Bernard Hopkins vs Steve Frank

On January 27, 1996, Bernard Hopkins made the first defence of his IBF Middleweight Title against Steve Frank at the Veteran's Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Arizona. The bout, which was originally scheduled to feature Joe Lipsey as the challenger, saw Frank step in as a last-minute replacement.

The fight entered the record books as one of the shortest title bouts in boxing history. Hopkins, weighing in at 159 pounds, wasted no time in asserting his dominance over the 160-pound Frank. The champion unleashed a flurry of punches that sent Frank to the canvas within seconds of the opening bell.

Frank managed to get back to his feet, but Hopkins continued his relentless assault. Referee Robert Ferrara was forced to intervene, stopping the fight after 24 seconds of the first round. This rapid victory set a new record for the fastest knockout in an IBF title fight and became the second-fastest stoppage in a middleweight title bout.

The brevity of the contest meant that the appointed judges - John Stewart, Shiela Harmon Martin, and Aaron Kizer - had yet to score the fight. Frank, who entered the bout ranked as the #9 IBF Middleweight contender, was overwhelmed by Hopkins' speed and power.