Virgil Hill

Last updated
Virgil Hill
Virgil Eugene Hill "Quicksilver" Wet Plate Collodion by Shane Balkowitsch.jpg
Hill in 2015
Born
Virgil Eugene Hill

(1964-01-18) January 18, 1964 (age 61)
Clinton, Missouri, U.S.
Other namesQuicksilver
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height6 ft 0+1⁄2 in (184 cm)
Reach77 in (196 cm)
Stance Orthodox
Boxing record
Total fights58
Wins51
Wins by KO24
Losses7
Medal record
Men's amateur boxing
Representing Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
Olympic Games
Silver medal icon (S initial).svg 1984 Los Angeles Middleweight
World Cup
Bronze medal icon (B initial).svg1983 RomeMiddleweight

Virgil Eugene Hill (born January 18, 1964) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1984 to 2007, and in 2015. He is a two-weight world champion, having held the WBA light heavyweight title twice, from 1987 to 1997; the IBF and lineal light heavyweight titles from 1996 to 1997; and the WBA cruiserweight title twice, from 2000 to 2002 and 2006 to 2007. As an amateur, Hill won a silver medal in the middleweight division at the 1984 Summer Olympics. In 2013, he was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Contents

Amateur career

At the 1984 Summer Olympics Hill represented the United States as a Middleweight then age 20, and won a silver medal in a close decision loss in the 165-lb final. His results were:

Hill was the 1984 National Golden Gloves champion at Middleweight. Hill ended his amateur career with a record of 288–11.

Professional career

Light-heavyweight

In September 1987, after going eighteen straight fights without a loss to start his pro career, Hill aka 'Quicksilver' (his nickname) was a challenger to Leslie Stewart of Trinidad for the latter's World Boxing Association light-heavyweight title in Atlantic City. After an even match in the early going, Hill floored the defending title holder twice in the fourth round – first with a left hook and the second time with an uppercut – to take the title on a Knockout win.

A series of ten successful defenses followed, eight of which took place in Bismarck, North Dakota. Hill received offers to fight in Las Vegas and other cities, but chose the place of his 'roots' and 'hometown fans' to be the place of the majority of his defenses. Opponents in his first run as champion included Bobby Czyz and James Kinchen. Superstar Thomas Hearns would meet – and defeat – Hill in Las Vegas by decision in June 1991 to end Hill's first reign as champion.

In September 1992, it was Hill pitted against 1984 Olympic teammate Frank Tate for the vacant WBA 175-lb. title. It was a 'grudge match' between the two, and Hill won the title on his home turf of Bismarck. Another string of ten defenses would follow, including a rematch with Tate, a close decision over Lou Del Valle who almost upset Hill.

Unification matches

In November 1996 at the Olympiahalle, Munich, Hill won over the undefeated IBF champion Henry Maske to unify the WBA/IBF belts and win the vacant Lineal championship. In June 1997, WBO champion Dariusz Michalczewski scored a unanimous decision over Hill to unify the WBA, IBF, WBO and Lineal light-heavyweight titles at Arena Oberhausen, Oberhausen, Germany.

Hill boxed against Roy Jones Jr. the following year, and was stopped in round four with a body shot. [2]

Cruiserweight

The aging Hill won the WBA cruiserweight title at age 36 by knocking down Fabrice Tiozzo three times in Villeurbanne, France, by TKO in the first. He made his first defense, also in France, against Jean-Marc Mormeck, but would lose both match and title on cuts after nine rounds. In July 2003 he decisioned Donny Lalonde in a North Dakota-Manitoba 'border fight'. He lost a disputed decision to Mormeck in a title rematch in South Africa in May 2004. [3]

On January 27, 2006, Virgil Hill won over previously undefeated Russian cruiserweight Valery Brudov by unanimous decision to win the 'regular' WBA cruiserweight title, as the WBA had now created a WBA "Super" title beside the standard WBA title. Despite being cut on the face in the sixth round, Hill was able to out hustle and out work his much younger opponent to capture his fifth world title at the age of 42. [4]

He had his next to last fight in Germany on March 31, 2007, facing Henry Maske, whom he had beaten in 1996. Maske had announced his retirement prior to that fight and was frustrated to end his career with a split-decision loss, the only loss in his professional career. When he heard about Hill capturing the world title again at the age of 42, he decided to challenge him for a rematch. Hill lost the Maske rematch by decision in a non-title bout, then lost to Firat Arslan by decision to lose his WBA cruiserweight title. [5]

He retired with a record of 50 wins (23 KOs) and 7 losses.

