Don Wilson (kickboxer)

Last updated
Don Wilson
Don "The Dragon" Wilson (14017300296).jpg
Don Wilson in 2014
BornDonald Glen Wilson
(1954-09-10) September 10, 1954 (age 70)
Alton, Illinois, U.S.
Other namesThe Dragon
Don Hoshino
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Division Light Heavyweight Cruiserweight
Style
Fighting out of Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Teacher(s)
  • Danny K. Pai
  • Fred Schmitz
  • Jim Wilson
  • Chuck Merriman
Years active1974–1991, 1999–2002, 2013–Present
Professional boxing record
Total9
Wins6
By knockout4
Losses3
By knockout3
Kickboxing record
Total82
Wins72
By knockout48
Losses5
Draws2
No contests3
Other information
Notable relativesJim Wilson (brother), Kathleen Karridene (wife)
Website www.donthedragonwilson.com

Donald Glen Wilson (born September 10, 1954), nicknamed "The Dragon", is an American martial artist, former professional kickboxer, and actor. [1] An 11-time world champion who scored 47 knockouts in four decades, he has been called by the STAR System Ratings as "perhaps the greatest kickboxer in American history. He has disposed of more quality competition than anyone we've ever ranked". [2] In 2015, he was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame. [3]

Contents

Wilson was a fight commentator and interviewer in many of the early Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events, beginning with UFC 7. As an actor, he is best known for starring in several B movie martial arts films, [4] such as the Bloodfist series (from Bloodfist to Bloodfist VIII: Trained to Kill ), the Ring of Fire series (from Ring of Fire to Ring of Fire III: Lion Strike), Red Sun Rising (1994), and the Cyber Tracker series ( CyberTracker and CyberTracker 2). He also appears in Batman Forever as the leader of the Neon Gang. [5]

Early years and training

Wilson was born to a Japanese mother and American father in Alton, Illinois. He utilized his mother's family name, Hoshino (星野), as a ring name while competing in Japan.

He attended Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton, where he was an MVP in football and basketball. [6] Wilson also tried his hand at wrestling, in which he excelled enough to score a 4th place in the Florida State Collegiate Wrestling competition. [7]

After high school, Wilson was accepted into the Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut in the fall of 1972. [7] Wilson has stated that his brother challenged him to friendly sparring, which he imagined he would dominate since Wilson was more physically imposing and athletic than his brother. To his surprise, he was easily knocked around by his brother's martial arts ability. He credits this experience for making a believer out of him, after which he would pursue martial arts. He began studying Goju-ryu Karate with Chuck Merriman for two hours a week for one year. [8]

In 1973, Wilson left the Academy and earned an associate degree in electrical engineering at Brevard Community College in Florida. He then enrolled at his father's alma mater, the Florida Institute of Technology, but dropped out to pursue a professional fighting career, to the elder Wilson's disappointment. During this time, he trained in Pai Lum White Dragon Kung Fu, a form derivative of Shaolin Kung Fu, taught by Danny K. Pai. [9] Wilson was trained by Fred Schmitz, Pai's first black belt in America. [10]

Don's nickname, "The Dragon" was used in his first professional kickboxing match in Orlando, and came from his training in White Dragon style. [11] He also had two other nicknames that were used at times during his long career.

Kickboxing

Wilson in 1992 DonWilson.jpg
Wilson in 1992

Wilson won a total of 11 world titles with several sanctioning bodies, including the IKF, WKA, KICK, ISKA, STAR and the PKO. [12] Wilson's kickboxing record is listed as 72–5–2 (48 knockouts) with 3 no-contests. Wilson's kickboxing career spanned four decades, with his first fight being against Bill Knoblok in 1974 in which Wilson broke his hand. [11] In November of 1975 he lost to Steve Shepherd by decision. [13]

In July of 1977, Wilson defeated Howard Hayden by decision. A report of the match in Official Karate Magazine said, "Don Wilson's showboat tactics have seen him through a couple of fights, but the Flash won't last long when the going gets tough." Wilson said he was insulted and a few people called him Don "The Flash" Wilson after the article. He said that inspired him to prove something: "I got serious." [8] [12]

In September of 1979 he defeated Jimmy Horsley by TKO. [14] [13] In March of 1980 Wilson was knocked out by Glen McMorris, which was the only time he was knocked out in his 79 fight career. [13] In July 1980 he defeated Rodney Batiste by decision. [15] [13] In October of 1980 Wilson beat Andy White by KO in the 2nd round. [16] [13]

