-'Buster' Douglas over Mike Tyson-
Where were you on that
day, Feb 11, 1990? I stood at midnight in a Cincinnati Radio
station working the overnight shift. As I was doing my meter
readings the Associated Press news line came across. "'Buster'
Douglas upsets Mike Tyson in Tokyo, Japan, to become the new
heavyweight Champion of the World."
Those words hit me hard
as I stood in amazement. Who is Buster Douglas?
From out of nowhere the
new Undisputed Heavyweight Champion emerged.
One announcer calling the
fight called it the biggest upset in Heavyweight boxing
history. Another announcer corrected him, saying, "it’s the
greatest upset in boxing history." James 'Buster' Douglas
accomplished what no man had done before, not only defeating
'Iron' Mike Tyson, but knocking him down for the count. The
odds didn’t even exist, as only one betting parlor took action
on the fight.
A short reign as WBA,
WBC, IBF Champion until defeated that same year in October by
Evander Holyfield. A couple of unsuccessful comeback attempts
retired James 'Buster' Douglas for good.
The former champ has been
involved in many charity events in the Columbus, Ohio, area
and has even had success in acting. A movie about the life of
James 'Buster' Douglas is scheduled for release in 2010. Long
overdue, if you ask this Ohio reporter. Once upon a time, a
relatively unheard of boxer from Columbus Ohio made boxing
history.
James Buster Douglas, a
class act.
Questions? Comments?
Email
Bill Stephens
