Boxer Brad Ginn suffers knee injury in Las Vegas Masters Championships

51-year-old boxer's undefeated streak ends due to medical stoppage in title bout

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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In an unexpected turn of events, Madison, Alabama boxer Brad Ginn suffered his first loss in the Masters Division (age 45-plus) of USA Boxing at the Las Vegas Masters Championships. Ginn, who was undefeated at 20-0 heading into the bout, injured his left knee with 15 seconds remaining in the third and final round, causing the match to be stopped via medical injury.

Why it matters

Ginn, a 51-year-old boxer, was on his way to winning the super heavyweight title bout when his knee gave out, ending his undefeated streak in the Masters Division. This unexpected injury raises questions about the physical toll of the sport on older athletes and the challenges they face in maintaining peak performance.

The details

Ginn was battling Pennsylvania's Thomas Stewart, who weighed 246 pounds compared to Ginn's 215 pounds. The weight differential caused issues for Ginn, as Stewart was a more aggressive 'brawler-type' boxer. In the first round, which Ginn won on the scorecards, the normal two-minute rounds were reduced to 90 seconds due to the schedule running behind. In the second round, Ginn was given a standing eight-count by the referee, which shocked Ginn as he felt he had landed harder punches earlier. This evened the scorecards going into the third round.

  • The bout took place at the USA Boxing Las Vegas Masters Championships on March 11, 2026.
  • Ginn is scheduled to be inducted into the Masters Boxing Hall of Fame in May 2026.

The players

Brad Ginn

A 51-year-old boxer from Madison, Alabama who was undefeated at 20-0 heading into the Masters Division title bout.

Thomas Stewart

A 46-year-old boxer from Pennsylvania who weighed in at 246 pounds, 30 pounds heavier than Ginn.

Dr. Troy Layton

Ginn's orthopedic surgeon who diagnosed him with a full ACL and MCL tear that will require reconstructive surgery.

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What they’re saying

“When my knee gave out I hit the deck for the first time in my masters boxing. I felt something in my knee in both the first and second rounds of the scheduled three-round fight. Unfortunately, the 51-year old knee gave up.”

— Brad Ginn, Boxer (The Madison Record)

“He even got me in a headlock and was hitting me.”

— Brad Ginn, Boxer (The Madison Record)

What’s next

Ginn will undergo reconstructive surgery on his knee this month to repair the full ACL and MCL tears.

The takeaway

This unexpected injury highlights the physical toll that boxing can take on older athletes, even those who have been successful in the sport for decades. Ginn's story serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by masters-level competitors and the importance of proper medical care and recovery for aging athletes.