Wilson was noted for being an American-style kickboxer who challenged the fabled fighters from Thailand. He prevailed in most instances, only suffering one loss. [13] However, the matches were often problematic, due to the differences in traditions, style and judging. In September of 1981 he won against Panya Sornnoi by split decision. [17] [13] For his fight against Samart Prasarnmit in December of 1983, [18] [13] the officials who arranged the fight broke the previous arrangement, placing Wilson against a lighter opponent and forcing Wilson to lose 8 pounds on the day of the bout by sitting in a sauna from early morning until two hours before the bout, leaving him dangerously dehydrated. [11] Wilson had also negotiated for a 7-round fight, which the officials also neglected to honor. [13] Furthermore, the Thai judges only recognized Muay Thai techniques such as Thai kick or those performed within the clinch, which meant that Wilson's only hope to win was to knockout Samart, which he was unable to do because of his dehydration. [13] Wilson, a fighter used to 12 round fights, was exhausted in the 2nd round, a clear indication of the seriousness of his condition. In September 1984 Wilson fought Thai fighter Fanta Petchmuangtrat and won by decision. [19] [13]

Between 1982 and 1987 he defeated, among others, world champion James Warring, [11] , champion Demetrius "Oaktree" Edwards, [20] [11] world champions Curtis Crandall, [21] [11] and Maurice Smith. [22] [11] He beat Steve Valencia, [23] [11] world champion Dennis Alexio [24] [11] and fought to a draw with another champion, Jean-Yves Thériault. [25] [11] He also defeated Art Jimmerson in a kickboxing vs. boxing mixed match [26] [11] and defeated world champion Branko Cikatic. [27] [11]

In July of 1988 he defeated previously unbeaten Carl Englund by KO in the 5th round. [28] In March of 1989 he fought Ferdinand Mack. Mack was winning on the cards by the 8th round, but Wilson won by TKO in the 9th. [29] [13] In April of 1989 Wilson defeated Ken Stranburg by decision [30] [13] and defeated Keith Wilson by TKO. [31] [13] In November 1989 Wilson lost by split decision to the unbeaten Marek Piotrowski. [32] [13] In December of 1991 he defeated Ghalib Carmichael by decision. [33] [13]

Wilson won his IKF (www.IKFKickboxing.com) FCR Cruiserweight World Title on May 15, 1999, in Lowell, Massachusetts, when he defeated Dick Kimber. (Lynn, Massachusetts, USA PRO: 23-3/21, AM: 25-0/25 5'9" 197 lbs) At the end of the third round Wilson came alive and eventually knocked Kimber to the floor motionless. Referee Dan Stell counted Kimber out on the floor, a count that went into the round break. Kimber never stood during the count. [34] [13]

Having never been challenged for his title, Wilson voluntarily retired it to move down to the Light Heavyweight Division, where he eventually retired from fighting a few years later. In 2000 he defeated Dewey Cooper in a 10 round decision. [35] [13] His last fight was a 10th-round knockout victory over Eddie Butcher on July 19, 2002, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. [36]

Wilson was scheduled to make a comeback at 58 years old, against an unnamed opponent in a ten-rounder in Istanbul, Turkey in 2013. [37] However, at the last minute the fight in Istanbul was cancelled due to "breach of contract and non-performance of financial agreements".

Wilson also fought several exhibition fights such as those against Bill "Superfoot" Wallace, [13] Gary Daniels, [38] [13] Jim "Jimbo" Mullen [39] [13] and Ian Jacklin. [40] In June of 2017 Wilson, at 63 years old, had a rematch against Ferdinand Mack in an exhibition bout 28 years after they originally fought. [41]

In 2014, he was honored with the U.F. of Legends Dragon Award at the Urban Action Showcase & Expo at HBO. [42]

Kickboxing losses turned into no contests

Early in Wilson's career, he lost three fights by decision; these losses were changed into no contests by the Professional Karate Association. [13]

Wilson's first career match was against Bill Knoblock and he lost a third decision. This match was later turned into a no contest by the Professional Karate Association as they listed it as an "amateur" match. "This amateur bout was part of Wilson's black belt examination." [13] However, in a 2013 interview, Wilson recalled his first fight as a loss to Bill Knoblock on January 25, 1975, as a professional match in which he was paid $100. [43]

On May 28, 1976, in Tampa, Florida, Wilson lost a 5-round decision to Rudy Burney in a PKA sanctioned match. [13] However, the PKA later overturned the decision for, "improper procedures that impeded fair competition."

