When a boxer has the natural gift of knockout power, you can never count him out, not even in the last round of a fight dominated by his opponent. It only takes a split second to completely turn the tide and have his arms raised in victory. Few fighters have embodied this trait better than the Virgin Islands native Julian Jackson, nicknamed “The Hawk” for his ability to swoop down on his prey in the blink of an eye. Today, this extraordinary boxer, considered by many as the most lethal puncher ever, turns 64; let’s revisit the thrilling feats of his career!
A Blazing Start Cut Short by McCallum
Some approach competition with caution and gradual steps, while others aim to race through it, even at the risk of burning out. Jackson is the classic example of the athlete who wanted everything immediately: after only 17 amateur fights, he turned professional and, after defeating 29 non-elite opponents, challenged WBA super welterweight world champion Mike McCallum. The Hawk hadn’t been truly tested before this big appointment, and his inexperience proved costly in the ring. After an aggressive first round where he even shook the talented champion with a hook to the temple, Jackson became more cautious due to McCallum’s precise uppercuts. He was floored by a lightning-fast left in the second round. Though he got up bravely, the barrage of punches along the ropes forced the referee, Eddie Eckert, to stop the fight. His quest for glory was postponed.
A Magical Two-Year Reign as World Champion
Far from being discouraged by the loss, Jackson learned valuable lessons. When he got another title shot a year later, this time against Korean In Chul Baek, a true KO artist himself, he didn’t let the opportunity slip. The Hawk employed a more cautious strategy, allowing the Asian to control the center of the ring and punishing him from a distance. The result was a stunning three-round knockout victory. Jackson’s reign as world champion in the super welterweight division coincided with his peak years. Over the next two years, he delivered knockout after knockout, showing extraordinary confidence and killer instinct. The highlight of this magical period was his win over future Hall of Famer Terry Norris, whom he demolished in just two rounds.
From Eye Surgery to a Miracle Against Graham: Triumph in the Middleweights!
At his career peak, Jackson suffered a major setback that nearly derailed his momentum: he had to undergo surgery for a detached retina and spent ten months away from the ring. Upon his return, the 154-pound division felt too tight for him, so he set his sights on the prestigious WBC middleweight title, vacated by Roberto Duran. The fight against England’s Herol Graham was supposed to take place in Graham’s homeland, but British authorities deemed Jackson’s return too hasty after the surgery and denied permission. Thus, the bout took place in Spain, where the audience witnessed a true sporting miracle. After being schooled for three and a half rounds, Jackson, with his left eye nearly closed, capitalized on Graham’s only mistake, landing a textbook right hand that left his opponent unconscious on the canvas.
Double Defeat to the Fearsome McClellan
Despite pulling off a champion’s comeback, Jackson showed signs of having lost something since his super welterweight glory days. This became evident in his subsequent title defenses. Although he kept winning, world-class opponents, who once avoided him like the plague, began to challenge him. It was the brutal puncher Gerald McClellan who took Jackson’s title after a spectacular fight, knocking him out in five rounds after a furious exchange of potentially fight-ending punches. Jackson’s durability, never his strong suit, diminished further after that tough loss. When the two met again a year later, Jackson was overwhelmed in just two minutes.
One Last Flash, Bittersweet for Italy
Jackson’s final flash of greatness brought heartbreak to Italian boxing fans. After McClellan moved up to super middleweight, the WBC middleweight title became vacant, and Jackson faced Italy’s Agostino Cardamone for the belt. The courageous Italian boxer dominated the first round, punishing the famous rival repeatedly and shaking him badly after trapping him in a corner. But, as the saying goes, “a leopard never changes its spots”. Jackson had one last surprise before leaving the top ranks of international boxing: despite having his usual semi-closed eye, he found the opening to land a textbook right uppercut in the second round, leaving no chance for the Italian. A subsequent tough defeat against Quincy Taylor, which also resulted in a serious shoulder injury, sealed the Hawk’s inevitable decline and led to his retirement after three more lackluster years.
What will never fade, though, is the memory of his unforgettable knockouts, replayed endlessly by boxing fans worldwide, distinguishable for their sheer spectacle and stylistic perfection.