Top 10 Body Shots That Changed Fights Forever | iVisit Boxing IVB

Written By Sugandan Balaji

Introduction

When fans think of boxing highlights, they often imagine explosive knockouts, uppercuts to the chin, or dramatic flurries. But the body shot — the quiet killer — has ended more fights than many realize. A well-placed liver shot can shut down the nervous system, fold champions in half, and silence entire stadiums.

At iVisit Boxing (IVB), we pay close attention to how modern fighters across our 12 cities use bodywork as a long-term strategy and short-term execution plan. Our coaches, gyms, and fighters have long respected the art of breaking down an opponent from the torso up. This is boxing at its smartest.

Here are 10 of the greatest body shots in boxing history that changed the course of fights — and careers.

1. Bernard Hopkins vs. Oscar De La Hoya (2004)

  • Event: Middleweight Unification

  • Moment: A ninth-round liver shot by Hopkins that sent De La Hoya to the canvas.

  • Impact: Instant KO. Marked the end of De La Hoya’s middleweight campaign.

  • Why it matters: Hopkins proved brains and bodywork win fights, not just speed.

2. Gervonta “Tank” Davis vs. Ryan Garcia (2023)

  • Event: Lightweight super-fight

  • Moment: A sneaky left hook to Garcia’s liver in Round 7.

  • Impact: Delayed knockout. Garcia stepped back and took a knee. Done.

  • Why it matters: The shot proved Tank’s ring IQ matches his power.

3. Micky Ward vs. Arturo Gatti I (2002)

  • Event: Legendary trilogy, first bout

  • Moment: Round 9 body shot from Ward stopped Gatti in his tracks.

  • Impact: Regained control of a back-and-forth war.

  • Why it matters: The shot is studied in gyms worldwide — including IVB’s Philadelphia and Kansas City hubs.

4. Canelo Álvarez vs. Liam Smith (2016)

  • Event: WBO Light Middleweight Title

  • Moment: Canelo landed a surgical left hook to the liver.

  • Impact: Knockout finish. Classic Canelo bodywork.

  • Why it matters: The fight showed how Canelo builds attacks methodically — especially to the body.

5. Julio César Chávez Sr. vs. Edwin Rosario (1987)

  • Event: Lightweight Title Fight

  • Moment: Chávez broke Rosario down systematically with hooks to the body.

  • Impact: TKO in Round 11.

  • Why it matters: This was a clinic in attritional dominance. Chávez never stopped throwing to the ribs.

6. Naoya Inoue vs. Emmanuel Rodríguez (2019)

  • Event: WBSS Semi-Final

  • Moment: Left hook to the liver in Round 2.

  • Impact: Instant collapse. KO.

  • Why it matters: Inoue’s speed + precision proved “The Monster” could destroy with placement alone.

7. Vasiliy Lomachenko vs. Roman Martinez (2016)

  • Event: Super Featherweight Bout

  • Moment: Series of body shots softened Martinez before headshot KO.

  • Impact: Spectacular combo finish.

  • Why it matters: Loma used body shots to set up the final blow. Tactical genius.

8. Errol Spence Jr. vs. Kell Brook (2017)

  • Event: IBF Welterweight Title

  • Moment: Spence pounded the body early to slow Brook down.

  • Impact: Brook was stopped in Round 11.

  • Why it matters: A clinical breakdown. Body shots paid off late.

9. Ricky Hatton vs. Jose Luis Castillo (2007)

  • Event: Junior Welterweight Clash

  • Moment: Round 4 liver shot from Hatton.

  • Impact: Instant KO.

  • Why it matters: Showed Hatton’s power wasn’t just headhunting. “The Hitman” knew how to dig.

10. Andre Ward vs. Sergey Kovalev II (2017)

  • Event: Light Heavyweight Title Rematch

  • Moment: Controversial but effective body barrage.

  • Impact: TKO. Ref stopped it.

  • Why it matters: Opened a debate, but also showcased Ward’s clinical body work.

The Anatomy of a Body Shot

  • Liver Shot: Right side of body. Impacts the vagus nerve. Causes sudden paralysis.

  • Solar Plexus: Knocks wind out. Fighter can't breathe.

  • Floating Ribs: High risk of fracture. Saps energy fast.

These aren't just painful — they're strategic. In IVB events, we’ve seen upsets happen due to these exact techniques.

IVB Spotlight: How Our Fighters Use the Body Shot

Across IVB’s 12 cities, our fighters respect the body as a target:

  • Philadelphia & Kansas City gyms emphasize rib breakdowns.

  • Detroit coaches use it to grind opponents mentally.

  • Los Angeles & Phoenix fighters mix it into flashy combos.

  • Brooklyn fighters focus on inside fighting and hooks.

At IVB, body shots aren’t plan B — they’re part of the blueprint.

Sugandan Balaji
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