Michael Nunn

Last updated
Michael Nunn
Born
Michael John Nunn

(1963-04-14) April 14, 1963 (age 61)
Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
Other namesSecond To Nunn
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm) [1]
Reach77 in (196 cm) [1]
Stance Southpaw
Boxing record
Total fights62
Wins58
Wins by KO38
Losses4

Michael John Nunn (born April 14, 1963) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1984 to 2002. He is a two-weight world champion, having held the IBF middleweight title from 1988 to 1991, and the WBA super middleweight title from 1992 to 1994. During both those reigns, he also held the lineal championship. [2] In 2004, Nunn was sentenced to 24 years in prison for drug trafficking; he was released in February 2019. [3]

Contents

Amateur career

Nunn won three Iowa Golden Gloves titles and posted an amateur record of 168-8. [4] At the 1984 Olympic trials, U.S. boxing officials asked Nunn, who was boxing as a 156-pounder, to move up to the 165-pound division. They wanted to clear the way for Frank Tate, the eventual Olympic gold medalist, who was being heralded as America's next great middleweight. Tate's last loss was to Nunn.

After agreeing to move up in weight, Nunn boxed Virgil Hill at the Olympic trials in Fort Worth, Texas. Hill defeated Nunn by a 4-1 decision. Nunn and Hill boxed again at the Olympic box-offs in Las Vegas, Nevada. Nunn won the first box-off by a 5-0 decision. In the second box-off, Hill dropped Nunn and won by a 5-0 decision to make the Olympic team as the U.S. representative in the 165-pound division. [5]

Professional career

Middleweight

Nunn turned professional in 1984. After winning his first thirty fights, he fought IBF middleweight title-holder Frank Tate, who was 23-0. The fight took place on July 28, 1988 at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Nunn won the title by a ninth-round knockout.

In his first title defense, he knocked out Juan Roldan in the eighth round. His second defense was a stunning first-round knockout of Sumbu Kalambay to capture the vacant lineal middleweight championship. [6] Nunn's next two title defenses were twelve-round majority decision wins over Iran Barkley and Marlon Starling. For his fifth defense, Nunn went to France and knocked out Donald Curry in ten rounds. On May 10, 1991, in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa, Nunn lost his title in a big upset to James Toney. Nunn, well ahead on points after ten rounds, was knocked out after being dropped by a left hook in the eleventh round. [7]

Super middleweight

After the loss, Nunn moved up a weight division to super middleweight and won the NABF title with a tenth-round stoppage against Randall Yonker. On September 12, 1992, Nunn won the WBA and lineal super middleweight titles with a controversial twelve-round split decision over Victor Cordoba. [8] The WBA ordered a rematch, which took place on January 30, 1993. Nunn fought much better in the rematch, winning by a one-sided twelve-round unanimous decision. [9]

In his fifth title defense, Nunn lost the title to Steve Little by a twelve-round split decision on February 26, 1994, in another huge upset. [10] On December 17, 1994, Nunn traveled to Ecuador to fight Frankie Liles in an attempt to regain the lineal and WBA super middleweight titles. In a very close fight, Liles, who had defeated Little in his previous fight to win the title, defeated Nunn by a twelve-round unanimous decision.

Light heavyweight

After nine consecutive wins, Nunn got another title shot. On March 21, 1998, he fought Graciano Rocchigiani for the vacant WBC light heavyweight title in Germany. Nunn lost by a twelve-round split decision, with the judges favouring Rocchigiani's fewer, more solid punches over Nunn's much higher volume of lighter shots.

On January 23, 2002, Nunn defeated Vinson Durhan by a ten-round unanimous decision at Caesars Indiana in Bridgeport, Indiana. It would be his last fight. He finished with a record of 58-4 with 37 knockouts.

Arrest and sentencing

On August 6, 2002, at a hotel in his hometown of Davenport, Iowa, Nunn was arrested after paying an undercover agent $200 for one kilogram of cocaine, which had a street value of $24,000. In May 2003, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. The following January, Nunn was sentenced to 292 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge William Gritzer, who agreed to a higher sentencing guideline after considering Nunn's long history of drug trafficking and the likelihood that he used a firearm during drug deals.

During the three-day sentencing hearing, prosecutors called witnesses who testified about Nunn's drug activity dating back to 1993. Nunn, who accepted responsibility for buying drugs in August 2002, denied his involvement in drug trafficking. He pointed out that several of the witnesses were in prison and could have their sentences reduced for providing testimony.

Nunn, who was defiant throughout the hearing, accused government lawyers of lying and scheming against him. "You guys haven't shown me nothing," Nunn said in his statement to the judge. "Where are your facts, Mr. Prosecutor?" [11]

Nunn was released from federal prison on August 8, 2019.