Finally, in September 1976, Wilson lost a 5-round points decision to Herb Thompson in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The PKA overturned the decision, citing improper procedures and inappropriate equipment which impeded fair competition. [13]

According to Inside Kung-Fu Presents Kickboxing Magazine (August 1992), Wilson's professional kickboxing record was listed as 69 wins, 5 losses, 2 draws, 46 knockout wins, and 6 kick-knockouts, and 3 no-contests. On page 64, Wilson's first match with Bill Knoblok in Orlando, Florida in December 1974 is listed as a 3-round no-contest. However, on page 52 in the same issue, Wilson said about his fight with Knoblok, "But Bill won the third round by a larger margin than I had won the first. So he won the bout." Today the official result of this fight was listed as a no-contest on Wilson's official fight record because when he decided to fight for PKA, Joe Corley felt the rules of the bout were quite different from those of PKA, Corley told Wilson to omit it.

Fighting style

Wilson was fairly notable thanks to his unique fighting style as used in the ring. He was ambidextrous, being able to switch stance on a whim and attack powerfully with either side, [44] although he preferred to fight strong-side forward, which is a characteristic of some Chinese Martial arts like Pai Lum Tao Ng Ying Kungfu (Chinese: 五形功夫). Wilson is known for often using a bladed stance, a low lead hand and a high rear hand, typical of crab style fighters, at all ranges. [44]

He identified himself as mainly a kicker, claiming that was his forte and the reason why he never seriously considered boxing. [43] He has a particularly devastating lead side kick, and was known to perform single-leg multiple kicks in rapid succession. Despite his focus on kicks, most of his KO's came through his punching, and he was particularly good with his lead (right) hook punch. [44]

Professional boxing

Wilson had a brief professional boxing career. Wilson said in a 2015 interview that he had a 6–3–0 professional boxing record with all three defeats by first round stoppage. [43] He said he started professional boxing as a training tool to improve his punching, but his trainer forced him to change his style, from the patient fighter he was in kickboxing, to trying to score first round knockouts. This lead to only an average boxing career. [43]

His biggest victory was against Muhammad Ali's former sparring partner John L. Johnson. [45] Wilson's last boxing match took place against Tim Jones on October 21, 1986, at the Reseda Country Club in California. Wilson had a 6–2–0 record in professional boxing going into this match, while Jones was winless in 6 bouts. Wilson lost by TKO at 2:58 of the first round. Dennis Alexio, who lost a kickboxing match to Wilson, had already defeated Jones. Jones lost 4 of his next 5 boxing matches, and retired with a 2–10–1 record. [46]

Wilson also had an exhibition boxing match against USBA and NABA light-middleweight champion Jose Alfredo "Shibata" Flores. [47] [48]

Commentating

Wilson was a fight commentator and interviewer in many of the early UFC events, beginning with UFC 7 in Buffalo. [49] He stated several times that he would be willing to fight in the UFC himself if enough fans requested it, but it never happened. [50] He went on to be a commentator for King of the Cage.

Film appearances

Some movies to his credit include: Futurekick, Bloodfist 1–8, Ring of Fire 1, 2 & 3, Out for Blood, Operation Cobra , Blackbelt, Cyber Tracker 1 & 2, Terminal Rush, Redemption, Say Anything... , Capitol Conspiracy, Moving Target, and Batman Forever as the leader of the Neon Gang. [51]

