FanSided’s 2020 boxing awards and greatest moments of the year

2020 Round of the Year: Jose Zepeda vs. Ivan Baranchyk, round 5

There’s a lot in common between our 2019 Round of the Year and 2020’s. Both saw each fighter in their respective bouts get dropped.

In 2019, round 3 between heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Andy Ruiz jr. produced a wild turn of events in the first contest. Round 5 between super lightweights Jose Zepeda and Ivan Baranchyk also had a twist, but the final knockdown was violent and conclusive.

Zepeda vs. Baranchyk took place in October from “The Bubble” at the MGM Grand. There was no audience, but fans watching ESPN that night were treated to one of the craziest back and forth slugfests in recent memory.

Zepeda and Baranchyk combined for eight total knockdowns in just five rounds, but this one was destined to end early.

With 40 seconds to go in round 5, Baranchyk charged Zepeda and dropped him with an overhand right. Zepeda got to his feet, and Baranchyk looked like he was taking over, but his tug of war with Zepeda was about to end.

With the time down to 15 seconds left in the round, Zepeda caught Baranchyk with a straight left that knocked him out cold. Baranchyk disturbingly crumpled to the canvas as his right leg got caught underneath his body and bent badly.

After several minutes, Baranchyk regained consciousness and proved to be okay. Rounds 3 and 4 of Alexander Povetkin vs. Dillian Whyte and rounds 3 and 11 of Juan Francisco Estrada vs. Carlos Cuadras 2 were good. Round 5 of Zepeda vs. Baranchyk was better.