Horn ends Mundine's career with brutal 96-second KO
In the end it took 96 seconds for Jeff Horn to deliver the comprehensive victory he knew he had to produce against Anthony Mundine.
Horn may have been late to the pre-fight weigh-in at Suncorp Stadium due to Brisbane’s Friday night traffic but he ensured a quick finish when he faced the veteran in the ring.
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Mundine looked sluggish from the outset in the heavily anticipated bout, which started about an hour behind the scheduled 9.30pm start.
After copping several shots from a faster and stronger Horn, Mundine was floored by a left-hook which slipped past his right glove.
After the defeat Mundine declared his “time’s up” as a boxer, with the defeat effectively ending his 18-year professional career.
“Jeff proved tonight he’s the better man,” Mundine said.
“That’s the next generation man. I was ready. I was prepared well. It’s just boxing, you get caught sometimes.”
Horn, who was aiming to rebuild his reputation after a first professional defeat to American Terence Crawford in June, said he was comfortable fighting at the 71kg catchweight.
“I feel really, really strong at this weight,” the former WBO welterweight champion said.
“I was expecting a hard fight.
“I’m happy to get it over and done quickly.”
Horn, who has indicated he’d be keen to organise a rematch with Crawford in Australia if possible, is also exploring the possibility of pursuing fights at heavier weight divisions.
Many boxing fans lamented the embarrassing end to Mundine’s stellar boxing career, with the 43-year-old looking totally out of his depth in his final foray inside the boxing ring.
It is what we thought it was. Horn totally dominant. Mundine looked outclassed from the first second. That’s not how a boxer of Mundine’s class should have gone out. One fight too many.
— Chris Garry (@ChrisGarry7) November 30, 2018
Horn does a complete number on Mundine in 90 secs. Impressive from 'The Hornett', but really, what was a 43 year-old Mundine going to bring to the party. Best days in the distant past
— David Mohan (@DavidMohan99) November 30, 2018
Well done @jeffhornboxer and @Anthony_Mundine you were gracious in defeat, go and retire in style The Man 👍
— Guy in a Suit (@GuyinSuit74) November 30, 2018
Mundine leaving the ring after losing to Horn and announcing his retirement. #HornMundine #boxing pic.twitter.com/gfghvlzUPl
— Brendan Bradford (@1bbradfo) November 30, 2018