Editorials

Bombs Away: Deontay Wilder’s 5 Most Vicious Knockouts

By Robert Aaron Contreras

Posted on June 9, 2015

Heavyweight champion Deontay Wilder‘s streak of 32 consecutive knockouts is among the longest in boxing history. Which were his most devastating?

5. Bombs Drop on ESPN

Many a blooming prospect have been featured on ESPN. The Bronze Bomber was no different. There are two fights, if they can be called so, that aired on the network that deserve consideration.

KO 1 Joseph Rabotte

Deontay Wilder, 23 years of age and 3-0, was less than a year removed from winning bronze at the 2008 Summer Olympics when he made his U.S. television debut against Joseph Rabotte (3-5).

Rabotte took this fight on two days notice and couldn’t make it out of the first round, touching the canvas three times in the process. The last of which came after being staggered in the corner by a one-two from Wilder that was followed up by the future world champion’s patented overhand right that left Rabotte spilt over on the ground with his left leg distorted backwards—reminiscent of the first matchup between UFC heavyweights Mirko “Cro Cop” and Gabriel Gonzaga.

KO 1 Kelsey Arnold

Kelsey Arnold, 1-2-2 going in, made things easy for the 5-0 Wilder, literally ducking his head and closing his eyes while he swung with reckless abandon. 61 seconds into the match, Wilder uncorked a right hand that stiffened Arnold up before falling to his back where laid for almost the entirety of the referee’s 10-count.