Reply #19: Greg Haugen [View All]

[H2O Man]

Greg Haugen was one of the most popular fighters in the 1980s and ‘90s. He won world titles in two different weight classes – in the lightweight and junior welterweight divisions – and fought two of the greatest fighters in boxing history ( Julio Cesar Chavez and Pernell Whitaker).

Haugen is perhaps best remembered for his series of fights against Vinny Pazienza and Hector Comacho. He fought from 1982 to 1999, and finished with a record of 40-10-1, with 19 KO victories.

One of the things that I really liked about Greg was his natural talent in the field of "trash talking." Before he fought Chavez, he offended people by saying that Chavez had compiled such an outstanding record by fighting "taxi drivers that my mother could beat." Chavez put on a display of his talents in front of the 132,000-plus fans in Mexico City, and TKOed Haugen in the 5th round.

Afterward, in the ring, Chavez asked Haugen if the fight had changed his opinion? "Yep," Greg replied. "Must have been some pretty tough taxi drivers."

Since his retirement, Haugen has followed in the footsteps of a number of other great fighters, and focused his energies on his charity foundation. He is most active in trying to assist families with children who are autistic. More, he works with other children in his area, providing recreation, and more importantly, in promoting educational services, including scholarships. (I should have included a mention of Lennox Lewis’s charitable efforts, including his work in domestic violence prevention.)

Those interested in his work can visit his website:
http://greghaugenfoundation.org/