Jesse Ferguson
Encyclopedia
Jesse "Boogieman" Ferguson (born March 20, 1957) is a retired American boxer
who fought in several noteworthy boxing matches in the 1980s and 1990s. His professional career is filled with matches with Champions and contenders and his name is linked with most of the boxing stars of the '80s and '90s.
.
This earned him a place in ESPNs 1985 Young Heavyweight tournament. He made a debut with a 4-round knockout of Richard Scott, and followed it up in the semi-finals with a 10-round points win where he outpunched James "Buster" Douglas, a fight that would become more significant over the years, as Douglas went on to upset Mike Tyson
in 1990 and win the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. In the final he took on Tony Anthony and knocked him out in the 10th round, earning himself a world ranking.
His success was short lived however. He was matched up with Carl "The Truth" Williams
, who was himself coming off a disputed 15-round points loss to Larry Holmes
. Williams' experience won out, as he climbed off the floor twice to knock out Ferguson in 10 rounds.
who was 17-0, and making his national television debut. After an even fight Tyson broke Ferguson's nose in the fifth round with an uppercut, sending him to the canvas. Referee Louise Rivera disqualified Ferguson in the next round, for what he deemed "excessive holding." The local commission later changed the result to a "TKO" for Tyson.
for his NABF belt. Norris was a fast rising prospect with slick skills and some big wins under his belt already. Ferguson's ring rust showed as he was outpointed over 12 dull rounds.
It may be said that by this point Ferguson's heart was no longer fully in the game. By the time he fought Oliver McCall
in 1991, he had only had one fight in three years, a 6-round kayo of Terry Armstrong in 1990. Although rusty and overweight, Ferguson appeared to get the better of McCall. However Ferguson had been relegated to 'trial horse' status and McCall was given the decision. Three years later in 1994, McCall would knockout Lennox Lewis
in two rounds to become heavyweight champion of the world. In 1992 he took on Bruce Seldon
where an indifferent Ferguson retired after five rounds with an eye injury. Three years later, Seldon would win the vacant WBA heavyweight title.
Ferguson dropped decisions to two ex-world champions, Michael "Dynamite" Dokes
and Tony "TNT" Tubbs
but in 1993 would see a turnaround of his fortunes.
on the undercard of a Riddick Bowe
title defense against Michael Dokes
. Mercer was expected to knock Ferguson out and fight Bowe for the title. Instead Mercer showed up ill prepared and Ferguson, perhaps motivated by the big stage, dominated him. At one point Mercer allegedly offered Ferguson a bribe to "lay down," realising his big shot at Bowe was slipping away from him. Ferguson refused the money and won a unanimous decision.
For the first time in years Ferguson came in under 230 lbs to fight Riddick Bowe for the title. At 224 Ferguson was as cut as he'd been since the mid-80s, but although he came to fight, Bowe was in impressive form yet again and dispatched Ferguson in two rounds.
, who was returning after his loss to Lennox Lewis
. The overweight Ferguson collapsed in one round in a passionless performance. A year later Bruno would outpoint Oliver McCall
and win the WBC heavyweight title.
In his only other fight in 1994 Ferguson was matched with Larry Holmes
, the 44-year-old former great who was on another comeback trail. Ferguson despite being out of shape had Holmes reeling in the second, and appeared to get the best of the ex-champ. Yet again Ferguson was on the wrong side of the points decision, and even the New York Times reported it as: "A robbery. Larry Holmes came off second-best against Jesse Ferguson." By 1995 Ferguson was frequently out of shape and made little effort in his fights. He had Jeremy Williams
out on his feet but quit in the 7th with a swollen eye. He dropped Alex Stewart
twice but was denied the decision. He did nothing against Danell Nicholson
and pulled out after 8 rounds. In all three fights he looked distinctly uninterested.
in the lead-up to his fight with Bruce Seldon
. It was during this time, with a little encouragement from Team Tyson, Ferguson began to realise he was better than he gave himself credit for.
He returned late in 1996, now aged 39, and with his new positive attitude destroyed undefeated Bobby Harris. He followed this up with two more wins before a high profile fight on HBO with hard hitting Tongan Samson Po'uha
, in 1997. He decked Po'uha several times before knocking him out in the 8th round.
This led to another big fight on HBO in 1998, where a now 40-year-old Ferguson took on young and undefeated powerful punching contender Hasim Rahman
for the USBA belt. Rahman's best right hands failed to budge the grizzled veteran, however his youth rather than skill got him by and he won a wide decision that didn't do justice to the struggle Ferguson gave him. Rahman would go on to defeat Lennox Lewis and thus become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World.
