The last round of a boxing match is often the most thrilling and unpredictable. It’s the time when fighters dig deep and go for broke, when one punch can decide the entire fight. It’s also the time when some of the greatest knockouts in boxing history have taken place.
Perhaps the most famous of them all is the knockout of Sonny Liston by Cassius Clay (who later changed his name to Muhammad Ali) in their 1965 heavyweight title fight. Liston was a heavy favorite, but in the last round he was caught by a brilliantly timed combination from Clay. He never recovered, and Clay won the fight.
Another legendary last round knockout took place in 1993, when Julio Cesar Chavez and Meldrick Taylor were locked in a grueling battle for the WBC super lightweight title. Taylor had been ahead on the scorecards, but in the 12th round, Chavez caught him with a powerful left hook that sent him sprawling to the canvas.
Then there’s the fight between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo in 2005. Corrales had been dominating the fight, but in the last round Castillo caught him with a powerful punch that sent him to the canvas. Corrales somehow managed to get up and continue fighting, only to be knocked down again moments later.
These are just a few of the memorable last round knockouts in boxing history. They are a testament to the power and drama of the sport, and will forever be remembered as some of the greatest fights of all time.
It's no secret that boxing is one of the most thrilling sports in the world. Every fight is a mix of adrenaline, skill, and strategy, and a last round knockout can be the most electrifying moment of all. Here are some of the most unforgettable last round knockouts in the sport of boxing:
1. Rocky Marciano vs. Jersey Joe Walcott (1952)
This iconic fight between two heavyweight titans is one of the most legendary last round knockouts in boxing history. Marciano was down going into the 13th and final round, but he managed to pull off a dramatic last-minute knockout that stunned the crowd and left Walcott unconscious on the mat.
2. Evander Holyfield vs. Riddick Bowe (1993)
This fight was a classic battle between two of the best heavyweights of their time. Holyfield and Bowe were locked in a tight battle for 12 rounds, but in the last round, Holyfield landed a huge punch that sent Bowe to the canvas and earned him the victory.
3. Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton (2009)
Pacquiao and Hatton went toe-to-toe for 11 rounds in this epic welterweight bout. In the 12th and final round, Pacquiao landed a devastating left hook that knocked out Hatton and earned him the victory.
4. Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Victor Ortiz (2011)
This fight was one of the most controversial knockouts in boxing history. Mayweather and Ortiz were locked in a tight battle until Mayweather landed a two-punch combo that knocked out Ortiz in the fourth round.
These are just a few of the incredible last round knockouts in the sport of boxing. From Marciano to Mayweather, these fights will live on in boxing history as some of the most thrilling moments in the sport.
The last round of a boxing match can be the most exhilarating and exciting, as all the work each fighter has put in to get to that point culminates in a frenzied and intense final few minutes. A knockout in the last round can be a truly memorable moment and become a highlight of boxing history.
One of the most famous last round knockouts in boxing history was the heavyweight title fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in 1974. Ali had been on the ropes for much of the fight, and Foreman was dominating the match. However, Ali famously used the “rope-a-dope” strategy to tire Foreman out, and in the eighth round, Ali unleashed a powerful combination that knocked Foreman out and sealed his victory.
Another memorable last round knockout was the 1991 fight between Mike Tyson and Donovan “Razor” Ruddock. Tyson was dominating the fight, but Ruddock had managed to keep Tyson at bay for eight rounds. However, in the ninth round, Tyson unleashed a powerful combination that knocked Ruddock out and secured Tyson’s victory.
Finally, the most recent memorable last round knockout was the match between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto in 2009. Pacquiao had dominated the fight, but Cotto was still in the match until the 12th round. In the final round, Pacquiao unleashed a powerful combination that knocked Cotto out and sealed Pacquiao’s victory.
These three fights are some of the most memorable last round knockouts in boxing history, and they serve as a reminder of the power of a well-timed punch in the final round of a fight.