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

McGrain · Sep 6, 2026

McGrain said: ↑

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.
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Ioakeim Tzortzakis said: ↑

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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Many old reports are really good and consistent but European ones where the main interest is American are the worst. There are one or two French ones that are very good though.

I try not to watch LaMotta-Robinson too much these days, i try to keep it to about one a year, I was starting to spoil it for myself a bit. I have seen it very, very many times now, first on video tape, then on DVD now on YT...

McGrain · Sep 6, 2026

slash said: ↑

Good info because people still quote that (maybe) erroneous stat.
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Yeah, it's very persistent, I think because the fight happened far away and then re-emerged during the Ring's golden age, and they went fully for the big number. Gilbert Odd seems to be the original source though (not 100 on that).

Imagine the real numbers were 7 and 0 knockdowns? Mad stuff but still very much of interest to this thread.

Ioakeim Tzortzakis · Sep 6, 2026

McGrain said: ↑

Many old reports are really good and consistent but European ones where the main interest is American are the worst. There are one or two French ones that are very good though.

I try not to watch LaMotta-Robinson too much these days, i try to keep it to about one a year, I was starting to spoil it for myself a bit. I have seen it very, very many times now, first on video tape, then on DVD now on YT...
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Ah well, what can you do. Do share your thoughts when we update it, if you want to. Always good to see you get analytical about fights, and that one's your baby it seems.

Andre2000 · Sep 6, 2026

I might’ve mentioned Joe Grimm IF there were any fights in which he actually came from behind to win. Lol. I’m thinking not very likely but still might have a look/see at the Indian Rubber Man’s record. The song Tubthumping could’ve just as easily have been written in tribute to poor old Joe.

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

McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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

Andre2000 Active Member Full Member

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

McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

McGrain Diamond Dog Staff Member

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

Andre2000 Active Member Full Member