Kickboxing titles

Professional kickboxing record

Professional kickboxing record
72 wins (48 (T)KOs, 24 decisions), 5 losses, 2 draws, 1 no decision, 3 no contests [13]
DateResultOpponentEventLocationMethodRoundTimeRecord
2011-12-03Exhibition Flag of England.svg Kash Gill "Cinema against Pain" @ Almaty, Kazakhstan Exhibition372–5–2–3
2002-07-19Win Flag of the United States.svg Eddie Butcher"A Night Of Champions", I.S.K.A. Event @ Tropicana Hotel Atlantic City, New Jersey, US KO (Overhand Right)1072–5–2–3
2000-03-17Win Flag of the United States.svg Dewey Cooper I.S.K.A. Event @ MGM Grand Las Vegas, Nevada, US Decision102:0071–5–2–3
Wins I.S.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight North American title −190 lbs.
1999-05-14Win Flag of the United States.svg Dick KimberI.K.F. Event @ Tsongas Arena Lowell, Massachusetts, US TKO32:0870–5–2–3
Wins I.K.F. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Title −190 lbs.
1991-01-12Win Flag of the United States.svg Ghalib CarmichaelW.K.A. Event Anaheim, California, US Decision112:0069–5–2–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (9th defence). Vacates title after win.
1991-12-03Exhibition Flag of the United Kingdom.svg Gary Daniels World Martial Arts Extravaganza Birmingham, England Exhibition368–5–2–3
1990-07-27Win Flag of the Soviet Union.svg Yuleeb KazakovK.I.C.K. & I.S.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US TKO568–5–2–3
1989-12-01Win Flag of Italy.svg Maurizio CuralloP.K.O. Event Rome, Italy TKO (Gave Up)167–5–2–3
1989-11-27Win Flag of Italy.svg Giuliano GrilloP.K.O. Event Milan, Italy TKO266–5–2–3
1989-11-04Loss Flag of Poland.svg Marek Piotrowski F.F.K.A. & P.K.C. Event @ Odeum Expo Center Chicago, Illinois, US Decision (Split)122:0065–5–2–3
Fight was for vacant F.F.K.A. & P.K.C. full-contact light-heavyweight world titles. Although his I.S.K.A. full-contact cruiserweight world title was not on the line, Wilson would have to vacate it due to the defeat.
1989-07-03Win Flag of the United States.svg Mike WinkeljohnW.K.A. Event Costa Mesa, California, US TKO1065–4–2–3
1989-04-20Win Flag of England.svg Keith WilsonP.K.O. Event London, England, UK TKO464–4–2–3
1989-04-13Win Flag of Sweden.svg Ken StranbergP.K.O. Event Gothenburg, Sweden Decision52:0063–4–2–3
1989-03-18Win Flag of Germany.svg Ferdinand MackP.K.O. Event Berlin, Germany TKO962–4–2–3
Wins inaugural P.K.O. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −170 lbs.
1988-10-08Win Flag of the United States.svg Rob SalazarI.S.K.A. Event Lake Tahoe, Nevada, US Decision (Split)1261–4–2–3
Wins inaugural I.S.K.A. full-contact cruiserweight world title −182 lbs.
1988-07-30Win Flag of the United States.svg Carl EnglundW.K.A. & K.I.C.K. Event @ James L. Knight Center Miami, Florida, US TKO460–4–2–3
1987-12-12Win Flag of Yugoslavia (1946-1992).svg Branko Cikatić K.I.C.K. Event Orlando, Florida, US TKO (punches)759–4–2–3
Retains K.I.C.K. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (2nd defence).
1987-06-22Win Flag of the United States.svg Art Jimmerson W.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub Cocoa Beach, Florida, US KO658–4–2–3
1987-04-22Win Flag of the United States.svg Roger HurdW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub Cocoa Beach, Florida, US TKO457–4–2–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (8th defence).
1987-01-19Win Flag of the United States.svg Paul FordW.K.A. Event Merrit Island, Florida, US TKO656–4–2–3
1986-09-22Win Flag of the United States.svg Rich LopezW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub Cocoa Beach, Florida, US KO (Round Kick to Jaw)555–4–2–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (7th defence).
1985-12-06Win Flag of the United States.svg Charlie ArchieW.K.A. Event Miami, Florida, US KO (Kick)154–4–2–3
1985-11-10Win Flag of Jamaica.svg Michael HusbandsI.N.D. Event @ Verdun Auditorium Montreal, Canada TKO553–4–2–3
1984-12-18 Draw Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Jean-Yves Thériault I.N.D. Event @ Verdun Auditorium Montreal, Canada Decision Draw122:0052–4–2–3
Receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact light-heavyweight world champion −175 lbs.
1984-09-05Win Flag of Thailand.svg Fanta Petchmuangtrat (Attapong Buadan) [13] [52] [53] W.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth Stadium Hong Kong Decision73:0052–4–1–3
1984-03-29Win Flag of the United States.svg Dennis Alexio W.K.A. Event Hollywood, Florida, US Decision (Unanimous)122:0051–4–1–3
Wins inaugural W.K.A. full-contact super light-heavyweight world title −184 lbs and also receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact super light-heavyweight world champion −184 lbs. Before taking the fight Wilson voluntarily vacated his W.K.A. full-contact cruiserweight world title in January, 1984. He would later also vacate his W.K.A. super light-heavyweight world title he won against Alexio in October that same year.
