Jeff Jackson's video: Derrick Jefferson vs Maurice Harris - Highlights KNOCKOUT of the Year

** NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED ** Support me on PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/jeffjacksonboxing Support me on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/jeffjacksonboxing November 6th, 1999. 21 years ago, a spectacular Heavyweight 10 rounder took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey between undefeated contender Derrick “D-Train” Jefferson and Maurice “Mo Bettah” Harris, who was Lennox Lewis’ chief sparring partner at this time. Despite not having a formidable record, Maurice was considered to be a promising young fighter as he entered the bout with a 7 win streak with his last defeat occurred 2 years ago against the great 47 year old former IBF & WBC Heavyweight Champion Larry Holmes who won a razor close SD10 over the young New Jerseyite. Prefight records; Jefferson 21(17)-0-1, Harris 16(9)-9-2. Going into the fight, D-Train who had a 35 pound weight as well as 2” height and reach advantages over his opponent boasted wins over top oppositions in Bert Cooper and Obed Sullivan. On the other hand, Mo Bettah had garnered notable decision wins over the likes of Jeremy Williams and David Izon. In round 1, Jefferson began moving forward and impose his size and power to offset any chance of Harris establishing his pace as the boxer, counter puncher with greater hand speed. Both had their successes in the first 3 minutes and the action continued on into the first minute of round 2, but at about the 1.50 mark Derrick effectively worked the body followed by a barrage of head shots that ended with a left hook, sending Maurice to the canvas. After a wobbly Harris beat the count, Jefferson continued to pour on the pressure by landing downstairs and upstairs with another pulverizing left hook which resulted in Maurice being decked for the second time. A visibly shell shocked Harris got up, and Derrick attempted to go for the finish. However, in an amazing display of courage Maurice came back resiliently and amazingly scored his own knockdown with a big right hand. Derrick got up with about 20 seconds left in the round and traded with Mo Bettah who got the better of the exchanges before the bell sounded to the roaring ovation of the crowd. In round 3, both had their moments but Maurice was more effective for the most part particularly with body punches that twice hurt Jefferson but during the last 35 seconds of the round a thunderous uppercut by the 6’6” Michigander knocked his gumshield out of his mouth into the crowd. Harris appeared to be out on his feet but resiliently managed to survive the round as he did before and then a break was called by referee Steve Smoger to have his gumshield replaced, which gave him a much needed reprieve. Both resumed trading in round 4, with Harris being the more effective fighter on his backfoot countering to good effect particularly with his work downstairs, as he twice wobbled Jefferson with left hooks to the body. However, his gumshield was knocked out of his mouth for the second time during an exchange. Time was called by Smoger once again for a replacement. Maurice’s best moments happened in round 5 as he masterfully managed to hit and evade Jefferson’s attacks in a good display of counter punching and defensive abilities. In round 6, the tides was turned for the umpteenth time by Derrick after he connected with a debilitating right hand downstairs that made Harris lower his arms; he then wasted no time going for the kill with a barrage of bombs and scored his third knockdown courtesy of a left hook-right hook combo to the body. Out of sheer determination, Maurice rose to his feet at the count of 9 but was barely able to get his hands up thus he ate a leaping left hook followed by more punishment on the ropes as he looked to be out on his feet. But remarkably, he mounted yet another comeback and nearly derailed D-Train’s pull with a left hook to the liver followed by left hook-right hand to the head that had Derrick hanging on for dear life. A dazed Harris followed up with more punches and as both were breaking out of a clinch, he attempted to throw a left but out of nowhere, Jefferson exploded with a dynamite loaded left hook that completely flattened Mo Bettah and catapulted his gumshield out of his mouth and into the crowd for the third and final time! Smoger waved off the bout without counting as Maurice Harris was evidently in no position to get up. Derrick Jefferson’s spectacular KO win was named by Ring Magazine as the Knockout of the Year 1999. Please enjoy this highlight of a tremendous Heavyweight bout filled with nonstop ebb and flow action with an unforgettable finish! Remember to SUBSCRIBE, stay safe and keep your chin tucked in and your punches coming.