Seen on:
as known from New York Timesas known from USA Todayas known from yahoo!
VA

Top 10 Come from Behind wins in Boxing history!

Publish Date: 11/27/2024
Fact checked by: Mark Lewis

The men on this list snatched victory from the jaws of defeat when all looked lost. I know I have missed some, so throw your greatest boxing comebacks that I missed in the comment section!

10) Juan Manuel Marquez vs Manny Pacquiao IV

So one narrative to this fight was that both fighters sought a knockout win to finally settle their longstanding rivalry – Marquez, in particular, hoped to get his hands on Pacquiao as soon as possible. At the same time, Pacquiao wanted nothing more than to end this man who had taunted him over multiple weight classes over years of competition.

Marquez sent shockwaves through the boxing world in Round 2 when he utilized an overhand right disguised to drop Pacquiao for the first time since 2013. Pacquiao survived despite appearing dazed, however.

Pacquiao appeared hesitant to engage with Marquez’s right hand from hereon out, backing away from the opening – something which Freddie Roach addressed by calling out in the corner.

Pacquiao evened up the knockdown count by dropping Marquez during their exchange. Marquez quickly responded with a counter right that buckled Pacquiao before Pacquiao broke Marquez’s nose before the fifth round was concluded.

It looked like Pacman was n his way until lightning struck.

Video: The KO That Shook Boxing | Juan Manuel Marquez vs Manny Pacquiao 4 | On This Day Free Fight

The KO That Shook Boxing | Juan Manuel Marquez vs Manny Pacquiao 4 | On This Day Free Fight

9) Gene Hatcher vs Johnny Bumphus

Entering the 11th round of this fight, Hatcher needed a knockout as he trailed by six and seven points, respectively, on the three scorecards. Hatcher landed and put Bumphus down and a wold melee ensued, and when all was said and done, Hatcher was a world champion!

Video: Johnny Bumphus vs Gene Hatcher (1984 upset of the year)Highlights

Johnny Bumphus vs Gene Hatcher (1984 upset of the year)Highlights

8) John Molina vs Mickey Bey

John Molina was chosen as Mickey Bey’s opponent against TMT fighter Mickey Bey, an unbeaten fighter aiming for a world championship. Molina would provide Bey with an aggressive yet manageable opponent as they tried to earn one themselves.

Bey easily outclassed Molina throughout their 10-round bout, using his quicker and slicker style to outwit Molina’s aggressive approach and bank round after round. Molina simply wasn’t effective enough against Bey’s counter-punching strategies.

Going into the final round, Bey was ahead on all scorecards, with one judge scoring all nine rounds to his favor. Molina managed to land an unexpected left hook from out of nowhere that stunned and stopped Bey and began throwing everything he could at him to try and force a stoppage of Bey. Referee Vic Drakulich eventually called time on this round as Molina found just one shot that stunned and stopped Bey, derail his unbeaten record, and win this fight from nowhere!

Video: Mickey Bey vs. John Molina: Round 10 | ShoBox: The New Generation

Mickey Bey vs. John Molina: Round 10 | ShoBox: The New Generation

7) Carl Froch vs Jermaine Taylor

Froch was starting to establish his reputation, having recently won his world title by defeating Jean Pascal and set to defend it against Jermain Taylor in his first defence fight.

Froch was down on two of three judges’ scorecards going into the final round and needed a knockout victory to prevail.

Froch landed a hard right cross to knock Taylor to his back before following up with a barrage of punches that forced the referee to stop the bout with 15 seconds remaining on the clock.

Froch’s victory established him as an official world champion at 168 lbs, and led to him having an unprecedented run of 10 consecutive world title fights, which included big money bouts against Andre Ward, Mikkel Kessler and, maybe most significantly, George Groves himself.

Video: Froch vs. Taylor: Round 12 | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 30th Anniversary

Froch vs. Taylor: Round 12 | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 30th Anniversary

6) Julio Cesar Chavez vs Meldrick Taylor

Julio Cesar Chavez and Meldrick Taylor engaged in an exciting light-welterweight title bout in 1990. Although Chavez was generally the harder puncher, he was outboxed considerably throughout most of the bout and trailed significantly on two judges’ scorecards; potentially jeopardizing his title.

