Mundine ends career with quick KO defeat

Jeff Horn has savagely blasted Anthony Mundine into retirement, punishing him in a one-round destruction in their fight in Brisbane.

After an overhyped build-up, it was all over in 96 seconds, as the younger, stronger man made Mundine look every bit of his 43 years on what he described as a “perfect night”.

“I was expecting a tough fight from Choc,” Horn said. “[But] I felt really really strong at this weight.”

The Queenslander was ruthless from the opening bell, stunning Mundine with an overhand right in the first exchange before driving a thundering shot into his opponent’s body that clearly hurt the former league star.

“I knew I hurt him with that first one,” Horn said.

Mundine attempted to jab his way into the contest but every time Horn exploded forward, he did damage, and it wasn’t long before the finishing blow — a left hook — landed. Mundine never looked like beating the referee’s count.

“We worked on a lot of things but that left hook while going to my right was the plan all along,” Horn said.

Manny Pacquiao’s conqueror hoped the decisive win positioned him to pursue another world title.

“They will know I’m more dangerous at this weight,” Horn said.

Mundine gave credit to his opponent as he farewelled a 25-year sporting career.

“Jeff proved he was the better man, got me with a better shot,” Mundine said. “I was ready. I prepared myself. It’s boxing, you just get caught sometimes.”

Mundine had talked a good game in the lead-up to the fight and defended his verbal warfare.

“All the smack talk, all the shit I talk, you got to build the fight,” he said. “We’re in the entertainment business.”

Mundine took more swings at Horn in the lead-up to their fight than he did once in the ring on Friday night as he was knocked down less than two minutes into the opening round.