This Day in Boxing History: Turning Points and Knockouts

This Day in Boxing History: Turning Points and Knockouts

November 20 has produced a mix of championship drama, devastating knockouts, and career-defining moments. Through the decades, this date has seen boxers make deep statements — proving strength, ring IQ, and resilience when it mattered most.

1942: Pep Outduels Wright in New York

On November 20, 1942, Madison Square Garden hosted a classic featherweight showdown between Willie “Will-o’-the-Wisp” Pep and reigning champ Chalky Wright. Pep, then undefeated at 53-0, used his trademark movement, lightning-quick jab, and expert defense to frustrate Wright over 15 rounds.

Pep’s style that night was a masterclass: he used his jab to create an early lead and then danced away, conserving energy while his opponent chased. The fight drew more than 19,500 at the Garden and brought in a hefty gate for the time — around $71,686. With that win, Pep secured the NYSAC World Featherweight Championship, beginning a run that would cement him as one of boxing’s most elusive and cerebral fighters.

2010: Martínez Delivers a Devastating Blast

Fast forward to November 20, 2010. In Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall, Sergio “Maravilla” Martínez faced Paul “The Punisher” Williams in a rematch for the WBC and Ring middleweight titles.

The first fight between them, just a year earlier, had been a close, tactical war — Williams won a somewhat controversial decision. But this time, Martínez wasted no time. Just 2:02 into round 2, he landed an overhand left that sent Williams face-first to the canvas.

The knockout made headlines not just for its brutality but for its timing. What had looked like possibly another grueling 12-round fight turned into one of the most efficient finishes of the year. Critics and fans called it “Knockout of the Year.” For Martínez, it wasn’t just a title defense — it was a statement: he belonged among the elite.

2021: Crawford’s Career-Defining Victory

More recently, on November 20, 2021, Terence “Bud” Crawford took center stage at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, defending his WBO welterweight title against veteran Shawn “Showtime” Porter.

Porter, known for his aggressive, pressure-heavy style, came in swinging. The early rounds were gritty and both men traded punches. Porter went on the offense, but Crawford, ever the tactician, weathered the storm, switched stances fluidly, and counter-punched with precision.

In the 10th round, Crawford landed a left uppercut to drop Porter, then followed with a brutal right hook to the temple, prompting Porter’s trainer — and his father — to throw in the towel. It was the first time Porter had ever been stopped in his pro career.

For Crawford, the win was more than just another title defense — it was a defining moment. He silenced many doubters who questioned the depth of his resume and proved yet again why he’s considered one of the most complete fighters of his generation.

Why November 20 is Important in Boxing

When you look back at the events of November 20 across eras, a few themes emerge. First, it’s a date that showcases technical brilliance: Pep’s footwork and jab; Crawford’s switch-hit timing. Second, it’s a night when power can flip everything in an instant — witness Martínez’s left hook, perfectly placed, ending a rematch. Third, these fights are often about legacy: Pep consolidating his place among featherweight legends, Martínez reminding the division he’s a force, and Crawford answering critics on a big stage. Careers were defined, risks were taken, and fighters made lasting statements.

Fun Facts:

Willie “Will-o’-the-Wisp” Pep racked up more than 200 professional wins over his career. According to accounts and interviews, Pep once won a round without throwing a single punch. His defense and footwork were so elite that he could outpoint opponents by simply evading and countering. Early in his life, Pep survived a plane crash, which is often mentioned as part of his almost-mythical resilience.

Sergio “Maravilla” Martínez vs. Paul Williams II (Nov 20, 2010) This bout featured the uncommon match-up of a pair of southpaws. The knockout punch that ended the fight was a short overhand left hook — and it landed at just the right moment: Williams was initiating a punch of his own, but his hand was low when Martinez’s jab connected perfectly. After the knockout, Williams was reportedly unconscious for several seconds, with his eyes wide open — a blow so clean and brutal that medical staff rushed in immediately. Martinez and his trainer had studied Williams’ habits closely: Martinez’s game plan was reportedly built around exploiting a gap in Williams’ footwork — his trainer noticed that Williams’ feet “got out of position” when he threw and designed a counter to take advantage.

Martinez, who had moved from Argentina to Spain early in his career, once said he left his country with “a suitcase and a handwritten note in my pocket” — a reminder of how humble his rise to world champion was. Despite being shorter than typical middleweights, Martinez’s southpaw stance, athletic footwork, and hand-speed made him a nightmare to hit cleanly — he held the Ring/lineal title for a long stretch.

Williams himself has a tragic post-career note: a few years after this fight he was involved in a motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

Terence “Bud” Crawford vs. Shawn “Showtime” Porter (Nov 20, 2021)

During the fight, there were multiple accidental headbutts (a risk when orthodox vs. southpaw styles clash), and both fighters ended up with cuts. The TKO came in the 10th round after a left uppercut dropped Porter, followed shortly by a right hook to the temple — a brutal counter that prompted Porter’s trainer (and father) Kenny Porter to throw in the towel. At the time of the stoppage, Crawford was ahead on all three judges’ scorecards (86–85, 86–85, and 87–84) — showing just how close the fight was before the finish.

Financially, this was one of Crawford’s biggest “statement” fights. Reportedly, there was a 60-40 purse split, an unusual arrangement for a mandated title fight that revealed the balance of power and what was at stake for each fighter. According to reports, Crawford’s purse for the fight was $6 million, while Porter was guaranteed $4 million.

Despite being known as a high-volume, aggressive fighter, Porter was stopped for the first time in his career in this fight. After the fight, he made headlines when he announced his retirement — surprising to many, given that he had many years still left as a top welterweight.