One Punch Knockout: Boxing's Lullaby

I just saw ESPN’s Top 20 Knockouts and got the urge to come out with my own list of “top knockouts”. I tried my best to come up with some of the best knockouts I’ve seen. Contrary to ESPN's list, these are "one-punch knockout".

I’d like to say that I based my decision on the technique of the punch, or the significance of the win, or any other more elegant reason. In reality, most of these knockouts are from fighters I like; others were just unexpected, at least by me. They are in no particular order, but I have to point out that in No. 1, the reaction Benitez after his right hand lands is the best I’ve seen.

1.       1981-05-23Wilfred Benitez vs Maurice Hope

2.       1951-07-18 Jersey Joe Walcott vs Ezzard Charles II

3.       1952-09-23 Rocky Marciano vs Jersey Joe Walcott I

4.       1986-11-22 Mike Tyson vs Trevor Berbick

5.       1990-11-24 Julian Jackson vs Herol Graham

6.       1989-07-30 Julian Jackson vs Terry Norris

7.       1957-05-01 Sugar Ray Robinson vs Gene Fullmer II

8.       1998-04-25 Roy Jones Jr vs Virgil Hill

9.       2004-05-15 Antonio Tarver vs Roy Jones Jr II

10.   1980-08-02 Thomas Hearns vs Pipino Cuevas

11.   1984-06-15 Thomas Hearns vs Roberto Duran

12.   2001-11-03 Kostya Tszyu vs Zab Judah

13.   1991-10-18 Ray Mercer vs Tommy Morrison

14.   2001-05-12 Felix Trinidad vs William Joppy 

15.   1993-06-19 Felix Trinidad vs Maurice Blocker

Feel free to suggest any others I might have overlooked.

On another note, I just wanted to point out that I agree with the California State Athletic Commission on their ruling about Antonio Margarito and Javier Capetillo. I believe that just like in any other sport, fighters should be accountable for what goes into their body as well as on them.