1983-12-02Loss Flag of Thailand.svg Samart Prasarnmit Royal Thai Army Welfare Event @ Lumpinee Stadium Bangkok, Thailand Decision53:0050–4–1–3
1983-11-03Exhibition Flag of the United States.svg A.W. MuhammadW.K.C. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US Exhibition52:0050–3–1–3
1983-09-26Win Flag of Thailand.svg Pongdejnoi PrasopchaiW.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth Stadium Hong Kong TKO (Spinning Back Kick)450–3–1–3
1983-08-19Win Flag of the United States.svg Jarvis GradnerW.K.A. Event Cocoa Beach, Florida, US Decision92:0049–3–1–3
1983-07-16Win Flag of the United States.svg Steve ValenciaK.I.C.K. Event New York City, New York, US TKO448–3–1–3
Retains K.I.C.K. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (1st defence).
1983-05-21Win Flag of the United States.svg Maurice Smith W.K.A. Event Tokyo, Japan Decision112:0047–3–1–3
Wins vacant W.K.A. cruiserweight world title −190 lbs. Also receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact cruiserweight world champion −184 lbs.
1983-04-19Win Flag of the United States.svg Curtis CrandallK.I.C.K. Event @ Caesar's Palace Las Vegas, Nevada, US TKO1146–3–1–3
Wins inaugural K.I.C.K. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs.
1983-03-19Win Flag of the United States.svg James SiscoW.K.A. Event Nassau, Bahamas KO245–3–1–3
1982-11-06Win Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg Wade WoodburyW.K.C. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US Decision (Split)1244–3–1–3
1982-09-04Win Flag of the United States.svg James Warring W.K.A. Event Tokyo, Japan Decision112:0043–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (6th defence).
1982-04-08Win Flag of Thailand.svg Jaidee PitsanurachanW.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth Stadium Hong Kong Decision942–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (5th defence).
1982-02-08Win Flag of the United States.svg James SiscoW.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth Stadium Hong Kong TKO441–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (4th defence).
1981-12-07Win Flag of the United States.svg Dennis DowneyW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub Cocoa Beach, Florida, US DQ (Biting)740–3–1–3
1981-12-07Win Flag of the United States.svg Mark ZacharatosW.K.A. Event @ Imperial Palace Las Vegas, Nevada, US KO339–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (3rd defence).
1981-09-08Win Flag of Thailand.svg Jaidee PitsanurachanW.K.A. Event @ Queen Elizabeth Stadium Hong Kong Decision (Split)72:0038–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (2nd defence).
1981-07-25Win Flag of the United States.svg Al MimsW.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US KO337–3–1–3
1981-06-24Win Flag of Pakistan.svg Muhammed Ashraf Tai W.K.A. Event Tokyo, Japan KO236–3–1–3
1981-05-15Win Flag of the United States.svg Larry NicholsW.K.A. Event @ St. Lucie Civic Center Fort Pierce, Florida, US KO (Kick)535–3–1–3
1981-03-23Win Flag of the United States.svg Greg SmithW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub Cocoa Beach, Florida, US Decision52:0034–3–1–3
1981-03-10Win Flag of the United States.svg Herbie ThompsonW.K.A. Event Westchester, New York, US KO833–3–1–3
Retains W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs (1st defence).
1981-02-10Win Flag of the United States.svg Eddie DourantW.K.A. Event @ St. Lucie Civic Center Fort Pierce, Florida, US TKO732–3–1–3
1980-12-01Win Flag of the United States.svg Larry LockhartW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub Cocoa Beach, Florida, US TKO431–3–1–3
1980-10-13Win Flag of the United States.svg Andy WhiteW.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub Cocoa Beach, Florida, US KO230–3–1–3
Wins inaugural W.K.A. full-contact light-heavyweight world title −175 lbs. Also receives recognition as S.T.A.R. undisputed full-contact light-heavyweight world champion −175 lbs.
1980-07-21Win Flag of the United States.svg Rodney Batiste P.K.A. World Championship Eliminations @ Brassy's Nightclub Cocoa Beach, Florida, US Decision102:0029–3–1–3
Wins eliminator for shot at vacant P.K.A. and S.T.A.R. full-contact middleweight world titles against Jean-Yves Thériault. This fight would never materialise, however, due to a number of contractual & promotional issues.
1980-06-?Win Flag of the United States.svg Steve MackeyP.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US KO128–3–1–3
1980-05-20Win Flag of the United States.svg Larry Doggert Cocoa Beach, Florida, US KO727–3–1–3
