Which fight takes home the Knockout of the Year for 2009 in boxing?
There were some sensational and dramatic moments in the sport over the past year. Manny Pacquiao was a unanimous Fighter of the Year winner, and now he makes a reappearance into our 2009 boxing awards by earning Knockout of the Year honors with his second round demolition of junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton.
Manny Pacquiao was the favorite going into his fight against Ricky Hatton, still, there were mixed opinions about who would win the bout. The crowd supporting Pacquiao largely thought a mid or late round stoppage would be possible, or maybe Pacquiao would take home a decision. However, what was to unfold in that evening in May would be emblazoned into every boxing fan’s mind as one of the best knockouts against two world class, thought to be evenly matched opponents.
As soon as the fight began, it was clear that it was going to be a bad night for Hatton. Pacquiao was just too fast. A right hook from Pacquiao put Hatton down for the first time. A straight left hand put him down for the second time. Somehow Hatton survived the first round knockout.
In between rounds Hatton looked as if he had just seen a ghost. A ghost who was blasting him the face with brutal punches he couldn’t seem coming. Coming out for the second round, Hatton seemed dazed and confused, and perhaps rightfully, more than a bit timid. This time it would be a left hook from Pacquiao that put Hatton down.
Of course, Hatton would not get up from this punch, his rigid body staring blankly up at the lights for the next few moments. And with that, Manny Pacquiao’s 2nd round KO of Ricky Hatton takes home the 2009 Knockout of the Year award.
Knockout of the Year Runner Up: Arthur Abraham KO12 Jermain Taylor
The Abraham vs. Taylor fight was all but done, and it was apparent that Abraham would take home a strong decision victory. As predicted, Taylor started the fight out strong but was unable to do any real damage. Abraham started pouring on the pressure with carefully picked, thudding shots as the middle and late rounds wore on, and Taylor’s hopes were all but gone. But Abraham didn’t think his job was done for the night.
Abraham placed a powerful straight right hand in between Taylor’s guard, and Taylor plummeted backwards onto the canvas. No count was necessary.
Other Knockout of the Year Contenders: Carl Froch TKO 12 Jermain Taylor; Danny Green TKO 1 Roy Jones Jr.
Make sure you check out the rest of the 2009 Boxing Awards from ProBoxing-Fans.com. It’s the best way to recap the entire up and down, crazy year in boxing. And if you agree or disagree with any of the recipients, let us know in the comments!
