Power and precision, toughness and tenacity, unbreakable will and undeniable heart—all are attributes that drive fans to boxing. And they were all on display for three mesmerizing minutes in Newark, New Jersey, on August 14.
Initially, though, Round 6 of Marco Huck’s 200-pound title defense against Krzysztof Glowacki looked like it would be most remembered for a quick and violent knockout. For it was at the 35-second mark that Huck circled right, ever-so-slightly feigned a right hand, then dropped the hammer—a devastating left hook—to the side of Glowacki’s head.
Upon impact, Glowacki tumbled backward to the canvas with the force of a 100-year oak struck down by a Category 5 hurricane.
Only difference is, fallen 100-year oaks never again stand tall. But Glowacki did—barely.
Knocked down for the first time as a pro, the 29-year-old native of Poland needed nine-tenths of referee David Fields’ 10-count to scramble to his unsteady feet. As remarkable as that accomplishment was, Glowacki’s next move topped it: He somehow convinced Fields to let him continue fighting.
And fight he did.
Immediately after the action resumed, Huck came forward with the intention of finishing what he started as he sought a division-record 14th title defense, but it was a dazed Glowacki who got off first, firing two lefts and a right that hurt the champion. From there, the two equally woozy fighters—Glowacki would admit afterward that “I didn’t know where I was” following the knockdown—traded haymakers up to and slightly past the sound of the bell.
The nonstop, hand-to-hand combat conjured memories of Round 1 of Marvin Hagler vs Tommy Hearns. And while Round 6 of Huck-Glowacki won’t go down in history like that all-time classic, it should nonetheless serve as a 180-second reminder of all that’s great about boxing.
For a complete recap of Huck vs Glowacki, check out our fight page. And to view the entire 12 Rounds of Christmas series, head over to our video page.