Howard Davis, JR: A Tribute to a Class Act Both In and Out of the Boxing Ring

Sad news in the boxing world yesterday as former Olympic champion Howard Davis, JR. passed away after a battle with lung cancer. Davis is best known for capturing Olympic Gold at the 1976 games in Montreal. On a US team that included the likes of Sugar Ray Leonard, Leo Randolph and the Spinks brothers, it was Davis who walked away with the outstanding boxer award for his brilliant performance at the games. Overall, Howard completed his stellar amateur career with a record of 125-5.

Davis never achieved the same heights in the professional ranks but still had an excellent career. He was a top contender in the Lightweight division throughout the first half of the 1980’s.
In June 1980 he challenged Jim Watt for the WBC Lightweight championship, losing by unanimous decision. Davis received his second title opportunity in June 1984, losing a close split decision to WBC champion and future hall of famer, Edwin Rosario.

Howard’s boxing resume included victories over Arturo Pineda, Larry Stanton, Norman Goins, Maurice “Termite” Watkins, Johnny Lira, Claude Noel, Greg Coverson, and a draw with fellow Olympian and future JR. Welterweight champion Meldrick Taylor. Davis ended his 19 year professional career with a record of 36-6-1, 14 KO’s. In today’s era, he would almost certainly have become a world champion. After his career, he remained involved in the sport as a trainer and was also a promoter of MMA events. Most importantly, Howard Davis, JR. will be remembered as one of true class acts in the sport of boxing.

A memorial service for Howard Davis, JR. will be held on January 7th at 6:00pm at the Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.

[si-contact-form form=’1′]