which boxers had the best careers after 1st round ko loss ?

That is tough question that someone would have to think about for awhile. Eddie Machen immediately jumped into my mind. He was ko'd rather brutally by Ingemar Johansson in one round but went on to still beat many solid fighters like Doug Jones, Willie Besmanoff, Mike Dejohn and Gerry Quarry. He also gave Sonny Liston a decent scrap and went distance with Patterson. I am sure they're are more but he came to mind.

 

Jerry Quarry- I mix the spelling of him and Cooney sometimes.

 

Oleg Maskaev after KO1 loss in his 7th fight

 

Jack Dempsey comes to mind, though of course there were doubts as to whether his 1st round ko loss to Jim Flynn was on the level.

 

Dempsey yes slipped mind good call. I do believe the Flynn fight was a fix.

 

In his pro debut, future HOFer Willie Ritchie was ko'd in the first round.

 

Trevor Berbick did quite well...

 

Joey Maxim and John Ruiz

 

Also Elmer Ray, who went on to beat Ezzard Charles and Jersey Joe Walcott after being KO'd in one by Turkey Thompson.

 

John Ruiz vs Tua. After that , John won the title twice and beat many top contenders. Whether people like him or not, he answers your question.

 

Don't know about the best but Schmeling against Gipsy Daniels

 

Oscar "Shotgun" Albarado got ko'd in the first by Dino Del Cid, returned the compliment in the 2nd of the immediate rematch and went on to win the world title in Japan against local hero Wajima (by last tound KO) - Oscar did lose the return but had shown himself to be genuine world class. before the inevitable decline.

 

Max Schmeling great call. I forgot the gypsy daniels fight was one round. I thought it was two like Larry Gains fight. Yes Max certaintly up there.