The revitalised Ferguson was still on a roll. He followed up the Rahman fight with an easy 10-round decision over ex-cruiserweight champ Tyrone Booze
, and then took on Obed Sullivan
, ranked No. 4 in the world, and used his experience and skills to completely befuddle and outpunch Sullivan, breezing a perfect win.
In 1999 Jimmy Thunder
, citing an injury, dropped out of a fight with the gargantuan and ferocious Polish contender Andrew Golota. True to form, Ferguson was tapped as Thunder's replacement and instantly accepted the bout on short notice. Upon learning that Fergsuon would now be his opponent, the enigmatic and bizarre Golota reportedly locked himself in a room and wept profusely for several hours before his wife was finally able, after an exhaustive effort, to extricate him and consequently agree to the fight. Despite Golota's pre-fight trepidation, he completely shut out the crafty Ferguson, rocking him a couple of times and winning a lopsided decision.
After this loss Ferguson's manager handed him back his contract and stopped answering his calls. Ferguson could no longer find fights. His career ended in 1999 with a record of 26-18-0 with 16 knockouts.
Ferguson spoke of comebacks in 2000 and 2002 but each time nothing came of them. He complained of being "blackballed" by the boxing establishment.
Boxing
Boxing, also called pugilism, is a combat sport in which two people fight each other using their fists. Boxing is supervised by a referee over a series of between one to three minute intervals called rounds...
who fought in several noteworthy boxing matches in the 1980s and 1990s. His professional career is filled with matches with Champions and contenders and his name is linked with most of the boxing stars of the '80s and '90s.
Pro career
After an amateur career in the early 80s, Ferguson turned pro in 1983 at the 'late' age of 25. He had 10 straight wins (all by knockout), the most notable being a 4-round knockout of Reggie GrossReggie Gross
Reggie Gross was a journeyman heavyweight boxer in the 1980s. His most notable wins were upsets of undefeated Smokin' Bert Cooper and outstanding amateur and 14-0 pro Jimmy Clark ....
.
This earned him a place in ESPNs 1985 Young Heavyweight tournament. He made a debut with a 4-round knockout of Richard Scott, and followed it up in the semi-finals with a 10-round points win where he outpunched James "Buster" Douglas, a fight that would become more significant over the years, as Douglas went on to upset Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson
Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...
in 1990 and win the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world. In the final he took on Tony Anthony and knocked him out in the 10th round, earning himself a world ranking.
His success was short lived however. He was matched up with Carl "The Truth" Williams
Carl Williams (boxer)
Carl Williams is a retired American boxer from Belle Glade, Florida who fought in several noteworthy boxing matches in the 1980s and 1990s...
, who was himself coming off a disputed 15-round points loss to Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes is a former professional boxer. He grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania, which gave birth to his boxing nickname, The Easton Assassin....
. Williams' experience won out, as he climbed off the floor twice to knock out Ferguson in 10 rounds.
Tyson fight
In a theme that would continue throughout his long career, Ferguson was matched tough in his next fight. In 1986 he took on prospect Mike TysonMike Tyson
Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...
who was 17-0, and making his national television debut. After an even fight Tyson broke Ferguson's nose in the fifth round with an uppercut, sending him to the canvas. Referee Louise Rivera disqualified Ferguson in the next round, for what he deemed "excessive holding." The local commission later changed the result to a "TKO" for Tyson.
Journeyman
From this point on Ferguson became a part-time boxer, finding it difficult to find meaningful fights but used regularly by all the top contenders as a sparring partner, who preferred training with him than risking fighting him. In 1987 he fought only once, on the undercard of the Tyson/Tucker fight, knocking out ex-contender George Chaplin, sending him into retirement. In 1988 he fought 22-0 Orlin NorrisOrlin Norris
Orlin Levance Norris, born October 4, 1965 in Lubbock, TX, is an American boxer who held the WBA cruiserweight title and fought in several noteworthy boxing matches in the 1980s and 1990s...
for his NABF belt. Norris was a fast rising prospect with slick skills and some big wins under his belt already. Ferguson's ring rust showed as he was outpointed over 12 dull rounds.