Chavez unleashed fierce blows in the 12th and final round, which badly wounded Taylor. Chavez delivered right and left hooks that struck Taylor both head and body before knocking him down before referee Richard Steele intervened to stop the fight as only two seconds remained; Steele thought Taylor couldn’t continue.

Chavez made an unlikely comeback from certain defeat to claim victory and achieve victory.

Video: Julio Cesar Chavez vs Meldrick Taylor - Highlights (FIGHT of the DECADE)

Julio Cesar Chavez vs Meldrick Taylor – Highlights (FIGHT of the DECADE)

5) Mike Weaver vs John Tate

Mike Weaver was just an unknown heavyweight when he entered the ring against John Tate for the WBA World Heavyweight title bout in 1980. Sure he had given Larry Holmes a life and death battle the year before, but most thought it was a fluke against a Holmes that did not take Weaver seriously.

Weaver entered the ring with an unimpressive 21-9 record, showing slight improvement by winning seven of his previous eight fights and possessing a powerful punch.

Tate was an impressive boxer who was easily beating Weaver for 14 rounds.

However, the 15th round was different: Weaver continued his relentless assault, hoping desperately for one last knockout blow against Tate. About two minutes into the final round, Weaver finally succeeded and unleashed a fierce left hook punch that stunned Tate.

Tate had his left shoulder resting against Weaver. When Weaver pulled away, Tate fell forward onto the canvas face first and was counted out.

Weaver won his championship through an epic knockout victory, and held onto it until Michael Dokes dethroned him two years later, under shady circumstances.

Video: John TATE vs Mike WEAVER | Highlights HD [60fps] | March, 31 1980

John TATE vs Mike WEAVER | Highlights HD [60fps] | March, 31 1980

4) Diego Corrales vs Jose Luis Castillo

As the 9th round progressed, both fighters were still standing, yet clearly showing evidence of battle damage.

Corrales had fallen prey to Castillo’s left hook early in round 10, as Corrales spit his mouthpiece out onto the mat after taking an obvious body shot from him, appearing dazed and fatigued from Castillo’s body assault, staggering into his corner as referee Tony Weeks beseeched Joe Goossen to reinsert it back.

Weeks gave Corrales another chance as he rose back up before penalising one point for excessive mouthpiece spitting out.

Trainer Goossen sent a powerful message to Corrales during their fight. With Corrales facing an out-of-reach 10-6 round heading into the final rounds, this command had lasting reverberations as Corrales appeared poised to outclass Goossen provided they didn’t stop moving forward at that moment.

Castillo attacked Corrales from behind, looking to finish him off quickly as Corrales attempted desperately to throw back. At around two minutes left in the round, Corrales began trading with Castillo before landing a powerful left hook which seemed to stun Castillo; Castillo fell back against the ropes as Corrales managed to throw combinations against an injured Mexican.

Castillo managed to escape, only to be caught once more by Corrales, who suddenly seemed on the verge of stopping Castillo with a powerful combination. Sensing that Castillo was done, Corrales chased him back into the ropes before unleashing yet another combination into him before pushing Castillo back against them for good.

Castillo’s head jerked back, his eyes rolling back, and Tony Weeks intervened to call off this historic bout, making for one of the greatest rounds, fights and comebacks ever seen in boxing history. Corrales had earlier declared he would “walk through hell” before surrendering his title that evening; how prophetic.

Video: Corrales vs. Castillo I: Round 10 | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 30th Anniversary

Corrales vs. Castillo I: Round 10 | SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING 30th Anniversary

3) Joe Louis vs Billy Conn I

Billy Conn was an outstanding fighter when he met Joe Louis in 1941, yet it would become clear to everyone who witnessed their bout that Conn was up against a legend who would go down in history as the greatest heavyweight fighters ever.

