Top Three Underdog Wins in 2024, Including One-Hit Quitter

Throughout boxing history, we have seen many unforgettable upsets, such as Buster Douglas defeating Mike Tyson at the Tokyo Dome in 1990. Fans frequently discuss these events and seek reliable information, including a list of betting sites to place wagers on future fights. Big Fight Weekend are now reflecting on 2024 to bring you the top three underdog victories of the year.

Top Three Boxing Upsets of 2024

Subriel Matias vs. Liam Paro – June 15

On June 15, 2024, Liam Paro travelled to Coliseo Roberto Clemente, San Juan to face big-punching Subriel Matias. Not many in the boxing world gave the Australian a chance – despite his undefeated record. Paro had other ideas, working effectively inside and letting combinations go, which helped him control the fight – stopping Matias from getting into any kind of groove.

Even when Matias did have moments of success, Paro quickly gained control of the fight and even a bizarre referring decision to deduct the Australian a point. The official scores for the bout were 116-111 and 115-112 x 2, giving Paro the deserved unanimous decision victory.

Paro Post Fight Quotes

Following the win, Paro spoke in the ring and said: “Man, I’ve been through Hell and back in life, I’ve had harder fights than that mentally….I always said I’d get carried out (knocked out) if need be. Thank you, God for getting us both safe to home and our young families. I know the hard work I put in. I’m always the hardest worker in the room. I keep proving everyone wrong.”

Angelo Leo vs. Luis Alberto Lopez – August 10

On August 10, 2024, at the Tingley Coliseum in Albuquerque, NM, Angelo Leo faced Luis Alberto Lopez for Lopez’s IBF world featherweight title. Leo began the fight on the back foot, with Lopez in hot pursuit. The American was working the body of the champion in the early part of the fight, mixing his shots impressively. As the fight wore on both fighters began to sit down on their shots and trade with each other.

Leo developed a cut under his right eye as the flight progressed. Despite the cut, he was still winning rounds with his excellent bodywork and mostly outworked the champion. The American made his opponent miss on quite a few occasions. During round 10, Leo landed a huge left hook that sent Lopez falling to the canvas, with the Mexican unable to continue, crowning him the new IBF champion in the most dramatic fashion, delivering the one-hit quitter.

Leo Post Fight Quotes

In the post-fight interview, Leo reflected on his preparation for that fight-ending punch and said: “That left hook we been practicing all camp,” said Leo after the fight. “For four, five months I’ve been practicing it. Not in the gym, but in my room in front of the mirror. I just kept throwing that left hook and it paid off in, I think it was the tenth round.”

Daniel Dubois vs. Anthony Joshua – September 21

Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois collided at Wembley Stadium on September 21 in front of over 90,000 spectators. The opening round began with Dubois gaining the upper hand and letting his power jab snap Joshua’s head back. At the end of the round, Dubois landed a huge right hand that sent AJ to the canvas, stunning the packed crowd.

Another pivotal moment came in round three, with Joshua’s gloves touching the canvas after a left hand from Dubois – but the touchdown was missed by referee Marcus McDonnell. “Dynamite” didn’t have to wait long and soon landed a barrage of punches forcing AJ to receive another count. It looked like the end was near.

Early in the fourth, the right hand from “Dynamite” knocked AJ down again. A moment in round five stunned the crowd again when Joshua landed a massive right hand, which wobbled the legs of his opponent, sending him into retreat mode, before Dubois launched a beautifully timed counter right hand, with AJ unable to beat the count.

Dubois Post Fight Quotes

“I’ve only got a few things to say, man,” said Dubois after the fight. “Are you not entertained?!”

“I’m a gladiator, you know. I’m just a warrior until the bitter end. And, I’m just ready to go. I just want to go to the top and reach my full potential.”

“Behind the scenes, you know. The work with my dad. All my family, my strong team here they helped me get through this. God bless you all, man.”

Joshua Post Fight Quotes

Anthony Joshua also spoke after the crushing defeat and said: “The opponent,” said Joshua when asked what went wrong in the bout.

“Credit to him and his team. We rolled the dice at success and we’ve come up short. I want to say everyone at Wembley. I appreciate you coming out this evening…I’m gonna keep my cool and give respect to my opponent.”

“Before I came here I’m always saying to myself ‘I’m a fighter for life.’ We rolled the dice at success and we came up short. I’m going to keep rolling the dice.”