It may be said that by this point Ferguson's heart was no longer fully in the game. By the time he fought Oliver McCall
Oliver McCall
Oliver "The Atomic Bull" McCall is an American professional Heavyweight boxer best known for winning the WBC Heavyweight Championship in 1994 after scoring an upset knock out victory over Lennox Lewis, in Lewis' home town of London, England, followed by his infamous in-ring meltdown in the rematch...
in 1991, he had only had one fight in three years, a 6-round kayo of Terry Armstrong in 1990. Although rusty and overweight, Ferguson appeared to get the better of McCall. However Ferguson had been relegated to 'trial horse' status and McCall was given the decision. Three years later in 1994, McCall would knockout Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis
Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE is a retired boxer and the most recent British undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship...
in two rounds to become heavyweight champion of the world. In 1992 he took on Bruce Seldon
Bruce Seldon
Bruce Samuel Seldon is a retired American boxer and former world champion, having won the World Boxing Association heavyweight title in 1995.-Amateur career:...
where an indifferent Ferguson retired after five rounds with an eye injury. Three years later, Seldon would win the vacant WBA heavyweight title.
Ferguson dropped decisions to two ex-world champions, Michael "Dynamite" Dokes
Michael Dokes
Michael Marshall Dokes is a former American boxer in the heavyweight division, nicknamed "Dynamite."-Amateur career:...
and Tony "TNT" Tubbs
Tony Tubbs
Tony Tubbs is a retired professional heavyweight boxer who was the WBA Heavyweight Champion of the world from 1985 to 1986.-Amateur career:...
but in 1993 would see a turnaround of his fortunes.
World title fight
Ferguson was brought in as an opponent for Ray MercerRay Mercer
"Merciless" Ray Mercer is an American professional boxer, former Olympic Gold Medalist and WBO heavyweight title holder who resides in Fayetteville, North Carolina...
on the undercard of a Riddick Bowe
Riddick Bowe
Riddick Lamont Bowe is a retired American boxer. He is a two-time heavyweight champion and a former undisputed heavyweight champion...
title defense against Michael Dokes
Michael Dokes
Michael Marshall Dokes is a former American boxer in the heavyweight division, nicknamed "Dynamite."-Amateur career:...
. Mercer was expected to knock Ferguson out and fight Bowe for the title. Instead Mercer showed up ill prepared and Ferguson, perhaps motivated by the big stage, dominated him. At one point Mercer allegedly offered Ferguson a bribe to "lay down," realising his big shot at Bowe was slipping away from him. Ferguson refused the money and won a unanimous decision.
For the first time in years Ferguson came in under 230 lbs to fight Riddick Bowe for the title. At 224 Ferguson was as cut as he'd been since the mid-80s, but although he came to fight, Bowe was in impressive form yet again and dispatched Ferguson in two rounds.
Remainder of pro career
Despite the crushing defeat, Ferguson was back in the ring shortly afterwards. He was matched against Mercer yet again, who this time came in shape at 223. Although the fight was closer, Ferguson still appeared to outpunch Mercer and get the better of him. Once again Ferguson was on the wrong end of a close decision as Mercer was awarded a split decision that was even jeered by his hometown crowd at Atlantic City. In 1994 Ferguson travelled to the U.K. to fight Frank BrunoFrank Bruno
Franklin Roy Bruno MBE is an English former boxer whose career highlight was winning the WBC Heavyweight championship in 1995. Altogether, he won 40 of his 45 contests...
, who was returning after his loss to Lennox Lewis
Lennox Lewis
Lennox Claudius Lewis, CM, CBE is a retired boxer and the most recent British undisputed world heavyweight champion. He holds dual British and Canadian citizenship...
. The overweight Ferguson collapsed in one round in a passionless performance. A year later Bruno would outpoint Oliver McCall
Oliver McCall
Oliver "The Atomic Bull" McCall is an American professional Heavyweight boxer best known for winning the WBC Heavyweight Championship in 1994 after scoring an upset knock out victory over Lennox Lewis, in Lewis' home town of London, England, followed by his infamous in-ring meltdown in the rematch...
and win the WBC heavyweight title.
In his only other fight in 1994 Ferguson was matched with Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes
Larry Holmes is a former professional boxer. He grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania, which gave birth to his boxing nickname, The Easton Assassin....
