What does the cryptic crossword clue "American's knockout has failed, punching morose drunk (9)" mean?

The definition is "American’s knockout". The wordplay uses an anagram. anagram of HAS + MOROSE = SMASHEROO; definition: "American's knockout" The answer is SMASHEROO.

American's knockout has failed, punching morose drunk (9)

Times Cryptic #29051 | 3 Down | 2024-10-18 flower

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