1980-04-14Win Flag of the United States.svg Bernard ClarkP.K.A. Event @ Brassy's Nightclub Cocoa Beach, Florida, US TKO626–3–1–3
1980-03-05Loss Flag of the United States.svg Glenn McMorris P.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US TKO125–3–1–3
Loses P.K.A. full-contact middleweight U.S. title −170 lbs.
1980-02-08Win Flag of the United States.svg Larry Poore West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US TKO725–2–1–3
1980-01-?Win Flag of the United States.svg Greg StrongP.K.A. Event Miami, Florida, US TKO (Kick)724–2–1–3
Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight U.S. title −170 lbs (1st defence).
1979-11-10Draw Flag of the United States.svg Steve MackeyP.K.A. Event Orlando, Florida, US Technical Draw223–2–1–3
1979-10-23Win Flag of the United States.svg Willie RuffinOrlando Sports Stadium Orlando, Florida, US TKO523–2–0–3
1979-09-15Win Flag of the United States.svg Jimmy HorsleyP.K.A. Event Orlando, Florida, US TKO722–2–0–3
Wins P.K.A. full-contact middleweight U.S. title −170 lbs.
1979-08-?Win Flag of the United States.svg Danny WedgesW.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US KO121–2–0–3
1979-08-?Win Flag of the United States.svg John Shields Bradenton, Florida, US TKO220–2–0–3
1979-07-?Win Flag of the United States.svg Al Durr Orlando, Florida, US KO319–2–0–3
1979-06-23Win Flag of the United States.svg Benny FernandezP.K.A. Event Bradenton, Florida, US DQ (Hit & Hold Clinching)118–2–0–3
Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (4th defence).
1979-06-09Win Flag of the United States.svg Willie Ruffin Miami, Florida, US TKO317–2–0–3
1979-05-26Win Flag of the United States.svg Jeff GripperW.K.A. Event @ West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US Decision72:0016–2–0–3
1979-03-07Win Flag of the United States.svg Ted Pryor West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US Decision72:0015–2–0–3
1979-02-17Win Flag of the United States.svg Rich CookP.K.A. Event Stuart, Florida, US Decision72:0014–2–0–3
Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (3rd defence).
1979-01-13Win Flag of the United States.svg James SiscoP.K.A. Event Bradenton, Florida, US TKO413–2–0–3
Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (2nd defence).
1978-12-?Win Flag of the United States.svg Rick Herranz West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US KO112–2–0–3
1978-12-02Win Flag of the United States.svg Herbie ThompsonP.K.A. Event Stuart, Florida, US Decision72:0011–2–0–3
Retains P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs (1st defence).
1978-11-18Win Flag of the United States.svg Ron HarryP.K.A. Event Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US KO110–2–0–3
1978-10-20Loss Flag of the United States.svg Robert BiggsP.K.A. Event West Palm Beach, Florida, US Decision (Split)52:009–2–0–3
1978-09-23Win Flag of the United States.svg Ted PryorP.K.A. Event Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US Decision52:009–1–0–3
Wins P.K.A. full-contact middleweight Florida State title −170 lbs.
1978-04-08Win Flag of the United States.svg Charlie JordanP.K.A. Event Miami, Florida, US DQ (Failed Minimum Kicks Rule)48–1–0–3
1977-10-08Win Flag of the United States.svg Robert Parris Melbourne, Florida, US Decision72:007–1–0–3
1977-09-10Win Flag of the United States.svg James SiscoP.K.A. Event Miami, Florida, US KO (Side Kick to Body)36–1–0–3
1977-07-18Win Flag of the United States.svg Howard Hayden West Palm Beach Auditorium West Palm Beach, Florida, US Decision52:005–1–0–3
1977-05-?Win Flag of the United States.svg John Sweet Miami, Florida, US Decision52:004–1–0–3
1977-03-?Win Flag of the United States.svg Robert Dillard Melbourne, Florida, US Decision32:003–1–0–3
1976-09-?NC Flag of the United States.svg Herbie Thompson Fort Lauderdale, Florida, US No Contest52:002–1–0–3
P.K.A. changed result due to improper procedures & equipment which hindered fair competition.
1976-05-28NC Flag of the United States.svg Rudy BurneyP.K.A. Event Tampa, Florida, US No Contest52:002–1–0–2
Questionable decision for Burney was changed by P.K.A. due to judging/promoting elements which prevented a fair result for Wilson.
1975-11-?Loss Flag of the United States.svg Steve Shepherd Miami, Florida, US Decision32:002–1–0–1
1975-08-?Win Flag of the United States.svg Ben Green Melbourne, Florida, US Decision52:002–0–0–1
1975-05-?Win Flag of the United States.svg Ken Broadway Melbourne, Florida, US KO (Side Kick to Body)31–0–0–1
1975-01-25NC Flag of the United States.svg Bill KnoblockSpace Coast Karate Tournament Orlando, Florida, US No Contest32:000-0-0-1
Part of Wilson's Black Belt examination. P.K.A. changed result to No-Contest which both participants and promoters agreed on.
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Exhibition   Notes

