The two most iconic boxing photos of all time couldn’t be more different – and they reveal a hidden truth about the decisive moment

PHILADELPHIA - SEPTEMBER 23: Boxer "Jersey Joe Walcott" takes a hard punch from Rocky Marciano during their World Heavyweight Title fight on September 23, 1952 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. After Walcott dropped Marciano in the first round, Marciano held out and defeated Walcott in the 13th with a knockout punch that has been called the "greatest punch in boxing history". Born Arnold Raymond Cream in New Jersey, he was often compared to welterweight boxer Joe Walcott; thus he became known by the nickname "Jersey Joe Walcott". (Photo by Herb Scharfman/Sports Imagery/Getty Images).

Henri Cartier-Bresson is synonymous with the decisive moment. But I think we have a tendency to oversimplify the legendary photographer’s teaching. Photographers are told again and again to capture the decisive moment but, as somebody who does a lot of sports photography, I’ve learned that the decisive moment isn’t always the decisive moment. Let me explain.

One of the most famous boxing photos of all time was captured by Herb Scharfman in 1952. It depicts Rocky Marciano connecting with then-heavyweight champion of the world, Jersey Joe Walcott (above), moments before a 13th-round KO.