70 years ago

Date: 11th August 1954

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York

Title: World Light Heavyweight Title

Promoter: International Boxing Club

Tv: CBS

Archie Moore
( 146 - 19 - 8 )
Weight: 173 lbs

Harold Johnson
( 47 - 5 - 0 )
Weight: 172½ lbs

On Wednesday, 11th August 1954, Archie Moore, the reigning world Light-heavyweight champion, defended his title for the second time by defeating Harold Johnson at Madison Square Garden. Despite having to come from behind and experiencing a 10th-round knockdown, Moore managed to pull off a stunning victory by technical knockout at 0:56 seconds into the 14th round. Moore's power punches and persistent aggression finally overcame Johnson, who had showcased exceptional counter-punching skills throughout the match. This marked Moore's 19th consecutive victory and solidified his dominance in the light-heavyweight division.

Archie Moore had entered the match with an impressive record of 146-19-8, his previous wins providing a notable boost in confidence. During the bout, he famously told his trainer in the corner, "I'll knock him out in this round", a prophecy which he fulfilled within just 56 seconds. The swift win came as a result of Moore's aggressive and strategic approach. He staggered Johnson with a right to the chin, then relentlessly attacked his rival until Johnson fell in his own corner.

Despite the advantage that Johnson held in the initial rounds, the tables turned in Moore's favor as the fight progressed. Moore, sensing Johnson's fatigue, used the opportunity to launch an onslaught of accurate punches on his sagging adversary. Johnson managed to rise on the count of six, but his wobbly legs indicated that he was nearing defeat. In a controversial move, Referee Ruby Goldstein continued to count until eight, ignoring the non-application of the eight-count knockdown rule for this championship match.

In a spectacular show of determination, Moore continued his assault on Johnson, forcing the referee to intervene and stop the fight. The victory was surprising, considering Moore was trailing when entering the 14th round. However, as Moore revealed in his post-match comments, he was confident about the outcome. He had noted Johnson tiring in the 8th round, and despite a brief setback in the 10th round, he knew he would triumph by the 14th.

The match was not without its share of drama. Johnson had outperformed Moore in the 10th round, knocking him down with a powerful right hand behind the ear. This success had won Johnson the round and had the fight been restricted to ten rounds, Johnson would have emerged victorious. However, Moore, resilient as ever, quickly recovered and went on to seize the match.

Post-match analysis reveals a remarkable display of endurance from both fighters. Moore's strategy of persistent body blows seemed to have paid off as he gradually took control from the seventh round onwards. Johnson's excellent counter-punching technique, although impressive, could not withstand Moore's relentless assault. Despite Johnson leading on points at the end of the 10th round, Moore's aggressive comeback in the subsequent rounds led to his ultimate victory. The dramatic bout once again highlighted Moore's prowess in the ring and cemented his status as a formidable light-heavyweight champion.