Professional boxing record

62 fights58 wins4 losses
By knockout381
By decision203
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
62Win58–4Vinson DurhamUD10Jan 23, 2002Caesars Indiana, Elizabeth, Indiana, U.S.
61Win57–4Matthew CharlestonTKO5Dec 8, 2001 Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
60Win56–4Kenny CravenTKO6 (10), 1:57Oct 26, 2001 Grand Casino, Gulfport, Mississippi, U.S.
59Win55–4Carlos BatesKO1 (10), 2:33Sep 29, 2001 Caesars, Elizabeth, Indiana, U.S.
58Win54–4 William Guthrie TKO7 (10), 0:22May 9, 1999 Municipal Auditorium, Minot, North Dakota, U.S.
57Win53–4Glenn ThomasUD10Sep 4, 1998 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S.
56Loss52–4 Graciano Rocchigiani SD12Mar 21, 1998 Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, GermanyFor vacant WBC light heavyweight title
55Win52–3Lonnie HornKO1 (10), 2:59Jul 5, 1997The MARK of the Quad Cities, Moline, Illinois, U.S.
54Win51–3Booker T WordTKO7 (10), 1:49May 10, 1997The MARK of the Quad Cities, Moline, Illinois, U.S.
53Win50–3Rudy NixTKO2 (12), 2:52Jan 17, 1997Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.Won vacant NABF light heavyweight title
52Win49–3Everardo Armenta Jr.TKO8 (10), 2:27Jun 23, 1996 Houston, Texas, U.S.
51Win48–3 John Scully UD12Dec 8, 1995 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S.Won vacant WBO–NABO super middleweight title
50Win47–3Charles OliverUD10Oct 13, 1995 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
49Win46–3Cecil McKenzieTKO4 (10), 2:07Aug 15, 1995Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
48Win45–3Terry BeeTKO3 (10), 1:41Jul 14, 1995 Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
47Win44–3Earl ButlerUD10Jun 13, 1995 The MARK of the Quad Cities, Moline, Illinois, U.S.
46Loss43–3 Frankie Liles UD12Dec 17, 1994 Coliseo General Rumiñahui, Quito, EcuadorFor WBA super middleweight title
45Win43–2Salvador MacielKO1 (10), 0:56Sep 12, 1994 Silver Nugget, North Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
44Loss42–2 Steve Little SD12Feb 26, 1994 Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, EnglandLost WBA super middleweight title
43Win42–1Merqui SosaUD12Dec 18, 1993 Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Puebla City, MexicoRetained WBA super middleweight title
42Win41–1 Crawford Ashley TKO6 (12), 2:59Apr 23, 1993The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.Retained WBA super middleweight title
41Win40–1 Danny Morgan KO1 (12), 2:59 Feb 20, 1993 Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, MexicoRetained WBA super middleweight title
40Win39–1 Víctor Córdoba UD12Jan 30, 1993 The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.Retained WBA super middleweight title
39Win38–1 Víctor Córdoba SD12 Sep 12, 1992 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won WBA super middleweight title
38Win37–1Randall YonkerTKO10 (12), 1:47Nov 29, 1991The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won NABF super middleweight title
37Loss36–1 James Toney TKO11 (12), 2:14 May 10, 1991 John O'Donnell Stadium, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.Lost IBF middleweight title
36Win36–0 Donald Curry KO10 (12), 1:59Oct 18, 1990 Palais Omnisports, Paris, FranceRetained IBF middleweight title
35Win35–0 Marlon Starling MD12 Apr 14, 1990 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF middleweight title
34Win34–0 Iran Barkley MD12 Aug 14, 1989 Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF and The Ring middleweight title
33Win33–0 Sumbu Kalambay KO1 (12), 1:28 Mar 25, 1989 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF middleweight title
Won The Ring middleweight title
32Win32–0 Juan Roldán KO8 (12), 2:28 Nov 4, 1988 Las Vegas Hilton, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained IBF middleweight title
31Win31–0 Frank Tate TKO9 (15), 0:40 Jul 28, 1988 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Won IBF middleweight title
30Win30–0Ron DanielsKO2 (10), 2:51May 31, 1988Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
29Win29–0Curtis ParkerKO2 (12), 0:58Mar 19, 1988Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Retained NABF middleweight title
28Win28–0Kevin WattsUD12Jan 2, 1988Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.Retained NABF middleweight title
27Win27–0Darnell KnoxRTD4 (12), 3:00 Oct 29, 1987 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Won vacant NABF middleweight title
26Win26–0Dale JacksonUD10Sep 11, 1987Palmer Auditorium, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
25Win25–0Franklin OwensTKO9 (10), 0:51Aug 11, 1987 Bally's Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
24Win24–0Jose DuarteTKO2 (10), 1:45Jul 2, 1987Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
23Win23–0Cecil PettigrewTKO5 (10), 0:45Apr 24, 1987Palmer Auditorium, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
22Win22–0Charles CampbellTKO9 (10), 1:04Apr 4, 1987Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
21Win21–0Willie HarrisTKO6 (10)Feb 6, 1987Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
20Win20–0 Alex Ramos UD12Nov 21, 1986Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.Won vacant California State middleweight title
19Win19–0Orlando PauldingKO1 (10), 2:09Oct 28, 1986Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
18Win18–0Mike TinleyUD10Sep 19, 1986 Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
17Win17–0Charles BostonUD10Jul 25, 1986Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
16Win16–0Randy SmithUD10Jun 25, 1986The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
15Win15–0Felipe VacaTKO3 (10), 1:56May 19, 1986Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
14Win14–0Carl JonesUD10Mar 9, 1986 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
13Win13–0Charles CarterTKO3 (10)Feb 10, 1986The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
12Win12–0Alvaro GranilloTKO2 (10), 1:35Jan 28, 1986Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
11Win11–0Billy RobertsonUD10Dec 10, 1985 The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
10Win10–0Jorge AmparoUD8Nov 13, 1985Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
9Win9–0Charles CampbellUD8Sep 25, 1985Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
8Win8–0 Marcos Geraldo TKO5 (8), 1:18Aug 27, 1985Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
7Win7–0James WaireTKO3 (8), 2:31Jul 29, 1985Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
6Win6–0Larry DavisTKO2 (6), 1:15Jun 27, 1985Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
5Win5–0J W JohnsonKO1 (8), 2:57May 21, 1985Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
4Win4–0Sergio CamposKO1 (6), 1:57Apr 13, 1985Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
3Win3–0Robert JacksonKO1 (8), 1:22Mar 26, 1985 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
2Win2–0Ismael TemplosKO4 (6)Feb 8, 1985 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
1Win1–0John BormanTKO1 (4), 2:26Dec 20, 1984 Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.

