Julian “The Hawk” Jackson, born September 12, 1960, in Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, is one of the most fearsome punchers in boxing history. A former two-division world champion, Jackson competed in the light middleweight (154 lbs) and middleweight (160 lbs) divisions during a professional career that spanned from 1981 to 1998. Known for his incredible knockout power, Jackson ended his career with a stellar record of 55 wins (49 by knockout), 6 losses, and 0 draws, giving him an astonishing knockout ratio of nearly 89%.
Standing 5’11” with a 73-inch reach, Jackson combined his athletic build with pinpoint accuracy and concussive power. His punching ability was so devastating that he earned a reputation as one of the hardest hitters in the history of the sport, with The Ring Magazine consistently ranking him among the top punchers of all time.
Jackson’s career highlights include his reign as the WBA light middleweight champion, a title he captured in 1987 with a second-round stoppage of In-Chul Baek. He made three successful defenses, including a brutal first-round knockout of Buster Drayton. After moving up to middleweight, Jackson claimed the vacant WBC middleweight title in 1990 by knocking out Herol Graham in the fourth round with a single, perfectly timed punch. This knockout is widely regarded as one of the most spectacular finishes in boxing history.
Other notable wins in Jackson’s career include victories over Terry Norris, whom he knocked out in two rounds in 1989, and Dennis Milton, whom he dismantled in a single round in 1991. His ability to end fights instantly, regardless of the opponent’s skill level or momentum, made him a must-watch fighter during his prime.
However, Jackson’s vulnerabilities, particularly his chin and stamina, were exposed in some of his losses. His most notable defeats came against Gerald McClellan, who stopped him twice in 1993 and 1994. Despite these setbacks, Jackson remained a dangerous contender well into his later years, continuing to knock out high-level opposition.
Beyond his in-ring accomplishments, Jackson was also a mentor to younger fighters in the Virgin Islands, helping to grow the sport in his homeland. His legacy is defined by his breathtaking knockouts, his willingness to fight the best, and his unwavering commitment to entertainment inside the ring. Julian Jackson’s career remains a testament to the power and drama that make boxing an unforgettable sport.
