One-punch knockouts – we've all seen them, and the raw, unpredictable drama is undeniably electrifying. We gasp, we cheer, we shout, "Only in boxing!" But what happens when a fighter becomes known for pulling victory from the jaws of defeat with a single, devastating blow? Does the shock wear off? Absolutely not, it just becomes their trademark, a testament to the power that allows them to break the boundaries of what seems possible.
Take, for instance, Fabio Wardley’s recent eleventh-round stoppage of Joseph Parker. It was a stunning turnaround, but did it carry the same seismic impact as, say, his similar finish against Justis Huni a few months prior? Probably not. We knew Wardley possessed that kind of power. We knew he could erase a deficit in an instant. It’s become part of his identity. Parker, on the other hand, felt the full force of that familiar image. Wardley has officially entered the ranks of proven, devastating punchers.
But here's where it gets controversial... Does this predictability diminish his accomplishments? Or does it elevate them, showcasing the consistent threat he poses to any opponent, regardless of the scorecards? This is something for the comment section!
That being said, Wardley, like others of his ilk, doesn't necessarily need to be winning rounds to be a threat. Down one round, down eleven rounds – it doesn't matter. He has the power to change everything with a single, well-placed shot. His come-from-behind finishes aren’t flukes; they’re a reflection of his devastating punching ability. His latest win is a sign of things to come.
The heavyweight division is currently overflowing with dangerous punchers, and Wardley is just the latest to stake his claim. So, who else possesses the kind of power that can turn a fight on its head with a single blow? To ignite some debate and ruffle a few feathers, let’s rank the top 10 heaviest hitters in the heavyweight division today:
10) Bakhodir Jalolov, 16-0 (14 KOs):
A decorated amateur with a penchant for stoppages, Jalolov straddles the line between the amateur and professional worlds. At 6'7", he's an imposing figure. However, his last two fights went the distance, raising questions about whether his power will fade as he faces tougher opposition, or whether this is simply a result of a lack of focus. And this is the part most people miss: The transition from amateur to pro is a massive leap. The rounds are longer, the opponents are tougher, and the pressure is immense. It's a completely different game.
9) Teremoana Teremoana, 8-0 (8 KOs):
The charismatic Australian slugger Teremoana has yet to face a truly stern test, but his record speaks for itself: eight fights, eight knockouts, none lasting past the third round. While his opposition hasn't been top-tier (with six of his fights taking place in Australia, where the competition is generally considered weaker), his raw power is undeniable. Regardless of his ultimate ceiling, Teremoana has the potential to become one of the biggest punchers in the next generation of heavyweights.
8) Moses Itauma, 13-0 (11 KOs):
With only 13 professional fights under his belt, Moses Itauma is already being touted as a future star of the heavyweight division. While his game is multifaceted, his power is a standout feature. He has secured impressive victories against seasoned veterans like Mariusz Wach, Demsey McKean, and Mike Balogun, all stopped within two rounds. More recently he stopped Dillian Whyte, a former world title challenger, inside just one round in August. Itauma's rapid ascent suggests he's one to watch.
7) Murat Gassiev, 32-2 (25 KOs):
Since 2016, every Gassiev victory has come by way of knockout. After moving from cruiserweight to heavyweight, he has maintained his knockout streak, winning all six of his heavyweight fights by stoppage. While technically gifted boxers like Oleksandr Usyk and Otto Wallin have been able to frustrate him, Gassiev's power, a hallmark of his cruiserweight days, has clearly translated to the heavyweight division.
6) Agit Kabayel, 26-0 (18 KOs):
A dark horse in the division, Agit Kabayel might not be the first name that comes to mind when discussing power punchers. However, his undefeated record and recent form tell a different story. The German body-puncher has won his last five fights inside the distance, defeating quality opponents. He stopped Zhilei Zhang in six rounds, and before that, he halted Frank Sanchez (in seven) and Arslanbek Makhmudov (in four), both of whom were previously undefeated. Kabayel's recent surge suggests he's a force to be reckoned with.
5) Anthony Joshua, 28-4 (25 KOs):
While Anthony Joshua has been outgunned when trying to trade power punches with the likes of Daniel Dubois and Andy Ruiz, he remains a formidable force in the heavyweight division. A two-time heavyweight champion, Joshua typically imposes his strength and power on his opponents. With 25 of his 28 victories coming inside the distance, his list of knockout victims includes Wladimir Klitschko, Alexander Povetkin, Kubrat Pulev, and Dillian Whyte. His most explosive knockout arguably came against Francis Ngannou, where he showcased the difference between boxing and MMA power, ending the fight in just two rounds. Is Joshua's past enough to justify his placement, or is his recent vulnerability a sign that his power is waning? That's a question for you!
4) Daniel Dubois, 22-3 (21 KOs):
While losses to Oleksandr Usyk have exposed technical shortcomings in Daniel Dubois's style, his raw power remains undeniable. Against Anthony Joshua, Dubois showcased his ability to exploit an opponent willing to engage in close-range exchanges. He hurt Joshua early in the fight and ultimately secured a fifth-round knockout with a devastating right hand. Dubois possesses the kind of one-punch knockout power that can change a fight in an instant.
3) Zhilei Zhang, 27-3-1 (22 KOs):
The 6'6" southpaw from China, Zhilei Zhang, may not appear to be a typical knockout artist, but he possesses serious power. His most notable victory remains his stunning third-round knockout of Joe Joyce, a fighter previously considered incredibly durable. Zhang has also knocked out Deontay Wilder in five rounds and is known for his measured counterpunching style that conceals a genuine spitefulness when he plants his feet and unloads. Even at 42, Zhang remains a dangerous heavyweight who demands respect.
2) Fabio Wardley, 20-0-1 (19 KOs):
With 19 knockouts in 20 professional wins, Wardley's reputation as a knockout puncher is firmly established. His recent victories against increasingly tough opposition have solidified his status as a top heavyweight contender. Twice this year, he has overcome deficits late in fights with his power, against Justis Huni in June and against Joseph Parker most recently. Wardley's ability to pull victory from the jaws of defeat makes him a constant threat.
1) Deontay Wilder, 44-4-1 (43 KOs):
Deontay Wilder's punch power, particularly his right hand, is so legendary that he will likely top lists like this one for as long as he continues to fight. His power isn't just lethal; it's generational. He belongs in the same conversation as Mike Tyson, George Foreman, and Earnie Shavers, rather than the other fighters on this list. Just ask Robert Helenius, Luis Ortiz, Bermane Stiverne, Artur Szpilka, and Dominic Breazeale. Even Tyson Fury, who ultimately defeated Wilder, would acknowledge the sheer force of his punches. Do you agree with Wilder at number one, even with his recent losses? Who would you put at the top spot, and why? Chime in below!
