2024 proved to be a year of seismic shifts in the heavyweight boxing landscape, a year punctuated by brutal knockouts that reshaped the division’s hierarchy and left fans gasping in awe. Among these impactful moments, Anthony Joshua’s demolition of Francis Ngannou stands out, earning the coveted title of “Knockout of the Year” by CBS Sports. This accolade underscores the sheer power and precision of Joshua’s performance against the former UFC heavyweight champion.
Joshua’s victory wasn’t merely a win; it was a statement. He systematically dismantled Ngannou, first with a knockdown in the opening round, a clear indication of his boxing prowess against Ngannou’s MMA background. This initial blow foreshadowed the inevitable. In the second round, another heavy right hand sent Ngannou sprawling to the canvas. The final blow, a thunderous overhand right, was a picture-perfect execution of power and timing, ending Ngannou’s brief foray into the boxing world and adding another highlight to Joshua’s already impressive highlight reel.
While Joshua secured the “Knockout of the Year,” the boxing gods, it seems, have a sense of irony. Later in the year, Joshua found himself on the receiving end of a devastating knockout, a moment that would be ranked as the second-best knockout of 2024 by CBS Sports. This dramatic reversal of fortune came at the hands of Daniel Dubois, a rising star in the heavyweight division. Dubois, fresh off his IBF heavyweight title victory against Filip Hrgovic, delivered a performance of controlled aggression against Joshua, dropping him four times before the final, decisive blow. The fight served as a stark reminder of the volatile nature of heavyweight boxing, where a single punch can change the course of a career.
Adding to the drama of the year was Zhilei Zhang’s stunning upset of Deontay Wilder, a knockout that secured the third spot on CBS Sports’ list. Zhang’s victory, punctuated by a perfectly timed running right hand that sent Wilder crashing to the canvas, sent shockwaves through the boxing world. This unexpected outcome further scrambled the heavyweight rankings, demonstrating the evolving power dynamics within the division. Zhang’s knockout underscored his emergence as a force to be reckoned with, while simultaneously exposing vulnerabilities in Wilder’s seemingly impenetrable armor.
The year 2024 will be remembered as a period of transition and upheaval in heavyweight boxing. Anthony Joshua, despite experiencing both the pinnacle of victory and the sting of defeat, showcased his resilience and power, cementing his status as a top contender. His knockout of Ngannou serves as a testament to his boxing pedigree and his ability to deliver explosive finishes. While the loss to Dubois exposed vulnerabilities, it also underlined the competitive landscape of the heavyweight division, where even established champions are susceptible to upsets.
The three highlighted knockouts, each unique and impactful, encapsulate the thrilling unpredictability of heavyweight boxing. Joshua’s demolition of Ngannou, his subsequent defeat by Dubois, and Zhang’s stunning upset of Wilder collectively paint a picture of a division in constant flux. These defining moments, etched in the annals of boxing history, not only captivated audiences but also reshaped the narrative of the heavyweight division, setting the stage for future clashes of titans and promising even more electrifying moments in the years to come.