Conn was known for his speed, hand-eye coordination and punching power; however, for this fight, he weighed 174.5 pounds, while Louis weighed in at 199.

Even though Conn was at a weight and strength disadvantage against Louis, he fought valiantly throughout the night, moving fast while throwing crisp lefts and rights and starting to establish an edge in later rounds.

As the fight progressed, Conn was relentless. By the 12th round he had hit Louis with some big shots that caused his champion to falter.

Conn would have won the fight if he had played it safe and boxed from a distance.

Conn’s brave decision cost him dearly; while he scored some heavy shots against Louis, Louis’ power showed itself late in the 13th round as he dropped Conn with multiple punches that sent him down and Conn was counted out at 2 minutes 58 seconds.

Video: Joe Louis vs Billy Conn - Highlights (Heavyweight Classic & KNOCKOUT)

Joe Louis vs Billy Conn – Highlights (Heavyweight Classic & KNOCKOUT)

2) Rocky Marciano vs Jersey Joe Walcott I

Jersey Joe Walcott was an expert boxer who won the heavyweight title in 1951. However, in Philadelphia, he met and faced off against hard-puncher Rocky Marciano as his rival for that title.

At that point in his career, Marciano was respected for his power but awkward in the ring, often off-balance when throwing punches.

Walcott hoped that his superior boxing abilities would enable him to impose himself on Rocky.

Walcott immediately established control in this fight, knocking Marciano down with an aggressive right in the opening round and dominating most of it from then on out.

Marciano still had power late in the fight and sought an opportunity to strike. Early in Round 13, he did just that, sending Walcott reeling back against the ropes before toppling over in knock out fashion – giving Marciano his championship in one devastating blow!

Video: Rocky Marciano vs Jersey Joe Walcott 1 // Highlights (The Ring Fight of the Year)

Rocky Marciano vs Jersey Joe Walcott 1 // Highlights (The Ring Fight of the Year)

1) George Foreman vs Michael Moorer

George Foreman entered the ring against Michael Moorer in 1994 with an aim of winning back the heavyweight championship he had lost to Muhammad Ali two decades earlier.

At 45, Foreman had become slower and less aggressive yet still packed a powerful punch. His veteran experience came in handy.

Moorer was giving Foreman an intensive boxing lesson. Moorer kept beating Foreman with every punch, leaving him bruised and his face swelling with redness and puffiness.

However, Foreman knew he still had a chance at the title with one more powerful right-hand blow from him. That chance arrived in the 10th round when Foreman used an effective counter punch against Moorer’s left to deliver a crisp right that hit Moorer right on his chin and forced him down for the count.

Video: George Foreman Stuns Michael Moorer to Win Heavyweight Title at Age 45 | ON THIS DAY FREE FIGHT

George Foreman Stuns Michael Moorer to Win Heavyweight Title at Age 45 | ON THIS DAY FREE FIGHT

 

