Boxing: Top 5 Knockouts of 2020

2020 was a year filled with uncertainty throughout the world; and just like every other aspect of life, the sport of boxing was seriously affected. The COVID-19 pandemic forced a complete 4 month shutdown of the sport.

However, despite the difficulties, we have been treated to some fantastic fights before and after the shutdown. So let’s take a look at the 5 best knockouts we witnessed during the year.

The best knockouts of the year.

5. Edgar Berlanga: Coming in at #5 is knockout artist Edgar Berlanga for his first-round annihilation of Ulises Sierra. The two fought on the undercard of Shakur Stevenson vs Toka Kahn Clary boxing event, and Berlanga used the opportunity to build on his knockout streak.

The undefeated fighter walked down Sierra, landed powerful punches, and finished the fight in the first round itself. The nature in which ‘The Chosen One’ carried out the knockout was what made it so special.

ALSO READ- ‘Puerto Rican Mike Tyson’ Edgar Berlanga Demolishes Ulises Sierra – Shuts Down Canelo Alvarez Comparisons

4. Anthony Joshua: At #4 we have Anthony Joshua for his show-reel knockout of Kubrat Pulev on December 12th. The Englishman went into the fight with many boxing critics questioning his ability. However, he took the Bulgarian apart with ease.

Although Pulev got through the early barrage, he was knocked out with a straight right in the 9th round. Thus, for the statement that the knockout made to the division, we have it at number 4.

ALSO READ- ‘I Want the Challenge’ – Anthony Joshua Sends a Message to Tyson Fury After Destroying Kubrat Pulev

3. Tyson Fury: Third on the list is ‘The Gypsy King’ for his knockout of Deontay Wilder right at the start of the year. The undefeated fighter took on the American in what was a rematch between the two.

Many expected Fury to win, but no one believed he would knockout Wilder. Despite this, against all the odds, the 6’9” giant got a 7th round knockout and inflicted Wilder’s first career loss in spectacular fashion.

2. Alexander Povetkin: Coming in at second place is Russian heavyweight Alexander Povetkin for his knockout of Dillian Whyte.

After getting dominated by Whyte for the entire fight, Povetkin knocked him out cold in the 5th round with a stunning uppercut. What makes this one special is the fact that it came out of absolutely nowhere.

This knockout showed exactly what heavyweight boxing is all about.

1. Gervonta Davis: Coming in at #1 and the best knockout of 2020 has to be Gervonta Davis’ vicious knockout of Leo Santa Cruz. The undefeated star took on the Mexican on October 31st.

And after 5 close-fought rounds, Davis brought out his trump card. He cornered Santa Cruz and landed a vicious uppercut that knocked him out cold.

This was a testament to Davis’ power, and it was also one of the most aesthetically pleasing knockouts to watch.

Honourable mentions

Though the 5 knockouts listed above took center stage, there were also a few others that caught our eye. Terence Crawford’s knockout of Kell Brook in the 4th round was as ferocious as any. The pound for pound king broke him down round by round and just exploded in Round 4.

Naoya Inoue also had a fantastic knockout of his own. He took apart Jason Moloney for 6 rounds and then slashed a powerful right hand to finish him off, and successfully defended his WBA and IBF bantamweight titles.

Another impressive knockout this year was Savannah Marshall’s victory over Hannah Rankin. The undefeated fighter displayed great movement and speed and dominated Rankin. She eventually got the knockout in the 7th round after landing a number of powerful body shots.

There we have it. Our list of the 5 best knockouts of 2020. There were many others that we may have missed and may have gone under the radar. What does your list look like?