When Argentina's Sergio Martinez and America's Paul Williams stepped into the ring at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on November 20, 2010, fight fans anticipated a tactical chess match. Instead, they witnessed one of the most violent, explosive, and definitive single-punch knockouts in middleweight history. This rematch carried immense stakes, and it delivered a finish that changed the trajectory of both fighters' careers forever.
The search intent for this historic encounter centers on understanding the context, the high-stakes build-up, and the shocking conclusion of their second meeting. While their first bout in 2009 ended in a controversial majority decision favoring Williams, the rematch left zero room for judges' scorecards. It stands as a masterclass in timing, defense, and concussive power.
The Road to the Rematch: Controversy and Crowns
Their initial clash in December 2009 was a relentless, back-and-forth war at a catchweight. Williams walked away with a narrow decision victory, but many ringside observers and analysts felt Martinez did enough to win. The dispute created an immediate demand for a second chapter.
By late 2010, the landscape had shifted. Martinez was coming off a stunning upset win over Kelly Pavlik, where he captured the WBC and The Ring middleweight titles. Williams remained an avoided boogeyman in the sport—a towering 6-foot-1 southpaw who usually campaigned at welterweight or junior middleweight despite his frame, possessing a suffocating output and a relentless engine.
Both men entered the ring at the peak of their physical primes. Williams wanted to prove his first win wasn't a fluke, while Martinez sought redemption and undisputed validation as the best 160-pound fighter on the planet.
The Opening Bell: Chaos and Clashes
From the first second, the rematch lived up to the hype. Neither fighter wasted time establishing distance or feeling out the opponent. Williams immediately marched forward, utilizing his massive reach advantage and throwing punches in bunches from his awkward, sweeping angles.
Martinez relied on his trademark athleticism, lightning-fast footwork, and low-hands guard. By keeping his torso leaned back, Martinez invited Williams to throw, planning to counter over the top. The opening round featured fierce exchanges, with both men landing clean power shots that had the crowd on its feet.
The frantic pace continued into the second round. Williams swarmed, trying to overwhelm the champion with sheer volume. But every punch Williams threw left microscopic openings for a counter-puncher as sharp as Martinez.
The Knockout Heard Around the World
Late in the second round, the fight reached its legendary climax.
Williams lunged forward with a lazy, looping right jab, leaving his chin exposed and his weight shifted entirely to his front foot. In a fraction of a second, Martinez recognized the opening. Planted firmly, Martinez loaded up his entire body weight and uncorked a devastating, lightning-fast straight left hand.
The punch landed flush on Williams' jaw with a sickening thud. Williams collapsed face-first to the canvas, unconscious before he even hit the mat. Referee Tony Orlando didn't even bother to start a count, immediately waving off the bout at 1:10 of the second round.
The arena erupted into absolute chaos. Replays showed the sheer technical brilliance of the shot: Martinez had anticipated the rhythm of Williams' attack, baited the forward movement, and delivered a textbook textbook counter-punch that ended the contest instantly.
The Aftermath and Legacy
The knockout remains etched in boxing lore as one of the most brutal finishes of the 21st century.
For Sergio Martinez, the victory propelled him into global superstardom. It cemented his status as the true lineal middleweight champion and earned him the 2010 Knockout of the Year honors from multiple sporting publications. He went on to defend his crown against formidable opponents like Matthew Macklin and Martin Murray, building a Hall of Fame resume.
For Paul Williams, the night marked a tragic turning point. While he recovered and planned his career path, a devastating motorcycle accident in 2012 left him paralyzed from the waist down, prematurely ending a truly remarkable and fearless boxing career. Yet, his willingness to fight anyone, anywhere—including middleweights when he was naturally suited for lighter divisions—ensures his legacy as one of the most avoided and courageous warriors of his era.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sergio Martinez and Paul Williams fight twice?
Their first bout in December 2009 was an action-packed war that ended in a controversial majority decision for Williams. Because of the close nature of the scorecards and fan demand, a rematch was booked to settle the score decisively.
What titles were on the line in their second fight?
Sergio Martinez's WBC and The Ring middleweight titles were on the line when they met for the second time on November 20, 2010.
How many rounds did the rematch last?
The fight lasted just under two rounds, ending abruptly at 1:10 of the second round following Martinez's devastating left-hand knockout.
What made Paul Williams such a difficult opponent?
Williams stood 6 feet 1 inch tall with an 82-inch reach, dimensions usually seen in light heavyweights, yet he fought at welterweight and middleweight. Combined with a relentless southpaw output that often exceeded 100 punches per round, he was a nightmare matchup for almost anyone.
