“He’s a testament to what people can do…I think he’s got an important message for a lot of people, especially those with diabetes.” — Janet Gorman, a nurse with the Central Ohio Diabetes Association.
A somewhat flabby James “Buster” Douglass was coming off a six-fight winning streak against decent opposition after taking a 6 year hiatus following the Holyfield disaster. Curiously, one of the six was when he had been “knocked out” by Louis Monaco, but it was after the bell, making Douglas the DQ winner. During his absence, Buster became obese and suffered from diabetes but to his great credit got his life back in order.
Big Lou Savarese, who won his first 36 professional starts, was coming off a win against Jeff Lally and a savage KO loss to David Izon in 1997
This one was at Foxwoods on June 25, 1998 and I was there. In fact, I recall that Julio Cesar Chavez (with a monster entourage) was fighting Ken Sigurani on the undercard.
After his patented punishing jab and some sharp combos, Buster seemed ready for action but then all of a sudden he was shockingly decked by a perfect Savarese right. Shortly after, another right put him down and this time he was more hurt than shocked. Finally, after launching a malicious flurry, Lou ended matters. How do you say “blowout? The entire mugging took just 2.34.
A tearful Lou celebrated because he knew this one would put him back into the mix, but Buster came to grips with the harsh realization that fighting at this level was all over– though he did win two more before officially retiring in 1999 with a 38-6-1 record including that ONE BIG ONE.
Savarese finished with an admirable 46-7 mark that included a number of action-filled outings.
Here it is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GeRA7RH72-A
Read More:
Ring Muggings: Part One
Ring Muggings: Part Two
Ring Muggings: Part Three
Ring Muggings: Part Four
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