Gable Steveson stops Swanson in 13 seconds in Nashville boxing debut

Olympic gold medalist Gable Steveson made a statement in the ring at a late-October Dirty Boxing Championship event in Nashville, knocking out veteran Billy Swanson 13 seconds into his professional boxing debut. The referee waved off the contest after Steveson landed decisive shots early in the first round, ending the main event of DBX4 almost immediately.

Steveson, 25, closed distance quickly and landed a powerful right hand followed by a flurry that sent Swanson to the canvas, officials said. The official time was 13 seconds of round one. Steveson addressed UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard, who was in attendance, after the victory, saying, "Mick, you've seen a little bit. I would love to show a lot more." The performance drew immediate attention from figures across the combat sports world.

The bout was Steveson's first professional boxing match. He made his mixed martial arts debut in September at LFA 217, where he defeated Braden Peterson via first-round TKO. The DBX event is organized by a striking-focused promotion founded by MMA veteran Mike Perry. Steveson’s back-to-back quick finishes in different fight sports have accelerated discussion about his next competitive steps.