The boxing world obtained the information that former world champion Greg “Mutt” Haugen (39-10-1, 19 KO’s) handed away after a brave battle with most cancers.
Haugen, born in Auburn, Washington, and residing in Seattle, was nothing if not iron-tough all through his 17-year profession.
Haugen had greater than 325 newbie fights and received a bronze medal within the Olympic trials earlier than going professional in 1982. He went undefeated in his first 19 bouts. He confirmed early that he had a robust motor as he debuted in a 10-round bout. In that preliminary undefeated run, he beat Chris Calvin, Freddie Roach, Edwin Curet, and Jimmy Paul (to seize the IBF world title).
Over the subsequent dozen years, in 31 bouts, Haugen would interact in quite a few wars with among the easiest at, and round, light-weight. These included Vinny Pazienza (3x), Gert Bo Jacobsen, Pernell Whitaker, Hector Camacho (2x), Ray Mancini, Julio Caesar Chavez, Toney Lopez and Thomas Damgaard.
Throughout that 2nd half of his profession, he additionally re-captured the IBF light-weight title which he had misplaced to Vinny Pazienza in his first title protection. He beat Pazienza 2 fights after his loss to reclaim the title. He would make 2 defences of his title earlier than surrendering it to legend and grasp boxer Whitaker. He additionally received the WBO world tremendous light-weight title, defeating Camacho in 1991.
In the long run, Haugen left boxing as a 3x world champion and a repute as one of many hardest, most relentless lightweights to battle throughout his time. What he might have lacked in pure boxing expertise, he greater than made up for in coronary heart, grit, and dogged willpower. Congratulations on an ideal, world championship profession.
MaxBoxing sends its condolences to the Haugen household.
Relaxation in Peace, Champ!