, the 44-year-old former great who was on another comeback trail. Ferguson despite being out of shape had Holmes reeling in the second, and appeared to get the best of the ex-champ. Yet again Ferguson was on the wrong side of the points decision, and even the New York Times reported it as: "A robbery. Larry Holmes came off second-best against Jesse Ferguson." By 1995 Ferguson was frequently out of shape and made little effort in his fights. He had Jeremy Williams
Jeremy Williams (boxer)
Jeremy Williams is a former professional boxer and mixed martial artist.-Amateur career:As an amateur, he was the 1989 and 1990 United States amateur Light Heavyweight champion and the 1990 and 1991 National Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight champion, and is a member of the Golden Gloves hall of...
out on his feet but quit in the 7th with a swollen eye. He dropped Alex Stewart
Alex Stewart
Alex Stewart is a professional boxer, who represented Jamaica at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, California.-Amateur career:...
twice but was denied the decision. He did nothing against Danell Nicholson
Danell Nicholson
Danell Nicholson was an American Olympian and a boxer in the heavyweight division.-Amateur career:Nicholson was a member of the 1992 United States Olympic Team as a Heavyweight...
and pulled out after 8 rounds. In all three fights he looked distinctly uninterested.
Return to form
In 1996 he was hired as chief sparring partner for champion Mike TysonMike Tyson
Michael Gerard "Mike" Tyson is a retired American boxer. Tyson is a former undisputed heavyweight champion of the world and holds the record as the youngest boxer to win the WBC, WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles, he was 20 years, 4 months and 22 days old...
in the lead-up to his fight with Bruce Seldon
Bruce Seldon
Bruce Samuel Seldon is a retired American boxer and former world champion, having won the World Boxing Association heavyweight title in 1995.-Amateur career:...
. It was during this time, with a little encouragement from Team Tyson, Ferguson began to realise he was better than he gave himself credit for.
He returned late in 1996, now aged 39, and with his new positive attitude destroyed undefeated Bobby Harris. He followed this up with two more wins before a high profile fight on HBO with hard hitting Tongan Samson Po'uha
Samson Po'uha
-Amateur:As an amateur, Po'uha was a National Golden Gloves Super Heavyweight Champion in 1991 and United States amateur Super Heavyweight champion in 1992.-Pro:After turning pro in 1992, Po'uha showed good power, but was often out of shape ....
, in 1997. He decked Po'uha several times before knocking him out in the 8th round.
This led to another big fight on HBO in 1998, where a now 40-year-old Ferguson took on young and undefeated powerful punching contender Hasim Rahman
Hasim Rahman
Hasim Sharif Rahman is an American professional boxer. Rahman is the former Lineal, WBC, IBO, & IBF heavyweight champion...
for the USBA belt. Rahman's best right hands failed to budge the grizzled veteran, however his youth rather than skill got him by and he won a wide decision that didn't do justice to the struggle Ferguson gave him. Rahman would go on to defeat Lennox Lewis and thus become the Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World.
The revitalised Ferguson was still on a roll. He followed up the Rahman fight with an easy 10-round decision over ex-cruiserweight champ Tyrone Booze
Tyrone Booze
Tyrone Booze is a former boxer who held the World Boxing Organization cruiserweight world championship.Booze became a professional boxer in 1982 and had mixed success during his early career...
, and then took on Obed Sullivan
Obed Sullivan
Obed Benjamin Sullivan, born January 17, 1968 in Gulfport, MS, was a heavyweight boxer. Nicknamed "The Fighting Marine", Sullivan was at times a highly-ranked heavyweight who fought many significant fighters of his era....
, ranked No. 4 in the world, and used his experience and skills to completely befuddle and outpunch Sullivan, breezing a perfect win.
In 1999 Jimmy Thunder
Jimmy Thunder
Jimmy Thunder , is a former Samoan boxer.- Early life :During his early life and amateur career, Thunder was known as Jimmy Peau. His mother Papaliitele Milagi Leaupepe is from the village of Fasitoouta, and his father Lupematasila Maalo Faasavalu Peau is from the village of Falelatai...
, citing an injury, dropped out of a fight with the gargantuan and ferocious Polish contender Andrew Golota. True to form, Ferguson was tapped as Thunder's replacement and instantly accepted the bout on short notice. Upon learning that Fergsuon would now be his opponent, the enigmatic and bizarre Golota reportedly locked himself in a room and wept profusely for several hours before his wife was finally able, after an exhaustive effort, to extricate him and consequently agree to the fight. Despite Golota's pre-fight trepidation, he completely shut out the crafty Ferguson, rocking him a couple of times and winning a lopsided decision.
After this loss Ferguson's manager handed him back his contract and stopped answering his calls. Ferguson could no longer find fights. His career ended in 1999 with a record of 26-18-0 with 16 knockouts.
Ferguson spoke of comebacks in 2000 and 2002 but each time nothing came of them. He complained of being "blackballed" by the boxing establishment.