On July 16, 2011, Hill worked with his wife, Carla Hill, for their first ever boxing card and promotion at Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey, [6]

Hall of Fame

On November 12, 2012, he was officially inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame, Class of 2013. [7] [8]

Professional boxing record

58 fights51 wins7 losses
By knockout242
By decision275
No.ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, timeDateLocationNotes
58Win51–7Jimmy CampbellTKO2 (8), 2:00Feb 28, 2015Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.
57Loss50–7 Firat Arslan UD12Nov 24, 2007 Freiberger Arena, Dresden, GermanyLost WBA (Regular) cruiserweight title
56Loss50–6 Henry Maske UD12Mar 31, 2007Olympiahalle, Munich, Germany
55Win50–5 Valery Brudov UD12Jan 27, 2006 Tropicana Casino & Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Won vacant WBA (Regular) cruiserweight title
54Loss49–5 Jean-Marc Mormeck UD12May 22, 2004Carnival City, Brakpan, South AfricaFor WBA cruiserweight title
53Win49–4 Donny Lalonde UD10Jul 5, 2003 CanWest Global Park, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
52Win48–4Joey DeGrandisUD12Nov 17, 2002 Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S.Won vacant IBC cruiserweight title
51Win47–4Carlos BatesTKO1 (12), 1:50Aug 23, 20024 Bears Casino & Lodge, New Town, North Dakota, U.S.
50Loss46–4 Jean-Marc Mormeck RTD8 (12), 3:00Feb 23, 2002 Palais des Sports, Marseille, FranceLost WBA cruiserweight title
49Win46–3 Fabrice Tiozzo TKO1 (12), 2:59Dec 9, 2000 Astroballe, Lyon, FranceWon WBA cruiserweight title
48Win45–3Glenn ThomasUD10May 9, 1999Municipal Auditorium, Minot, North Dakota, U.S.
47Win44–3James HayesKO2 (12), 2:27Nov 7, 1998Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Won vacant IBC cruiserweight title
46Loss43–3 Roy Jones Jr. KO4 (12), 1:10 Apr 25, 1998 Coast Coliseum, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
45Loss43–2 Dariusz Michalczewski UD12Jun 13, 1997 Arena Oberhausen, Oberhausen, GermanyLost WBA and IBF light heavyweight titles;
For WBO light heavyweight title
44Win43–1 Henry Maske SD12Nov 23, 1996 Olympiahalle, Munich, GermanyRetained WBA light heavyweight title;
Won IBF light heavyweight title
43Win42–1 Lou Del Valle UD12Apr 20, 1996 Ralph Engelstad Arena, Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
42Win41–1 Drake Thadzi UD12 Sep 2, 1995 Wembley Stadium, London, EnglandRetained WBA light heavyweight title
41Win40–1 Crawford Ashley UD12Apr 1, 1995 Star of the Desert Arena, Primm, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
40Win39–1 Frank Tate UD12Jul 23, 1994Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
39Win38–1Guy WatersUD12Dec 17, 1993 Municipal Auditorium, Minot, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
38Win37–1 Saúl Montana TKO10 (12), 2:26Nov 9, 1993Fargodome, Fargo, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
37Win36–1Sergio Daniel MeraniUD12Aug 28, 1993Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
36Win35–1 Fabrice Tiozzo SD12Apr 3, 1993Palais des sports Marcel-Cerdan, Paris, FranceRetained WBA light heavyweight title
35Win34–1 Adolpho Washington TD11 (12)Feb 20, 1993 Fargodome, Fargo, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title;
Unanimous TD after Washington was cut by bumping his head against a TV camera
34Win33–1 Frank Tate UD12Sep 29, 1992Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Won vacant WBA light heavyweight title
33Win32–1 Lottie Mwale KO4 (12), 1:44Apr 11, 1992Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Won WBC International light heavyweight title
32Win31–1Aundrey NelsonUD10Mar 1, 1992 Princes Park, Melbourne, Australia
31Loss30–1 Thomas Hearns UD12 Jun 3, 1991 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Lost WBA light heavyweight title
30Win30–0Mike PeakUD12Jan 6, 1991Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
29Win29–0Frank MintonTKO9 (10)Oct 27, 1990Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.
28Win28–0Tyrone FrazierUD12Jul 7, 1990Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
27Win27–0David VedderUD12Feb 25, 1990Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
26Win26–0 James Kinchen TKO1 (12), 2:52Oct 24, 1989Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
25Win25–0Joe LasisiTKO7 (12), 1:56May 27, 1989Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
24Win24–0 Bobby Czyz UD12Mar 4, 1989Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
23Win23–0 Willie Featherstone TKO10 (12), 2:05Nov 11, 1988Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
22Win22–0Ramzi HassanUD12 Jun 6, 1988 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
21Win21–0Jean-Marie EmebeTKO11 (12), 1:29Apr 3, 1988Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.Retained WBA light heavyweight title
20Win20–0Rufino AnguloUD12Nov 21, 1987 Stade Pierre de Coubertin, Paris, FranceRetained WBA light heavyweight title
19Win19–0 Leslie Stewart TKO4 (12), 3:07Sep 5, 1987 Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Won WBA light heavyweight title
18Win18–0Junior EdmondsUD10Jul 19, 1987 All Seasons Arena, Minot, North Dakota, U.S.
17Win17–0 Marcos Geraldo KO2 (10)Jun 13, 1987 Lake Tahoe, Nevada, U.S.
16Win16–0 Marvin Camel KO1, 2:52May 1, 1987City Arena, Grand Forks, North Dakota, U.S.
15Win15–0James WilliamsKO4Mar 6, 1987 Fargo, North Dakota, U.S.
14Win14–0Clarence OsbyUD12Dec 11, 1986 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Won vacant WBC Continental Americas light heavyweight title
13Win13–0Eric WinbushUD10Oct 17, 1986 Civic Center, Bismarck, North Dakota, U.S.
12Win12–0Wayne CapletteKO1Oct 4, 1986 Williston, North Dakota, U.S.
11Win11–0Marcus DorseyKO2Aug 14, 1986 Edmonds Community College, Lynnwood, Washington, U.S.
10Win10–0Willie MayberryTKO1Aug 2, 1986 Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, U.S.
9Win9–0Mike SedilloUD10Jul 10, 1986 The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
8Win8–0Santiago ValdezKO1, 1:32Jun 30, 1986Pacific Ramada Hotel, Everett, Washington, U.S.
7Win7–0Abdul HakimTKO4 (8), 0:57Apr 30, 1986Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
6Win6–0James WilliamsonTKO6, 0:57Mar 2, 1986Host Resort, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, U.S.
5Win5–0Fred JordanTKO4 (6), 1:59Jan 22, 1986Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
4Win4–0Dawud ShawUD6Jul 13, 1985 Atlantis Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
3Win3–0David VedderUD6Feb 16, 1985 Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S.
2Win2–0John TyrellTKO1 (6), 1:12Jan 5, 1985 Broadway by the Bay Theater, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
1Win1–0Arthur WrightTKO2, 2:05Nov 15, 1984 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Professional debut

