The heavyweight division has always been filled with heavy hitters, from the likes of Mike Tyson up to Deontay Wilder.
This means it’s not uncommon to see some stunning knockouts in the glamour division of boxing.
From George Foreman making history against Michael Moorer to Anthony Joshua ending a war with Wladimir Klitschko, iconic knockouts are what make the division great.
In 1991, Ray Mercer defended his heavyweight title in style against an undefeated title challenger.
Ray Mercer had a ruthless knockout over Tommy Morrison in 1991
After defeating Francesco Damiani in January 1991, Mercer became a world heavyweight champion for the first time. Now with a record of 17-0, he would face another unbeaten fighter in his first title defense.
In October 1991, Mercer would face Tommy Morrison (28-0) who was getting his first world title opportunity. The pair were scheduled to meet in Atlantic City, as one man would be leaving the ring with their first loss.
It would be the title challenger who would taste defeat for the first time in his professional career, despite an impressive opening to the fight.
After four rounds, Morrison would find himself leading on the scorecards, potentially on his way to a world title. However, Mercer would live up to his nickname ‘Merciless’ in round five.
In the opening seconds of the round, Mercer would be able to get the title challenger into the corner, where he could unleash a barrage of damaging punches. As the punches began to get through the guard of Morrison, the fighter was rendered unconscious.
Mercer continued to throw punches at Morrison who was seemingly out on his feet. The referee eventually intervened, as Morrison slumped down the ropes.
It was the first time Morrison had ever been knocked down, as the fight was immediately called off.
Although he suffered his first loss to Mercer, Morrison would defeat George Foreman to become heavyweight champion two years later.
Ray Mercer was defeated by Larry Holmes in 1992
Despite having such a destructive win over Morrison, Mercer would succumb to his first defeat four months later, fighting in Atlantic City in February 1992.
Facing one of the greatest heavyweights of all time in Larry Holmes, the two would compete in a non-title heavyweight bout. Mercer was no longer the champion due to him facing Holmes instead of the mandatory challenger Moorer.
Although Holmes was 42 as he stepped into the ring against Mercer, he would emerge victorious. An impressive display over 12 rounds would see the veteran increase his record to 54-3.
The loss made Mercer’s record 18-1, as he was never able to reclaim a world heavyweight title.