Greg Haugen
| Greg Haugen | |
|---|---|
| Statistics | |
| Real name | Greg Lee Haugen |
| Weight(s) |
Lightweight Light welterweight |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Nationality |
 |
| Born |
August 31, 1960 Auburn, Washington |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Boxing record | |
| Total fights | 53 |
| Wins | 40 |
| Wins by KO | 19 |
| Losses | 10 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 2 |
Greg Lee Haugen (born August 31, 1960) is a retired American boxer. Haugen was champion at both the lightweight and light welterweight classes.
Haugen turned pro in 1982 and won his first 17 fights before challenging for a world title. On December 5, 1986, Haugen captured the International Boxing Federation Lightweight Title with a majority decision over reigning champion Jimmy Paul.[1]
He lost his title in his first defense to Vinny Pazienza by decision. However, he won the title back in a rematch with Pazienza in 1988.[2] He defended the title against Miguel Santana and future WBO welterweight champion Gert Bo Jacobsen.
He lost the IBF Lightweight title to Pernell Whitaker in 1989 by decision, it was his biggest paycheck at that time at $426,000.[3]
On February 23, 1991, he captured the WBO Light Welterweight Title with an upset victory over then undefeated Hector Camacho by split decision, an outcome that resulted from Camacho being deducted a point for illegally hitting Haugen when Haugen refused to touch gloves at the beginning of the last round. After his fight with Camacho; Haugen tested positive for marijuana and was fined $25,000.[4][5] Later that year Haugen lost a rematch with Camacho, again by split decision.
In 1992, he captured the vacant NABF light welterweight title with a knockout win over Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini.
On February 20, 1993, he challenged Mexican legend Julio César Chávez for the WBC Light Welterweight Title at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a fight attended by 132,247 spectators. Haugen's legacy is likely best defined by the Chavez fight, but not for his performance in the ring. Leading up to the bout, Haugen made the comment that many of Chavez’s wins "came against Tijuana taxi drivers that my mom could whip."[6] This generated a huge uproar in the Mexican community and ignited publicity for the bout. After the loss to Chávez, a dominant TKO loss, Haugen stated: "They must have been very tough taxi drivers." Haugen never again challenged for a major belt. When asked in an interview who was the greatest fighter he ever fought, Haugen replied, "Hands down, Pernell Whitaker.[7]
He retired in 1999 with a record of 40–10–1 (2 NC).
See also
References
- ↑ Lennard, Amy (December 15, 1986). "A roundup of the week Dec. 1-7". Vault - Sports Illustrated. Retrieved December 5, 2017.
- ↑ Berger, Phil (February 7, 1988). "BOXING; Haugen Regains I.B.F. Lightweight Crown". The New York Times. Retrieved June 16, 2018.
- ↑ Putnam, Pat (February 27, 1989). "'BELT THE BODY'". Vault - Sports Illustrated. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
- ↑ "$25,000 Fine, Counseling for Haugen". latimes.com. Retrieved 24 February 2015.
- ↑ "Haugen Drug Test Reported Positive". nytimes.com. Retrieved 24 February 2015.
- ↑ Mallon, Scott (July 14, 2006). "Fifteen Straight; The Charade Continues". The Sweet Science. Retrieved 12 July 2008.
- ↑ Greg Haugen - In My Own Words (Fox Sports) 2
External links
| Achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Jimmy Paul |
IBF Lightweight Champion 5 December 1986 – 7 June 1987 |
Succeeded by Vinny Pazienza |
| Preceded by Vinny Pazienza |
IBF Lightweight Champion 6 February 1988 – 18 February 1989 |
Succeeded by Pernell Whitaker |
| Preceded by Hector Camacho |
WBO Light Welterweight Champion 23 February 1991 – 18 May 1991 |
Succeeded by Hector Camacho |