Michael Nunn
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Michael Nunn (born March 14, 1964 in Davenport, Iowa as Michael John Nunn) was an American boxer.
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[edit] Professional career
Known as "2nd To Nunn", he became the IBF Middleweight Champion of the World by knocking out Frank Tate in 1988. In 1989, Nunn defeated former world title-holder Sumbu Kalambay (who was stripped of his title just prior to the bout) via one-punch knockout. The win was subsequently named the first ever Ring Magazine Knockout of the Year, the much bigger Nunn blasting Kalambay with a hard left hand, putting him down for the ten count.
He followed this victory with successful title defenses against Iran Barkley, Marlon Starling and Donald Curry, all of whom were former world champions.
At one time, he was considered to be pound-for-pound one of the best fighters in the world, possessing a rare combination of size, speed, punching power and technical boxing knowledge.
In 1991, he took on undefeated James Toney, who Nunn was favored to beat. Toney angered Nunn with constant trash talk, and Nunn promised to give him a beating. Nunn dominated the fight early on with flowing combinations and amazing hand speed. But Toney kept coming, and as Nunn's punch numbers started to decline, Toney started to take control of the fight. In the 11th round Toney landed a colossal left hook on Nunn, and Nunn went down. Nunn rose, but after continued battering by Toney, the referee stopped the fight. The following year, Nunn won the WBA World Super Middleweight Championship. He lost it in 1994 to Steve Little.
His last title fight was against Graciano Rocchigiani in 1998, which he lost by split decision.
[edit] Life after boxing
Nunn's career came to an end when he was arrested for cocaine possession with intent to deliver. He is now serving a 24-year sentence in prison [1]. His career record was 58-4 (38 KOs).
[edit] Honors
Named The Ring magazine Progress of the Year fighter for 1988.
| Preceded by Frank Tate |
IBF Middleweight Champion 28 Jul 1988 – 10 May 1991 |
Succeeded by James Toney |
| Preceded by Victor Cordoba |
WBA Super Middleweight Champion 12 Sep 1992 – 26 Feb 1994 |
Succeeded by Steve Little |
[edit] External links
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