Personal

Nunn's brother in law is Roger Craig, a professional American football player who married Nunn's sister. [12]

See also

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References

  1. 1 2 Showtime Championship Boxing tale of the tape prior to the Steve Little fight.
  2. ↑ "The Lineal Boxing World Champions". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  3. ↑ "Michael Nunn: Former 2-Division Champion Released from Prison". 9 February 2019.
  4. ↑ "Rise and fall of boxing champion Michael Nunn | the des Moines Regist…". www.desmoinesregister.com. Archived from the original on 28 July 2012. Retrieved 2 February 2022.
  5. ↑ "Michael Nunn stopped dancing, started punching and - 05.22.89 - SI Vault". Archived from the original on October 26, 2012. Retrieved April 23, 2010.
  6. ↑ "The Lineal Middleweight Champions". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  7. ↑ "James Toney KO'd Michael Nunn, the IBF middleweight - 05.20.91 - SI Vault". Archived from the original on January 9, 2011. Retrieved April 23, 2010.
  8. ↑ "The Lineal Super Middlleweight Champions". The Cyber Boxing Zone Encyclopedia.
  9. ↑ Lakeland (FL) Ledger February 2, 1993
  10. ↑ Reading (PA) Eagle March 3, 1994
  11. ↑ "USATODAY.com - Ex-middleweight champ Nunn sentenced to 24 years in jail". Usatoday.com. Retrieved 2016-04-14.
  12. ↑ "Champ's Inspiration: 49Ers' Craig". Chicago Tribune . 22 November 1988.
Sporting positions
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Fred Hutchings 		California middleweight champion
November 21, 1986 – September 1987
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Tim Williams
Vacant
Title last held by
Thomas Hearns 		NABF middleweight champion
October 29, 1987 – July 28, 1988
Won IBF title		Vacant
Title next held by
Ron Essett
Preceded by
Randall Yonker
 NABF super middleweight champion
November 29, 1991 – September 1992
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Frankie Liles
New title WBO–NABO
super middleweight champion
December 8, 1995 – January 1997
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Tarick Salmaci
Vacant
Title last held by
Montell Griffin 		NABF light heavyweight champion
January 17, 1997 – May 1997
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Merqui Sosa
World boxing titles
Preceded by IBF middleweight champion
July 28, 1988 – May 10, 1991		Succeeded by
Preceded by The Ring middleweight champion
March 25, 1989 – December 31, 1989
Title terminated		Vacant
Title next held by
Bernard Hopkins
Title reintroduced
Preceded by WBA super middleweight champion
September 12, 1992 – February 26, 1994		Succeeded by
Awards
Previous:
Kelvin Seabrooks 		The Ring Progress of the Year
1988		Award discontinued
New title The Ring Knockout of the year
KO1 Sumbu Kalambay
1989		Next:
Terry Norris
KO1 John Mugabi
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