Awesome moment former boxing champ KO's loudmouth on street (VIDEO)

Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut — especially after you've apparently knocked down one too many forty-ouncers. This guy found out the hard way.

Out of all the guys in the world to pick a fight with, this lush had to pick a former world champion boxer outside a convenience store.

Minding his own business, Rocky Lockridge, who in his prime beat Roger Mayweather, uncle of Floyd, to win the WBA super-featherweight title, is approached by a man shouting abuse.

He faces up to the former boxer while onlookers attempt to persuade Lockridge not to take action. But he ignores them and conveniently delivers a left-right combination which leaves the trash talker out cold.

Now 54, Lockridge had a fine career in the ring and won 44 of his 53 bouts as a professional. He defended his WBA belt twice before losing to Wilfredo Gomez in 1985. After failing with his challenge for Julio Cesar Chavez's WBC world title, he became a two-time world champion in 1987, winning the IBF strap.

Lockridge had his final bout in 1992 and later struggled with homelessness and a drug addiction.

You can't say this troublemaker wasn't warned before he hit the cement. You can hear the bystanders telling him "Champ gonna knock you out" and the unheeded warning he's "gonna f--- you up" before accosting Lockridge.  Afterwards they laugh and one guy just says, "Cold."

Chalk the knockout up as win number 45 for Lockridge — and rightfully so.