Knockouts are the most definitive way to win a boxing match and a great way to endear yourself to fans. A knockout makes it clear you were the better boxer in the ring and relegates the ringside judges to mere spectators. Knockouts are also the most exciting finishes in boxing since they often come out of nowhere. One second, fighter A is winning the fight, and fighter B knocks them out moments later.
Knockouts are caused by punching someone hard enough in their head that their brain swooshes around in their skull, forcing a loss of consciousness.
The Ten Fastest Knockouts In Boxing History
Ready to dive down memory lane? Let’s take a look at some of the fastest knockouts in boxing history:
1) Phil Williams Vs. Brandon Burke
Williams was only four fights into his professional boxing career when these two collided in 2007, and he ended up carving a spot in boxing history for himself. Only ten seconds into their contest, William caught Burke clean with a right hand as the latter closed the distance, sending him to the canvas.
Unfortunately for William, that victory ended up being the biggest highlight of his pro career as he struggled at the championship level.
2) Al Couture Vs. Ralph Walton
Before Williams set the record for the fastest knockout in boxing history, Al Couture held the record for over 60 years. His fight with Walton took place in 1946 and lasted only 10.5 seconds. While Walton was distracted by his trainer, who was informing him he wasn’t wearing his mouthpiece, Couture dropped him with a hard shot, bringing the contest to an end before Walton ever got a chance to put his mouthpiece in. Some would say it was a dirty win, but the rules of boxing clearly state you should defend yourself at all times.
3) Daniel Jimenez vs. Harald Geier
Jimenez was the WBO’s World Super Bantamweight champion when he squared off against Geier in 1994. Many expected a competitive fight as Geier sported a 20-0 record heading into the contest. However, Jimenez only needed 17 seconds to put Geier away.
The victory against Geier earned Jimenez a spot in the Guinness Book of Records as it was the fastest knockout ever in a professional championship boxing fight.
4) David Tua Vs. John Ruiz
David Tua was one of the biggest names in heavyweight boxing when he challenged Ruiz for the WBC International heavyweight title in 1996. He had amassed a 22-0 record at the time, with most of his wins coming via KO.
Tua only needed 19 seconds to put Ruiz away, bombarding him with a series of vicious hooks. He went on to defend the WBC belt three times before losing it to Ike Ibeabuchi.
5) Chris Eubanks Vs. Reginaldo Dos Santos
Eubanks was already the WBC international middleweight champion when he squared up against dos Santos in 1990, sporting a 23-0 professional boxing record. The title wasn’t on the line when they fought, but Eubanks fought as if it was.
He put dos Santos away 20 seconds into the first round of the contest and went on to win the WBO belt in his next outing. He successfully defended that belt 17 times before losing it to Steve Collins.
6) Gerald McClellan Vs. Jay Bell
McClellan scored one of the most impressive victories of his career when he defended the WBC middleweight title for the first time against Jay Bell. It only took about 20 seconds for McClellan to land a powerful hook to the body that sent Bell to the canvas and left him momentarily paralyzed. The fight was officially stopped at the 30-second mark. He successfully defended the belt two more times before losing it and hanging up his boxing gloves.
7) Bernard Hopkins Vs. Steve Frank
Bernard Hopkins was known mainly for his excellent defense during his boxing days, and some fans even accused him of being a boring fighter. However, Hopkins wasn’t always so defensive-minded and scored his share of knockouts during his early days. One of those knockouts came against Steve Frank.
Hopkins had just won the IBF middleweight title heading into the fight, and Frank was his first challenger. Hopkins only needed 24 seconds to put Frank away with a combination. He successfully defended the IBF belt 19 times and added the WBC, WBO, and Ring titles along the way. Hopkins’ other noteworthy accomplishments include defeating Jean Pascal in 2011 at 46 to become the oldest world champion in boxing history.
8) Mike Tyson Vs. Marvis Frazier
Our list wouldn’t be complete without the scariest heavyweight in boxing history: Mike Tyson. Tyson was the biggest up-and-comer in boxing at the time, sporting a 23-0 pro record. Frazier was meant to be a step up in competition for Tyson, but that’s not how things played out.
Tyson put Frazier away with a right uppercut that left Frazier unconscious 30 seconds into the contest. Tyson went on to win the WBC heavyweight title three fights later, starting what turned out to be a legendary reign.
9) Pongsaklek Wonjongkam Vs. Daisuke Naito
This knockout gets more points for taking place in the flyweight division. Everyone expects knockouts from heavyweights, but it’s a bit more special when the smaller guys deliver. Wonjongkam was the WBC flyweight champion, while Naito challenged him for his title.
Wonjongkam caught Naito early in the contest, forcing the stoppage 34 seconds into the contest. The two went on to have an entertaining rivalry, with Naito winning the second fight via a controversial decision, and the rubber match ended in a draw.
10) Naseem Hamed Vs. Said Lawal
Prince Naseem Hamed was the most entertaining fighter in boxing before Floyd Mayweather took over at the turn of the new millennium. He talked the talk, and he backed it up inside the ring. He was an offense-first fighter that entertained fans every time he stepped inside the ring.
Naseem only needed 35 seconds to successfully defend the WBO featherweight title against Lawal while showboating and having fun inside the ring like he’s known for.
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