Remembering Boxer Harold “Shadow” Knight

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By Daniel Sisneros

New Jersey’s Harold “Shadow” Knight was a kid that could box, and he was someone that boxing people had their eye on even in the amateurs where he amassed an incredible 103-13 record!

He opened his pro career on the day after Independence day, July 5, 1983, and he started thing with a BANG, knocking out Tommy Mason in the first round.

He was a true “Jersey Man” as he ended up fighting all but one of his pro fights in New Jersey! His first fight was at the Tropicana in Atlantic City, NJ, and his final fight was at the Sands in Atlantic City, NJ.

His first 12 fights were pretty easy. He was expected to win them, and he did EASILY. He got his first true test on Feb. 24, 1987 when he was put in against a fellow prospect out of Brooklyn, NY – Rene Resto (12-1-1, 3 ko). Knight shined as he stopped Resto in round 2.

After stopping 19-2 Darrell Savoy in round 4, Knight got his first shot at a major title belt. April 30, 1987 was the night that Harold challenged highly ranked contender Kenny Baysmore (23-1, 20 ko) for his USBA Jr. Lightweight Title. “Shadow” was more than ready and showed the world who he was with a 7th round tko stoppage of the champion. Knight was now the USBA Champion and still undefeated, world ranked and gaining lots of national attention.

He scored tko’s in his next two bouts which were non-title bouts, and then successfully defended his USBA title against Anthony English (19-7-1) via 4th round tko, and then just about 6 weeks later defended the USBA title against highly respected former Michigan State Featherweight Champion – Erskine Wade (17-4-1, 11 ko). It was another impressive victory for the unbeaten champion, ending the fight at 2:29 of the 11th round.

Harold “Shadow” Knight was now 19-0, 15 ko’s. Undefeated. USBA Jr. Lightweight Champion. World Ranked. Absolutely ready and deserving of a World Title fight. He got it.

The IBF Jr. Lightweight Champion Rocky Lockridge (42-5, 35 ko) agreed to defend his title against Knight.

April 2, 1988. The Sands Resort Hotel in Atlantic City, NJ was the venue. The bout was huge. Televised on NBC it was a fascinating meeting of a powerhouse World Champion who was making his 2nd defense of the IBF Title he had traveled to the UK to lift from champion Barry Michael. Lockridge was also the former WBA World Champion, and had lost by Majority decision to legendary Julio Cesar Chavez for the WBC World Title. Lockridge was a solid champion who was facing an undefeated contender, which made for a fascinating matchup.

It was a great match, and it went the entire 15 rounds. When the scores were read, it was Champion Rocky Lockridge defending his title successfully on scores of 146-139, 145-139, and 145-140. Knight proved his self as one of the best in the division. It was his final bout.

Harold Knight ended his pro career with a final record of 19 wins, 1 loss, winning 15 by knockout. He never lost his USBA Title, and nearly won the IBF World Championship. He was skilled, and powerful. He became a favorite of ESPN Network.

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