Professional boxing record

[54]

ResultOpponentMethodDateRoundTimeEventLocationNotes
Loss [46] Flag of the United States.svg Tim JonesKOOct 28, 19861 Reseda, California
Win [55] Flag of the United States.svg Roke HarrisKOJul 25, 19864 San Diego, California
Win [55] Flag of the United States.svg Frank CharlesMay 1986 Reseda, California
Loss [55] Flag of Mexico.svg Miguel MurilloKOMar 17, 19862Inglewood, California
Win [55] Flag of the United States.svg Harold ThamesTKOFeb 16, 19833 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Win [55] Flag of the United States.svg Dennis KorallPTSSep 16, 19826 Tampa, Florida

Filmography

Film

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
1982New York ChinatownActor
1988 The Expendables Wilson
The Firing LineGovernment Soldier
1989 Say Anything... Sparring Partner
Bloodfist Jake RayeFirst time in a lead role
1990 Bloodfist II Jake Raye
1991 Ring of Fire Johnny Woo
Future KickWalker
1992 Bloodfist III: Forced to Fight Jimmy Boland
BlackbeltJack Dillon
Out for BloodJohn DeckerAlso producer
Bloodfist IV: Die Trying Danny HoltAlso producer
1993Ring of Fire II: Blood and SteelJohnny WooAlso producer
Magic Kid Himself
1994 Bloodfist V: Human Target Jim Stanton
Red Sun Rising Thomas Hoshino
CyberTracker Eric Phillips
1995 Bloodfist VI: Ground Zero Nick CorriganAlso producer
Ring of Fire 3: Lion Strike
(aka: Lion Strike)
Dr. Johnny WuAlso storywriter
Batman Forever Gang Leader
Bloodfist VII: Manhunt Jim TrudellAlso producer
CyberTracker 2 EricAlso producer
The Power Within Himself
Virtual Combat David Quarry
1996 Bloodfist VIII: Trained to Kill Rick Cowan / George "Mac" MacReady
Terminal RushJacob HarperAlso producer
Night Hunter Jack CutterAlso producer
1997 Hollywood Safari Greg
Inferno
(aka: Operation Cobra)
Kyle Conners
PapertrailFBI Agent Ryu(As Don Wilson)
1998Whatever It TakesNeilAlso Producer
The Prophet
(aka: The Capitol Conspiracy)
Jarrid Maddox
2000 Moving Target Ray BrockAlso producer
2002RedemptionJohn Sato CollinsAlso producer
Stealing Harvard Loach's Friend(As Don Wilson)
2004Sci-FighterJack TanakaAlso producer
2006Crooked
(aka: Soft Target)
Danny TylerAlso producer
2007The Last SentinelTallis(As Don Wilson); also producer
2012Liberator"Sidewinder"Also producer
2015 The Scorpion King 4: Quest for Power Gizzan
Diamond Cartel Mr. Lo
The Martial Arts Kid Glen
One More RoundBob Paulson
Underdog KidsHimself, Judge
2016 Showdown in Manila Dillon
The HordeWar Veteran
2017Death FighterBobby Pau
2018The Hitman Agency"The Dragon"
Enter the Fist and the Golden FleecingMaster Duck Suck Song
2019DevotionDon "The Dragon" Wilson (as Don "The Dragon" Wilson)
2021 New York Ninja John Liu (voice)
2024Black CreekXiyang

Television

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
1997 Moesha HimselfEpisode: "Break It Down"
2001 Walker, Texas Ranger HimselfEpisode: "Legends"
2002Modern WarriorsHimselfTV special
2009Hollywood LivesHimselfOnly appears in one episode.

