Every boxing fan admires a certain aspect of a fight more than any other; whether it be the artistic beauty of watching a “pure” boxer in action or two warriors going toe to toe, but there is nothing more awe-inspiring than watching a hammer-fisted knockout specialist in all of their glory.
It is a primal instinct to want to see brutality at its highest point and whether it is viewed as sadistic or not, every boxing fan tunes in with the hope that they are about to witness a lights-out punch that ends a fight dramatically.
Fighters with the ability to turn a contest on its head with one singular punch have always been placed upon a pedestal by fans and promoters alike, because they are guaranteed entertainment and, after all, that is what this sport is all about. That’s why Mike Tyson was untouchable in his pomp and why even at the age of 45 George Foreman was able to recapture the Heavyweight championship of the world.
They possessed the power to alter history. Fans tune in to see mind-blowing assaults, and although it is pleasing on the eye to watch a master technician go to work, the tickets will always sell out quicker when the crowd anticipates an early night.
It’s true that a “boxer” should always defeat a “puncher” but on the off-chance that the heavier-handed fighter catches up with his opponent, that formula can be thrown out of the window at a whim. Speed doesn’t kill but unstoppable punching power does.
This is not a history lesson, although if you are looking for a list of retired knockout specialists then I would recommend Tyson, Archie More, Rocky Marciano, Roberto Duran, Tommy Hearns and Sugar Ray Robinson, all of whom will have a highlight reel or two on social media. They are just but a few names among the many fighters who have wowed the masses over the years with their punching prowess.
I am by no means detracting from the “sweet science,” I am a huge boxing fan and I love to watch geniuses like Floyd Mayweather go to work, but I don’t think the sport would appeal to the mainstream without the murderous talents of those blessed with “hands of stone”.
Knockouts get you up out of your seats, screaming at the television set at 5 in the morning, and that is why us fans love them. As long as there are knockouts, there will be boxing fans, and I will be right there at the head of the queue, cheering every blow.
