They say the left hook is the most powerful punch in boxing. It’s definitely the most compact, with just a short distance of travel from point A to point B. It’s fast, explosive, and when it connects with its target, the left hook is absolutely devastating.
A great left hook is no doubt a beauty to watch. When it’s thrown with purpose and conviction, paired with expert timing, it’s virtually unblockable.
Throughout the history of the sport of boxing, there have been incredible instances where the left hook was used to its full effect. Legends of the ring have banked on the left hook to score thrilling knockout victories that will echo through eternity.
We take a look at boxing’s most epic moments, when the left hook took center stage, and was showcased in all its glory. These timeless examples of the left hook’s effectiveness are case studies on how to best utilize this amazing offensive weapon.
Today, Evolve University shares the five most powerful left hooks in boxing.
1) Sugar Ray Robinson vs. Gene Fullmer II (May 1, 1957)
Legendary welterweight fighter “Sugar” Ray Robinson and the “Mormon Mauler” Gene Fullmer met each other in the ring a total of four times. But it was their second encounter in 1957 that was perhaps the most memorable.
“Sugar” looked to take the world middleweight title right back from Fullmer, who lifted the belt from Robinson’s shoulders just four months prior to their rematch. With the golden strap around his waist, Fullmer understandably headed into the fight the betting favorite.
Unfortunately, Fullmer was stopped in the fifth round, separated from his senses via a stone-cold left hook from Robinson that ended matters almost instantly. Robinson’s left hook finish was so devastating, it left Fullmer splayed out on the canvas, legs shaking involuntarily from the impact.
What made this left hook even more incredible was the fact that Robinson connected with the punch whilst moving backward, proving just how skillful he truly was.
2) Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali (March 8, 1971)
The Muhammad Ali – “Smokin’” Joe Frazier heavyweight rivalry is one that will forever be emblazoned in our history. On the evening of March 8, 1971, at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City, the two heavyweight legends met in the center of the ring in what many sports historians dubbed, “The Fight of the Century.”
For 15 grueling rounds of non-stop action, Ali and Frazier pushed each other to the limit, trading haymakers every chance they got. Featured all through the night was Frazier’s thudding left hook, which came complete with concussive knockout power and was widely considered the most powerful hook in the sport at the time.
The 15th and final round saw Frazier connect with his signature punch right on the button, instantly flooring Ali. Although Ali beat the mandatory count, and Frazier was unable to end matters inside the distance, the victory was certainly not in doubt. Frazier retained his belt via unanimous decision and Ali suffered the first loss of his professional career.
3) Mike Tyson vs. Reggie Gross (June 13, 1986)
When you think of boxing’s biggest power punchers, the name Mike Tyson always comes to mind. In fact, Tyson’s name will forever equate to devastating punching power for as long as epic knockouts are discussed among fight fans.
At the time, Tyson was slowly building momentum toward a title shot, and had grand designs on making history as the youngest heavyweight champion ever. “Iron” Mike became known for blasting his way through the ranks, barreling through a litany of opponents with his trademark aggression and killer intent.
Among his most dangerous weapons was the left hook, and on June 13, 1986, Tyson met Reggie Gross, and proved to the world just how potent his left hook really was.
In the very first round, Tyson countered Gross with a simultaneous left hook, leveling his foe and forcing the referee to initiate the count. With Gross on unsteady legs and pretty much out of it, the referee had no choice but to stop the fight.
One left hook from “The Baddest Man on the Planet” was all it took to end the night early.
4) Tommy Morrison vs. Donovan Ruddock (June 10, 1995)
https://youtu.be/fMEWnk9aS8s
The late Tommy “The Duke” Morrison was probably better known to fans as “Tommy Gunn,” the character he played in Rocky V opposite Sylvester Stallone, but he was also a world champion heavyweight with his fair share of epic knockout victories, none more epic than his 1995 technical knockout victory over Donovan “Razor” Ruddock.
Both Morrison and Ruddock sent each other to the canvas early in the fight, and both survived. But in the sixth round, Morrison uncorked a debilitating left hook that floored Ruddock, leaving his opponent staring at the blinding lights of the arena from the flat of his back.
Ruddock somehow made it back up to his feet, but the referee decided to end the bout early, when he noticed “Razor” was in no shape to continue fighting.
With 42 wins out of 48 victories, the left hook was a major weapon for Morrison throughout his career.
5) Floyd Mayweather vs. Ricky Hatton (December 8, 2007)
https://youtu.be/DrhjkMTnCco
Fast forward to more modern times, defensive legend Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. sure knew how to talk up a storm in order to sell his fights. Fortunately for fans, Mayweather always backed up his trash talk and delivered incredible performances inside the ring.
Fresh off his victory over Latino great Oscar De La Hoya, Mayweather challenged then undefeated junior welterweight Ricky “Hitman” Hatton, with the latter moving up a division to challenge the brash American.
The pair met on December 8, 2007 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Throughout the contest, Mayweather showcased superior skill and technique, practically toying with Hatton as the rounds progressed.
In the 10th round, however, “Money” decided to end matters, when he authored a masterful left check hook to the chin of an onrushing Hatton, sending the British fighter straight into the ring post and eventually to the canvas.
Hatton beat the mandatory eight count, but Mayweather finished the job with another combination shortly after.
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