Direct-to-video releases

YearTitleRoleNotesRef.
1995Top FighterHimselfDocumentary
2002Mass DestructionHimselfDocumentary
2003How to Be an Action StarHimself
2006 18 Fingers of Death! Himself

References

[56]

  1. "Don The Dragon Wilson". www.ikfkickboxing.com.
  2. Baker, Timothy (June 1989). The Rodney Dangerfield of Kickboxing: A Conversation With World Champion Don Wilson. Black Belt Magazine. p. 24.
  3. Dr. Robert Goldman (March 13, 2015). "2015 International Sports Hall of Fame Inductees". www.sportshof.org. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  4. "Exclusive: Don 'The Dragon' Wilson Reveals 'The B-Team' Cast". 13 August 2012.
  5. "10 Best 90s DTV Action Stars". 16 July 2023.
  6. Roddy Piper. "PIPER'S PIT with Roddy Piper". Podcastone.com. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  7. 1 2 "Don Wilson Interview" . Retrieved 2025-07-16.
  8. 1 2 Inside Kungfu August 1992
  9. "Pai Lum Heritage « Rising Dragon Martial Arts". risingdragonmartialarts.com. Retrieved 2021-12-17.
  10. "Frederick Schmitz Obituary (2008) - MERRITT ISLAND, FL - FloridaToday". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2024-05-22.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 "Don "The Dragon" Wilson (Us)". Siamfightmag.com. Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  12. 1 2 "Don "The Dragon" Wilson" . Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 "Don Wilson". Starsystemkickboxing.net. Archived from the original on 2012-11-12. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  14. "Don Wilson vs. Jimmy Horsley". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  15. "Don Wilson vs. Rodney Batiste". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  16. "Don Wilson vs. Andy White". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  17. "Don Wilson vs. Panya Sornnoi". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  18. "Don Wilson vs. Samart Prasarnmit". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  19. "Don Wilson vs. Fanta Petchmuangtrat". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  20. "Don Wilson vs. Demetrius "Oaktree" Edwards". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  21. "Don Wilson vs. Curtis Crandall". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  22. "Don Wilson vs. Maurice Smith". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  23. "Don Wilson vs. Steve Valencia". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  24. "Don Wilson vs. Dennis Alexio". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  25. "Don Wilson vs. Jean-Yves Thériault". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  26. "Don Wilson vs. Art Jimmerson". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  27. "Don Wilson vs. Branko Cikatic". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  28. "Don Wilson vs. Carl Englund". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  29. "Don Wilson vs. Ferdinand Mack". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  30. "Don Wilson vs. Ken Stranburg". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  31. "Don Wilson vs. Keith Wilson". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  32. "Don Wilson vs. Marek Piotrowski". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  33. "Don Wilson vs. Ghalib Carmichael". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  34. "Don Wilson vs. Dick Kimber". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  35. "Don Wilson vs. Dewey Cooper". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  36. "Don Wilson vs. Eddie Butcher". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  37. "LiverKick". LiverKick. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  38. "Don Wilson vs. Gary Daniels". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  39. "Don Wilson vs. Jimbo Mullen". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  40. "Don Wilson vs. Ian Jacklin". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  41. "Don Wilson vs. Ferdinand Mack 2". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  42. "2014 Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival & Honoree Awards". YouTube. 20 December 2014. Retrieved 2016-01-02.
  43. 1 2 3 4 "Don "The Dragon" Wilson (Us)". Siamfightmag.com. 1954-09-10. Archived from the original on 2017-07-08. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  44. 1 2 3 "The Kung Fu Champion". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  45. "John L Johnson". BoxRec. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  46. 1 2 "Tim Jones". BoxRec. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  47. "Don Wilson vs. Shibata Flores Round 1". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  48. "Don Wilson vs. Shibata Flores Round 2". YouTube . Retrieved 17 June 2025.
  49. "NFL Legend UFC 1 Commentator Jim Brown Passes Away" . Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  50. "Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Don The Dragon Wilson is Kickboxing Icon" . Retrieved 2025-07-18.
  51. "Batman Forever with Don Wilson". Martial Arts Encyclopedia. 2015-12-14. Retrieved 2023-01-24.
  52. "Dedicated to The Dragon". Don "The Dragon" Wilson. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  53. "Career Highlights: Don ‘The Dragon’ Wilson Professional Kickboxing Record". (August 1992). Inside Kung-Fu Presents Kickboxing magazine, p. 64
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  56. "Space Coast Daily". spacecoastdaily.com. 24 October 2015. Retrieved 2017-01-28.