You can argue this, there were harder and more spectacular knockout in 2013 where guys lights were out instantly but as far as the most important knockout in 2013 and ThaBoxingVoice.com’s KO of the year, that went to Adonis Stevenson’s KO victory over Chad Dawson in June.
Dawson at the time was still the man to beat at 175 lbs even coming off a lopsided loss to 168 lb king Andre Ward at 168 lbs but was still the favorite even in Stevenson’s backyard in Montreal, Canada. Until this point Stevenson, the last protégé of the late Emmanuel Steward was seen as a power puncher and most felt Dawson’s boxing ability and length would be too much for Stevenson.
Then it happened, a Stevenson straight left hand sent Dawson reeling to the canvas and as Dawson got up the referee would not allow him to continue. What ensued was one of the most memorable celebrations in boxing history as the then 35 year old boxer ran around the ring like a 7 year old who scored his first goal in soccer.
The punch made Adonis, a man who spent most of his career at 168 lbs, the man at 175 lbs. It made Adonis, a bona fide star that actually draws a crowd in Montreal. It left the door wide open for more big fights in Canada against the likes of Jean Pascal and or Lucian Bute who are slated to face off in what is Canada’s biggest fight to date. It also leaves the door wide open for a big money fight against another big name in Bernard Hopkins who has fought in Canada twice against Jean Pascal. But the fight on most fans minds and a fight that should happen in 2014 is a fight between Stevenson and the biggest threat to his crown in Sergey Kovalev. The two shared an HBO date in November and both impressed making a fight between the two as a must happen fight.
Other Notable Knockouts:
Gonzalez KO1 Mares: in what is likely our upset of the year, Mares landed a textbook left hook to send Mares to the canvas. Mares, like the warrior that he is got up but you could tell he was out on his feet, another left hand and straight right would send Mares back down and not being able to continue.
Golovkin KO 3 Macklin: A body shot of destruction that sent a game Matt Macklin to the canvas, not being able to get up and adding more aura to what already is a grand aura of Gennady Golovkin.
Golovkin KO3 Ishida: It was one of those put you to sleep type left hand jab, right hand combinations that knocked a very durable Ishida unconscious.
Matthysse KO1 Mike Dallas: it was so early in the year that I think most people forget the brutality of the combination Matthysse hit Mike Dallas with that sent Dallas into a good nap.
