Fastest Knockout In Boxing History: Who Holds The Record?
Boxing is known for its intensity and sudden shifts in momentum. Some contests are over almost immediately, creating moments that fans remember for years. Rapid finishes demonstrate more than raw power—they often reflect timing, precision, and preparation coming together in a single instant.
This blog post explores the fastest knockout in boxing history, presents ten of the quickest finishes, and clarifies the difference between a knockout, a knockdown, and a technical knockout.
Who Has The Fastest Knockout In Boxing?
The knockout (KO) most often mentioned as the fastest in boxing history involves Mike Collins, who reportedly defeated Pat Brownson in roughly four seconds at the 1947 Golden Gloves tournament in Minneapolis. Collins landed his first punch immediately after the opening bell, and Brownson was unable to respond effectively. The referee intervened almost instantly, concluding the bout.
It’s worth noting that this was an amateur match. Some historians debate whether it counts as the “official” fastest KO in professional boxing, since timing and recording standards were not as formalised as today. Still, Guinness World Records recognises this 4‑second bout as the fastest recorded knockout, giving it a unique place in boxing history.
Other extremely rapid finishes have occurred in professional bouts, including fights where a single punch or short flurry ended the contest before the first round concluded. Timing estimates vary depending on the source, but these quick conclusions consistently demonstrate a combination of skill, precision, and power.
Top 10 Fastest Knockouts
Boxing history includes a number of very quick finishes that concluded matches in a short amount of time.
The following are ten of the fastest recorded knockouts. Times are approximate, and sources may vary slightly, but each bout ended in a notably brief period:
- Mike Collins vs Pat Brownson (1947) – ~4s
- Terry Marsh vs Fausto Pineda (1984) – 8s
- Phil Williams vs Brandon Burke (2007) – 10s
- Al Couture vs Ralph Walton (1946) – 10.5s
- Jimmy Thunder vs Crawford Grimsley (1997) – 13s
- Daniel Jiménez vs Harald Geier (1994) – 17s
- David Tua vs John Ruiz (1996) – 19s
- Chris Eubank vs Reginaldo Dos Santos (1990) – 20s
- Bernard Hopkins vs Steve Frank (1996) – 24s
- Pongsaklek Wonjongkam vs Daisuke Naito (2002) – 34s
These include both professional and internationally recognised bouts. Exact KO times can vary depending on the source, referee stoppage, or recording method. While many extremely fast knockouts have been reported, this list includes fights with some form of documented reporting or recognition, though other very quick KOs may exist that are not consistently recorded.
If you are exploring betting scenarios, note that such outcomes are very rare and unpredictable. Always follow responsible gambling guidance.
Does a Knockout Count as a Knockdown?
A knockdown occurs when a boxer is sent to the canvas—any part of the body other than the soles of the feet touches the floor—or when they need the ropes to stay upright. The referee pauses the action and counts, giving the boxer a chance to demonstrate they can continue. Judges score knockdowns heavily, often influencing the overall outcome.
A KO is a step further: it happens when a boxer cannot rise before the referee reaches a count of ten. In other words, every KO starts with a knockdown, but not every knockdown ends the fight. A boxer might be floored early yet recover to continue effectively.
So, the fastest KOs we highlighted earlier aren’t just quick—they involve a blow or combination that results in a fight-ending scenario, rather than merely a temporary knockdown.
Technical Knockout Explained
Another type of stoppage may appear similar to a KO but operates differently. A technical knockout (TKO) occurs when a fight is halted to prevent potential injury, even if the boxer has not been knocked down.
For example, one boxer might be absorbing repeated unanswered punches, struggling to defend themselves, or sustaining an injury that might worsen if the contest continues. Referees, ringside doctors, or even a fighter’s corner may intervene to stop the match.
Unlike a KO, which results from a boxer failing to rise before the count finishes, a TKO is a precaution to protect their health. The rules for such stoppages are consistent across boxing jurisdictions, ensuring a match does not continue if a participant is at substantial risk.
If you’re considering betting on boxing, these distinctions are important: KOs, TKOs, and knockdowns all carry different implications for outcomes.
Observing them may add depth to your understanding of boxing, but always approach any betting scenario responsibly.
Bet on Boxing Online at Bet442
If you’re curious about boxing markets, we provide a straightforward place to explore them. We are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and prioritise player protection throughout the experience.
On our site, you will find a variety of markets such as method of victory, total rounds, draw no bet, double chance, and match result. Whether you’re interested in quick finishes or decisions on points, there are options to suit different interests.
We also offer tools like deposit limits, reality checks, and time-out features to help you manage your play.
If you choose to join us at Bet442, you can create an account, add funds, and explore the markets at a pace that suits you. Support is available from organisations such as GamCare and GambleAware if you ever feel you need it.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