Read Also
Top 20 Indiana High School Basketball players of all time: Big O, Larry, Damon and more
Indiana high school basketball isn’t just a game — it’s a tradition ...
Esteban de Jesus, Roberto Duran y AIDS (1972-89)
Many of us dream of celebrity sports fame, but only cruel individuals ...
Bet365 Promo
Superman vs. Muhammad Ali: How the Heavyweight Champ and the Man of Steel Saved the World in 1978
Training The Mego toy corporation, arguably best known for its line of ...
Michael Nunn and Iran Barkley Discuss Their Bout, Bob Arum, and the Four Kings
Mountains to Climb, Pebbles in Your Shoe “I always say that was ...
State Of The League: Los Angeles Chargers
Training camp and the NFL preseason are here! We have been going ...
State Of The League: New Orleans Saints
The NFL Draft and free agency is in our rearview mirrors. Training ...
Peter Maher: An Irish Tribute
INTRO: I was seriously ill in 2018 with 7 nights in the ...
Ranking the top 200 players in the NFL ahead of the 2021 season
This list isn’t based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. ...
Lady Tyger’s Tale: How Marian Trimiar Mauled the Boxing Establishment of the 1970s and 80s
To Feed the Ambition in Your Heart is Like Carrying a Tiger ...
Where Did You Go, Smokin’ Joe? To Starrcade and WrestleMania By Way of Puerto Rico
Starrcade ’84: The Million Dollar Challenge ‘Nature Boy’ Ric Flair, that “stylin’ ...
Top Betting Sites
Top Betting Bonuses
BetMGM
4.9/5
Bet365
4.8/5
Caesars
4.7/5
FanDuel
4.6/5
DraftKings
DraftKings
DraftKings Review
4.6/5
Fanatics
Fanatics
Fanatics Review
4.5/5
Barstool
Barstool Review
3.7/5
Bally Bet
Bally Bet Review
3.7/5
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
T&Cs apply
4.9/5
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Bet $5 & Get $200 in bonus bets
T&Cs apply
4.8/5
Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. This Referral Code is used for marketing/tracking purposes only. $10 minimum deposit. Paid in Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. Available in app only. Max. prize, game restrictions, time limits and T&Cs apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
Caesars
Caesars Promo
Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
FanDuel
FanDuel Promo
Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat - CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). Hope is here. Home or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook
DraftKings
DraftKings Promo
New Customers: Bet $5+ Get $300 in Bonus Bets If Your Bet Wins + 3 Months of League Pass On Us!
T&Cs apply
4.6/5
Fanatics
Fanatics Promo
Bet $50, Get $250 in FanCash
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
New customers in AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TV, VA, VT, WV, WY. Must opt-in and wager $10+ cash on any market with odds of -500 or longer to receive $50 in FanCash each day for your first 5 days (issued when qualifying wager settles). Your 5 days begin the day you establish your account. See full Promo Terms and FanCash terms in the Fanatics Sportsbook app.
Barstool Promo
T&Cs apply
3.7/5
Latest Sport News
Cleveland Browns Fallout from Week 10 
The team that the Cleveland Browns lined up ...
Iron Will, Iron Chin: The Legend of Bennie Briscoe
Few fighters in boxing history embodied pure grit, ...
Top 10 Greatest IHSAA Boys State Basketball Championship Games in History
The greatest single-class Indiana High School State Championship ...
Chris Eubank Jr. versus Conor Benn – The rematch – who wins?
Chris Eubank Jr. and Conor Benn fought an ...
Top-10 Shortstops in MLB History: Where does ARod rank?
Defense used to define the shortstop position. For ...
Pete Carroll’s Vegas Gamble Has Gone Bust
Pete Carroll arrived in Las Vegas with the ...
Are Mike Vrabel and the Patriots Serious Super Bowl Contenders?
The New England Patriots are no longer a ...
Top 10 Switch Hitters in Baseball History
Switch-hitting is one of the rarest and most ...
Top 10 Greatest Shooters in Indiana Hoosier Basketball History
Indiana is a state synonymous with great shooters ...
Our Team
Mike GoodpasterMark LewisAuthor IconJohn RaspantiSamuel Teets
+4
Mike Goodpaster
Mike Goodpaster
Chief Editor
Mark Lewis
Mark Lewis
Editor
Author Icon
Christopher Carlson
Author
John Raspanti
John Raspanti
Author
Samuel Teets
Samuel Teets
US Sports Veteran
Daniel Kornhauser
Daniel Kornhauser
Author
Chris Benedict
Chris Benedict
Editor
Ellis Williams
Ellis Williams
Author
Shelley Harcar
Shelley Harcar
Sports Writer
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....
Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week....

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Our Sports Pros recommend these awesome sports betting sites this week:
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Our Favorite
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Bet $5 & Get $200 in bonus bets
Best Slots
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open Bet365
Open Bet365
Caesars
Caesars Promo
Bet $1, Double your Winnings on your Next 20 Wagers. Up to $25 Max Bet Per Boost
Newcomer
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open Caesars
Get Bonus
×
Your Promo Code:
The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link:
Play now