first three rounds, seemed on track for victory until Jackson, facing the threat of a stoppage due to swelling eyes, delivered a devastating right hook in the fourth round. That punch did more than win Jackson the fight—it secured his legacy as one of boxing’s standout one-punch powerhouses.
In a similar vein of surprises, on May 15, 2004, Antonio Tarver faced off against Roy Jones Jr. Tarver’s left hook permanently altered Jones’ invincible aura and confirmed a pivotal turning point in boxing history, despite the technical classification of a TKO because the referee called it early with Jones still on his feet.
Turning back the clock to March 31, 1980, Mike Weaver faced John Tate. Dramatic wouldn’t begin to describe this showdown. With Tate dominating the match, everything seemed set for his prepared big-money fight against Muhammad Ali. However, in the fifteenth round, Weaver’s punch didn’t just knock out Tate—it rewrote both of their destinies.
The July 18, 1951, fight between Jersey Joe Walcott and Ezzard Charles epitomizes redeeming glory. In his determined fifth quest for the heavyweight title against Charles, Walcott delivered a stunning left hook in the seventh round that secured him an unexpected and overdue victory after years of effort.
Another knockout that shifted legends was Juan Manuel Marquez’s versus Manny Pacquiao on December 8, 2012. Pacquiao, known for his granite chin, fell to a single right from Marquez, a punch that redefined their storied rivalry and altered their legacy in the annals of boxing.
Moving to May 1, 1957, Sugar Ray Robinson came into his rematch with the relentless Gene Fullmer seemingly on a path to repeat his loss. But Sugar Ray had other ideas, landing a famous left hook, aptly dubbed his “Perfect Punch,” to take Fullmer out cold.
Delving further back, September 23, 1952, marked a defining moment in heavyweight history. Rocky Marciano delivered a decisive, career-altering right that not only knocked out Jersey Joe Walcott but also catapulted Marciano’s status to legendary heights.
On March 17, 1897, Robert Fitzsimmons defied the boxing norms of size and weight, unleashing a body shot on James Corbett that made history—perhaps the most critical body punch ever, as it ended the reign of a heavyweight champion and ushered in a new era.
Finally, on November 5, 1994, the celebrated tale of George Foreman came full circle. At 46, Foreman stood against Michael Moorer. With age and the odds against him, Foreman delivered a masterstroke—a right cross that reclaimed his heavyweight crown and reinvigorated his legacy, showing the world that age is but a number when heart and strength unite.
Each of these moments isn’t just a boxing match—they’re stories of triumph, surprise, and the undeniable physical prowess that define the sport. Dive into the videos and articles linked for a closer look at how these punches changed the sport forever.
