In case you did not know, KTFO means "knocked the #@!% out." And when I say that Sergio "Maravilla" Martinez’s (46-2-2, 25 KOs) Saturday win over Paul "the Punisher" Williams (39-2, 27 KOs) had a Friday feel to it, I’m talking about one of my favorite movies of all time.
In one of Smokey’s (played by Chris Tucker) many scene-stealing moments in rapper Ice Cube’s vehicle, he perhaps coined one of the most indelible lines in comic film history when he stood over his "KTFO’d" friend (Red) and screamed out his infamous one-liner.
And that is all I could think of as I watched Paul Williams’s body go limp from a perfectly-timed counter left hand to the chin from Sergio Martinez. And just like that, the potential candidate for fight of the year morphed into the likely knockout of the year.
I am not exaggerating when I say this was one of the most devastating knockouts that I have ever seen in a superfight. Most recently, think Pacquiao (over) Hatton or even Glen Johnson-Roy Jones, Jr.
Seeing Williams stretched out was a scary sight. I hope that this fight does not ruin him, but rather teaches him to better use his freakish height and reach in order to protect his "all-too-easy-to-hit" chin. If he does not, this may not be the last time that we see the Punisher get punished for his defensive mistakes.
As far as Martinez goes, this fight proves that he is peaking, even at age 35. It’s also clear to me that Martinez is now the third best boxer on the planet after the win (behind Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather).
Although landing a fight against either Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather appear to be long shots, let’s hope these fights are at least discussed. If they aren’t, perhaps a Martinez-Williams rubber match is in order. Until then, keep your chin down and your hands up!
Bob says
Classic headline to the article…Classic film !!
Ja Dawson says
Thanks @Bob! Come to think of it, I may watch Friday tonight! 🙂