While Knockout Kings 2002 skipped the GameCube, the 2003 edition was exclusive to the GameCube. For the most part, it’s sort of a port of Knockout Kings 2002, but it has new boxers, new modes, new rings and even a brand new mode, so it still has more changes than a lot of yearly sports titles.
Knockout Kings is a fast and frantic boxing game, with a dynamic camera that keeps the action taking up the full frame and really does match the insane speed that boxing can reach, which does mean that sometimes you just have to button mash.
The main new addition is an arcade-style mode where you have to survive through rounds of multiple opponents, there’s a “PAIN” metre that lets you do more damage, and you have to keep an eye on your head/body to avoid being stunned. It’s a fun addition and, even though I had no idea what I was doing, felt more over the top than the main mode.