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Grand Forks native Virgil Hill remembers 1984 Olympics, plans comeback". grandforksherald. Archived from the original on 2016-11-15. Retrieved 2016-11-15.
  2. ↑ "KO of the Day: Roy Jones Jr vs Virgil Hill". Bad Left Hook. 3 December 2014.
  3. ↑ "Mormeck stops Hill to take title". BBC. 23 February 2002.
  4. ↑ "Virgil Hill Upsets Brudov For Title - Boxing News". Boxing Scene. 28 January 2006.
  5. ↑ "After 10 1/2 years, Maske beats Hill in rematch". badlefthook. April 2007.
  6. ↑ "INTRODUCING CARLA HILL AND CARLA HILL PROMOTIONS - Boxing News". Boxing News 24. 12 July 2011. Archived from the original on 11 October 2016. Retrieved 13 September 2016.
  7. ↑ "Virgil Hill - International Boxing Hall Of Fame". IBHOF.
  8. ↑ "Arturo Gatti, Mills Lane, Virgil Hill Inducted into International Boxing Hall Of Fame". Boxing Insider. 10 December 2012.
Sporting positions
Amateur boxing titles
Previous:
Arthur Jimmerson		 U.S. Golden Gloves middleweight champion
1984		Next:
William Guthrie
Regional boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
J.B. Williamson 		WBC Continental Americas
light heavyweight champion
December 11, 1986 – May 1987
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Donny Lalonde
Preceded by WBC International light heavyweight champion
April 11, 1992 – September 1992
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Jimmy Joseph
Minor world boxing titles
Vacant
Title last held by
Robert Daniels 		IBC cruiserweight champion
November 7, 1998 – 2000
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Himself
Vacant
Title last held by
Himself 		IBC cruiserweight champion
November 17, 2002 – 2004
Vacated		Vacant
Title next held by
Krzysztof Włodarczyk
Major world boxing titles
Preceded by WBA light heavyweight champion
September 5, 1987 – June 3, 1991		Succeeded by
Vacant
Title last held by
Iran Barkley 		WBA light heavyweight champion
September 29, 1992 – June 13, 1997		Succeeded by
Preceded by IBF light heavyweight champion
November 23, 1996 – June 13, 1997
Vacant
Title last held by
Michael Spinks 		Lineal light heavyweight champion
November 23, 1996 – June 13, 1997
Preceded by WBA cruiserweight champion
December 9, 2000 – February 23, 2002		Succeeded by
New title WBA (Regular) cruiserweight champion
January 27, 2006 – November 24, 2007		Succeeded by
Awards
Previous:
Michael Carbajal 		The Ring Comeback of the Year
2000		Next:
John Michael Johnson
Records
Previous:
Bob Foster
13		 Most opponents beaten for
the world light heavyweight title
21
August 28, 1993 – present		Incumbent
Previous:
Bob Foster
14		 Most successful world light
heavyweight title defenses
20
November 23, 1996 – April 20, 2002
15th defense on December 17, 1993		Next:
Dariusz Michalczewski
23
Previous:
Johnny Nelson 		Oldest cruiserweight world champion
January 27, 2006 – present		Incumbent
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