Alright, so let me just get this out there: cheap shots suck. Yeah, I said it. They’re sneaky, unfair, and downright dirty. But somehow, they make for some compelling stories, don’t they? So here’s a messy rundown of some of the most infamous sucker punches ever thrown in the squared circle. If this doesn’t stir up some debate, I don’t know what will. Let’s dive in, or maybe wade through? Anyway.
12. The Dempsey Surprise
Picture this: July 21, 1927. Dempsey vs. Sharkey. A night at Yankee Stadium that folks still talk about—well, some do. In round seven, Sharkey was busy complaining to the ref (low blow, he said). Dempsey though? He had no time for it. Boom! Left hook, and down goes Sharkey. Was it a cheap shot? Maybe Dempsey didn’t see Sharkey whining, or maybe he did, who knows? The crowd had opinions for sure. Dempsey with his signature smirk just quipped, “Was I supposed to send a carrier pigeon?” Classic.
11. Mayweather’s Trickery
Fast forward to June 25, 2005. Mayweather gets chompy with Gatti. First round, things heat up, the ref yells “Stop!” but Mayweather’s ears must’ve been clogged or something. He pops Gatti anyway. Left hook, bam! Gatti’s looking at the ref like “Dude, seriously?” But it didn’t matter; Mayweather took him out in six. Confused? Yeah, me too.
10. Tyson Unleashed
October 23, 1999. Tyson vs. Norris. End of round one and the bell—yep, heard it five times—goes off. But Tyson, oh Tyson, he’s dancing to the beat of his own drum (or bell?). Norris figured they were done, but Tyson’s left hook suggested otherwise. Norris goes down, knee pops, can’t continue. No Contest. Tyson just shrugs, probably thinking, "Did the bell ring or nah?"
9. Abraham’s Mad Dash
March 27, 2010. Abraham and Dirrell. Dirrell’s coasting, Abraham’s scrambling. But then—a slip on some silly ad logo. Dirrell’s halfway up, and wham! Abraham’s right hand lands. Dirrell’s down, twitching like he’s caught some bad juju. Disqualified, Abraham. Dirrell disappears for two years. Paranoia or real injury? You tell me.
8. Barrera’s Hesitation
Barrera-Marquez, March 17, 2007. Seven rounds in and Barrera floors Marquez, but then stands there, maybe thinking of dinner plans? Before you know it, he’s popped Marquez again. Ref’s not having it, wipes the knockdown, docks a point, and Barrera’s bewildered.
7. Gainer’s Wild Ride
Norwood vs. Gainer on September 9, 2000. Fists were flying, below the belt mostly. Gainer went for a low blow when Norwood wasn’t looking, and—shockingly—somehow snags a win. Ref’s decision defies logic. Makes you scratch your head and ask, “What just happened?”
6. Mayweather, Again
Oh, here’s Mayweather again, September 17, 2011. Ortiz gets fancy with a headbutt, tries to apologize. But Mayweather’s like, “Apology not accepted,” and decks him mid-apology. Unsportsmanlike? Sure. But aren’t we all a little petty sometimes?
5. Dib’s Reckless Moment
Dib’s game plan? Who knows. July 9, 2009, he’s facing Yamaguchi. Yamaguchi goes down, probably for a breath. Dib seizes the moment with a sneak punch, ref says Yamaguchi’s done. Victory Dib. Controversial much? Oh, absolutely.
4. Jones Takes Two
March 21, 1997. Jones vs. Griffin. Griffin’s got this in the bag until Jones flips the script, double-punching poor, kneeling Griffin. Jones gets the boot. His career? Unaffected. Go figure.
3. Papke’s Surprise Start
September 7, 1908. Ketchel offers a handshake; Papke offers a punch. Brutal! Ketchel spends the fight bleeding and uneasily recognizing himself post-bout. Rumor or reality? Newspapers are mum, leaving mystery in their wake.
2. Leonard’s Breakdown
June 26, 1922. Leonard vs. Britton. Leonard drops Britton, then inexplicably lands a no-no punch. Bet fans were left slack-jawed. A calculated dive? A moment of madness? Any way you slice it, it’s cheap.
1. Butler’s Infamy
Let’s end on a spectacular low: November 23, 2001. Butler loses to Grant, then clocks him post-match, sans gloves. Yep, jail time ensues. It’s a slap in the face of sportsmanship (and quite literally, to Grant). Ugly doesn’t cover it; this is just wrong.
Well, there you have it, a chaotic recounting of boxing’s less glamorous moments. Thoughts? Disgruntled whispers? I’m all ears—or eyes, technically.
