Boxing has long been crying out for another true knockout artist after Deontay Wilder’s gradual decline towards the end of his career.

There are still champions and challengers in the heavyweight division, but it’s increasingly arduous to find the kind of raw knockout threat that once made Wilder must-watch TV.

Thomas Narmo may still be a long way from that level, but early signs suggest the Norwegian known as ‘The Last Viking’ could finally enter the conversation if his current form continues.

The 31-year-old knocked out all 14 of his opponents in just 26 rounds, a devastating start that made the heavyweight division another uncommon artist who can boast a 100 percent knockout record.

He turned professional in 2022 following his previous MMA career.

The heavyweight numbers stand out

Much of the heavyweight buzz at the moment centers around undefeated prospect Moses Itauma, a teenage sensation who has been carefully developed by promoter Frank Warren into one of the UK’s most talked-about prospects.

Itauma’s rise has dominated the headlines, but an unknown like Narmo coming out of European competition with a perfect knockout record provides a refreshing contrast.

However, the effectiveness of Narmo’s work to date cannot be ignored.

The statuesque Norwegian is 180 cm statuesque and in the distance he broke through 14 professional opponents. That works out to roughly 1.8 rounds per fight, which is a remarkable finishing rate for any potential heavyweight.

Many of these attacks barely had time to develop.

Seven of Narmo’s wins have come after the opening round, highlighting the strength of the early fight that defined his perfect knockout record.

This destructiveness traditionally turns heavyweights into attractions. Fighters who can end fights before they actually start quickly attract attention, even if they operate outside the sport’s main promotional spotlight.

Two years of operation

Activism also played a role in building Narmo’s momentum. The Norwegian fought ten times in just two years, fighting mainly in Germany and Central Europe, constantly extending his knockout streak.

At a time when many prospects are sluggish to come along and only show up a few times a year, this level of activity adds extra substance to his record.

It doesn’t answer all the questions, but it shows that Narmo doesn’t stay idle between appearances.

Still a lot to prove

Narmo’s most notable win at the moment is probably that of Mark De Mori, the veteran campaigner who lasted just 131 seconds in a match against a semi-injured David Haye over a decade ago.

The victory was respectable, but not necessarily a statement.

There is still a lot to prove. In the heavyweight division, many fighters have broken impressive records before discovering that the leap to world-class competition is much more arduous than expected.

For Narmo, the real test will come when matchmaking inevitably pushes him towards higher ranked opponents capable of weathering the early storm.

However, if knockouts continue at this rate, boxing’s “Last Viking” may not remain an unknown for long.

About the author

Phil Jay is the editor-in-chief of World Boxing News (WBN) and a boxing veteran with over 15 years of experience. Read the full biography.

Boxing News is proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with KRONK Boxing Gym to bring fans closer to the heritage and heritage represented by both brands.

The history of these two boxing institutions is widely known throughout the sporting community, but now there is an opportunity for them to collaborate on forward-thinking ideas and stories based on nostalgia.

Boxing News magazine first appeared in 1909, with its founder John Murray stating that “boxing would stand for good, immaculate sport.” Since then, the publication has maintained its core principles of integrity, accuracy and independent journalism, maintaining its position as one of the leading voices in sports.

In December 2025, Boxing News released its last weekly issue, after which it became a monthly magazine again, allowing for more in-depth storytelling and longer articles. Additionally, its digital platforms have seen a significant augment in engagement, and on March 5, 2026, Boxing News reported that since January 1, 2026, it has gained 262 million views, 268,000 modern followers and reached 54 million people.

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Boxing News director Jordan Pollock said:

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KRONK Boxing Gym was founded by legendary trainer Emanuel Steward in 1971 and boasts alumni of iconic former world champions including Thomas “Hitman” Hearns, Lennox Lewis, Wladimir Klitschko, Michael Moorer and Gerald McClellan. After two closures since 2006, the gym reopened in a modern location – the Brewster Wheeler Recreation Center at 670 Wilkins Street in Detroit – in December 2025. CEO Paul Bhatti welcomed the partnership with BN.

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As part of the collaboration, Boxing News and KRONK will also share archival content from the gym’s storied past, including uncommon interviews, sparring sessions and training materials that capture fighters, moments and the enduring legacy of the Detroit institution.

Boxing News and KRONK look forward to building a partnership that puts impactful storytelling and retro boxing content at the forefront.

White made the remark during a press conference following Sunday’s event, where Jai Opetaia defeated Brandon Glanton to become Zuffa Boxing’s first cruiserweight champion.

“I’m going to sign anyone who we think has the potential to be a world champion,” Dana said when asked what players Zuffa plans to recruit.

The comment reflects how Dana wants to build the squad. Rather than develop a immense pool of prospects, Zuffa seems willing to sign established contenders and titleholders from several divisions. White mentioned specific fighters when describing the level of talent the company is pursuing, pointing to lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson and heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk as examples of fighters he considers among the best in the sport.

Zuffa is entering the market with financial backing tied to Saudi Arabia’s investment in major boxing events, which has already generated immense funds for high-profile fights in recent years. This level of funding could allow the organization to compete for players who normally operate under long-term contracts with other organizers.

The approach is reminiscent of the one White used to build the UFC, where the promotion gradually brought many of the sport’s top fighters under one promotional banner. Dana also suggested that Zuffa could enhance the number of events if its roster grows, noting that the company has held four boxing events so far and could eventually host a much larger schedule if it signs more fighters.

For now, White has made his position clear. Zuffa intends to pursue players who are capable of winning world titles and build their squad around them.

The comment was a clear sign of how Dana plans to build the organization’s roster as Zuffa continues to expand its presence in boxing.