This Day in Boxing History: A Pivotal Day in Boxing History

November 18th is a day that reveals much about the sport’s triumphs, tragedies, and turning points. From devastating knockouts to a fight that changed the very rules of championship boxing, Nov. 18 has played host to events that reverberated far beyond the ring.

1970: Smokin’ Joe’s Brutal Reminder

On November 18, 1970, heavyweight champion Joe “Smokin’ Joe” Frazier dismantled Bob Foster in a blistering display of power and precision. The bout, held at Cobo Arena in Detroit, lasted barely into the second round: just 49 seconds into round two, Frazier landed a crushing left hook that sent Foster sprawling. Foster got up, but Frazier rushed in again, and another hook put him down for good.

For Frazier, it was more than just another knockout. He was the dominant heavyweight of the era, known for his relentlessness and his devastating left hook, and he reminded the world just how dangerous he could be. For Foster — a skilled boxer with a famously long reach and world-class athleticism — it was a harsh lesson in the thin margin between elite offense and being overwhelmed.

1982: Tragedy That Reshaped the Sport

Perhaps no event on Nov. 18 is as deeply etched into the collective memory of boxing as the death of Kim Duk-koo, four days after his brutal 14-round title fight against Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini.

Kim’s death sparked shockwaves throughout the boxing world and forced a reckoning. The fight had been sanctioned for 15 rounds — standard at the time — but the physical toll was enormous. His death triggered reform: championship fights were reduced from 15 to 12 rounds, stricter medical screenings were implemented, and safety protocols (like the standing eight count) became more common.

2006: The Grand Finale of a Legendary Trilogy

Fast forward to November 18, 2006 — a night that capped one of boxing’s most unforgettable trilogies. In their third and final showdown, Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao faced off against Érik ‘El Terrible’ Morales at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, having avenged his earlier loss to Morales in their second fight, came in fully in control. In just the third round, he dropped Morales with a flurry of punches and sealed the deal with a knockout, restoring his aura as a feared offensive powerhouse.

That KO wasn’t just dramatic — it was symbolic. It underscored Pacquiao’s evolution from a swift, volume-based fighter into a puncher who could hurt you clean and early. It also served as a fitting close to a rivalry that had captivated fans across the world, showcasing different styles, mutual respect, and genuine stakes.

November 18th

Nov. 18 acts as a microcosm of boxing itself. Frazier’s knockout of Foster demonstrates raw power and the unforgiving nature of the heavyweight division. The Kim–Mancini tragedy reminds us that for all its glory, boxing carries real risks — and that reform often comes only after heartbreak. Pacquiao vs. Morales III was more than a fight — it’s a narrative about rivalry, growth, and closure.

Fun Facts:

The Pacquaio vs Morales III fight drew about 350,000 pay-per-view buys and generated 17.5 million in revenue. Pacquiao was guaranteed $3 million, while Morales was to get at least $2.75 million — big money for the super-featherweight division.

In just nine minutes of ring time, Pacquiao threw 175 punches, landing 54% — an incredibly high work rate. In the decisive third round, he landed 51 of his 71 power shots. Pacquiao dropped Morales three times before the KO came in round 3 of what is widely considered one of boxing’s great trilogies.