Which boxer was knocked down the most times, but then won the fight?

Discussion in 'Classic Boxing Forum' started by ikrasevic, Sep 5, 2026.

  1. ikrasevic

    ikrasevic War for Souls Full Member

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    This content is protected


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  2. Ioakeim Tzortzakis

    Ioakeim Tzortzakis "The David Haye of Loma's Gay" -Edgar Allan Poe Full Member

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    Joe Jeannette was down 27 times vs Sam McVey in their 1909 fight. He won in the 49th round.
     
  3. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    Old school bonkers one.
    Joe Jeanette was reportedly kd 27 times against Sam McVey in 1909 and still won by 50 th round ko!!
     
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  4. Fergy

    Fergy Walking Dead Full Member

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    You just beat me to it lol
     
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  5. ikrasevic

    ikrasevic War for Souls Full Member

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    /end thread
     
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  6. McGrain

    McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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    Probably not. You never know though. What's definitely true is that these numbers belong to a much later tradition and the morning after reports (which are excusably confused). I think McVey being down 11 times is the most made up number. One ringsider had McVey down a total of zero times in the final ten rounds when Joe took over the fight. I think Joe down 27 times is more likely to be true, but I still say less than 20%. For Jeanette, there are definite disparities. One report has him down in 21st, another that he was badly hurt in the 21st but didn't go down. One ringsider report has the first KD in the fifth, another the sixth.

    The number of KDs i've double-sourced for Jeanette in this fight is seven. I was a bit half-assed about it, but it matters to me.

    Only two things prevent me writing the story off. 1) The French weren't so vicious about naming taking a knee as cowardice as the Americans. Maybe there's some confusion around Jeannette going down voluntarily and being allowed to get away with it late on, McVey too. 2) They were using oxygen. I don't think early 20th century oxygen tanks in the corner would make these guys into superman but it's an interesting wrinkle.

    Overall though, the McVey knockdown tally i'll say less than 1% chance that is true. Jeanette, maybe 10% that he was down that many times.
     
  7. Flo_Raiden

    Flo_Raiden Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    In a 12 - 15 round fight then it’s Archie Moore getting dropped 4x and then knocking out Yvon Durelle.
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2026
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  8. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    People got to remember back in the day going down didn't cost you two rounds so fighters were more willing to take a dive to get a few seconds to recover from a sticky situation. While today boxers do everything they possibly can to remain on their feet.
     
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  9. Ioakeim Tzortzakis

    Ioakeim Tzortzakis "The David Haye of Loma's Gay" -Edgar Allan Poe Full Member

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    Indeed, old reports are pretty crappy for this kind of stuff. Still went with it though coz I like the idea that the 27 KDs are true, as it reinforces the wild west feel of that era.

    I mean, if these 2 guys fought more rounds in a single fight than Moses Itauma has in 15 fights, why not have two dozen instances of Jeannette kissing the canvas without even taking it out to dinner first ?

    Anyway, on a far more important matter. George's Technique Wells thread is probably gonna be updated in the near future. Gonna fanboy over Robinson vs LaMotta once he watches it as well, coz your post there kinda lit a fire on both our asses. I've already got my share of thoughts on it, having watched it in full today, but they need to be structured first.

    You didn't do me the favour of giving me your thoughts on the whole "Take away or draw out your opponent's shots/actions/options" thing (I'm not mad) but George and I have talked to each other about it and developed a few core strategies/philosophies. We've delved into some of the nitty gritty stuff about distance, controlling engagements so they're on your terms, both drawing out and denying specific exchanges, moves or habits of an opponent and stuff like that.

    It's gonna be baller. So if you're in the mood to watch that fight again and add anything to your original analysis which could add a new perspective, then you know what to do.
     
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  10. HistoryZero26

    HistoryZero26 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    27 KD's was still highly irregular. Frankly 10 KD's was.

    Maybe Jeanette was spamming dives every time McVea had success? Those KD's were clearly doing nothing to him.
     
  11. Mike Cannon

    Mike Cannon Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Hi Guys.
    Scottish middleweight John " cowboy " McCormack won the british title after being KD 10 times in eight rounds, the champ Terry Downes was disqualified for a low blow !
    stay safe guys.
    Mike.
     
  12. ETM

    ETM I thought I did enough to win. Full Member

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    Fights I've seen.
    Rafael Ruelas was officially knocked down by Freddie Pendelton 3 times but in reality he was dropped 4 or 5 times. He had a helpful referee.
     
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  13. MaccaveliMacc

    MaccaveliMacc Boxing Addict Full Member

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    Not more than 4, but Wlad was down 3 times against Peter and won.
     
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  14. BadmanIsRobbin

    BadmanIsRobbin Member Full Member

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    Not a Wlad fan but he showed heart there
     
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  15. slash

    slash Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Good info because people still quote that (maybe) erroneous stat.