Knockout

Released by Gottlieb in 1975, 'Knockout' captured the explosive popularity of boxing during the mid-1970s, a golden era marked by Muhammad Ali's legendary fights. This electro-mechanical pinball machine embodied the gritty excitement of professional boxing, featuring distinctive artwork of boxers in dynamic fighting poses and a ring-themed playfield.

The machine's design incorporated boxing-specific elements, with targets and bumpers arranged to simulate the back-and-forth action of a boxing match. Players could 'score knockouts' by hitting specific target combinations, and the game featured multiple rounds represented by various scoring sequences. The backglass artwork, characteristic of the era's athletic-themed pinball machines, displayed dramatic boxing imagery that captured the intensity of the sport.

Knockout came during a pivotal period in pinball history, representing one of the last waves of electro-mechanical machines before the industry's transition to solid-state electronics. The game's sporting theme and accessible gameplay made it a popular choice for arcades and bars, particularly in locations where boxing enjoyed a strong following. While production numbers aren't definitively known, the machine maintained a presence in the market through the late 1970s.

Today, Knockout is considered a collectible example of themed electro-mechanical pinball design, appreciated for its representation of 1970s boxing culture and its place in pinball history. Its straightforward yet engaging gameplay mechanics continue to appeal to collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate the pure electro-mechanical era of pinball gaming.