Ranking the top five most dramatic moments of 2013. There was plenty of drama outside the ring.
The Golden Boy-Top Rank cold war raged on, Golden Boy and HBO parted ways, and many of the sport’s most ferocious warriors acted with usual foolishness. But, fortunately, that’s not what I’m talking about.
The sport of boxing is known for it’s many twists and turns. Blood, sweat, and tears wasn’t confined just to boxing’s biggest blood n’ guts warriors. Making the crowd roar with a fight-of-the-year performance does have a great deal of allure. The problem? It also has some constitutional ramifications. And those are just what I plan to speak of in this article.
What ramifications? Well, that’s easy. How about a left hook to the jaw, a breathtaking liver shot, or a half-hour of all-but-certain brain trauma to both you and your opponent. Depending on your perception, that could sound either really appealing or chilling. I’m talking to you, Brandon Rios.
“How fun!” shouts a boxing fan.
In this article, I’m reviewing the top five most wowing moments of boxing in 2013, in descending order.
5. Carl Froch dubiously stops Georges Groves in round nine
I almost forgot that Georges Groves’ opponent was IBF/WBA Super Middleweight champion Carl Froch and not the often shunned referee Howard Foster. It would be higher, but the shock was so breathtaking only due to Foster’s stoppage — one of the worst in boxing history. Froch was down hard in round one. Groves had been swarming him and clearly defeating him all night before Froch had him slightly hurt (but still engaging) in round nine. I guess Foster had seen enough; although no one else had. Groves entered to boos and left with thousands of new fans.
4. Krzysztof Wlodarczyk vs Rakhim Chakhkiev Round 6
Before round six, Wlodarczyk, a titlist, yet a considerable underdog, was well behind on the scorecards and in need of something big. Chakhkiev was tiring, but Chakhkiev’s many backers could have beguiled themselves into believing that he was simply taking a break. The knockdown (and eventual knockout) erased all sounds that Wlodarczyk was taking back the fight.
3. Adrien Broner beaten, floored by Maidana (Round 2)
Adrien Broner was supposed to be boxing’s next big star. Marcos Maidana was a shop-worn puncher. This wasn’t supposed to happen.
While everyone gasped, it was likely the fans who cheered, and Golden Boy Promotions, Al Haymon who cried. Marcos Maidana’s knockdown on Adrien Broner was picture-perfect. Broner, already overwhelmed, was lost, and it took him a few rounds to get into the fight. Ultimately, Malidanacontinued to pour it on late and shock the boxing world once again via unanimous decision.
2. Adonis Stevenson finishes Chad Dawson with one punch in round one
Chad Dawson wasn’t highly regarded after a brutal stoppage loss to Andre Ward at Super Middleweight. That said, Dawson’s career was imploded after Adonis Stevenson finished him with a single right hand. After the loss to Ward, Dawson still had his Light Heavyweight championship on standby. Unfortunately for him, he doesn’t have another division to retreat to, but Stevenson has become known as a feared knock out puncher who few are in line to beat.
1. Jhonny Gonzalez KO 1 Abner Mares
Another first round knockout? This wasn’t intended on being KO of the year! What gives?
This wasn’t any ordinary finish. Abner Mares had recently manhandled the fighter who’d last beaten Gonzalez — Daniel Ponce De Leon! He’d also had wins over Anselmo Moreno, Vic Darchinyan, Joseph Agbeko and others. He was under consideration for a top ten position on a boxing pound-for-pound list. In fact, some criticized him for even fighting Gonzalez, a massive underdog.
Bam.
A single punch left Mares dazed and helpless. Gonzalez pounced and scored the stoppage before the first round had ended. A new Featherweight champion had been crowned, and a young, three division champion left asking the veteran for a rematch — which is set to happen on 2-15 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Just imagine what 2014 will bring!
