Michael Nunn
Born
Michael John Nunn

(1963-04-14) April 14, 1963
Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
Other namesSecond To Nunn
Statistics
Weight(s)
Height6 ft 2 in (188 cm)[1]
Reach77 in (196 cm)[1]
StanceSouthpaw
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]

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 fights 58 wins 4 losses
By knockout 38 1
By decision 20 3
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
62 Win 58–4 Vinson Durham UD 10 Jan 23, 2002 Caesars Indiana, Elizabeth, Indiana, U.S.
61 Win 57–4 Matthew Charleston TKO 5 Dec 8, 2001 Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
60 Win 56–4 Kenny Craven TKO 6 (10), 1:57 Oct 26, 2001 Grand Casino, Gulfport, Mississippi, U.S.
59 Win 55–4 Carlos Bates KO 1 (10), 2:33 Sep 29, 2001 Caesars, Elizabeth, Indiana, U.S.
58 Win 54–4 William Guthrie TKO 7 (10), 0:22 May 9, 1999 Municipal Auditorium, Minot, North Dakota, U.S.
57 Win 53–4 Glenn Thomas UD 10 Sep 4, 1998 Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S.
56 Loss 52–4 Graciano Rocchigiani SD 12 Mar 21, 1998 Max-Schmeling-Halle, Berlin, Germany For vacant WBC light heavyweight title
55 Win 52–3 Lonnie Horn KO 1 (10), 2:59 Jul 5, 1997 The MARK of the Quad Cities, Moline, Illinois, U.S.
54 Win 51–3 Booker T Word TKO 7 (10), 1:49 May 10, 1997 The MARK of the Quad Cities, Moline, Illinois, U.S.
53 Win 50–3 Rudy Nix TKO 2 (12), 2:52 Jan 17, 1997 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S. Won vacant NABF light heavyweight title
52 Win 49–3 Everardo Armenta Jr. TKO 8 (10), 2:27 Jun 23, 1996 Houston, Texas, U.S.
51 Win 48–3 John Scully UD 12 Dec 8, 1995 Foxwoods Resort Casino, Ledyard, Connecticut, U.S. Won vacant WBO–NABO super middleweight title
50 Win 47–3 Charles Oliver UD 10 Oct 13, 1995 Fantasy Springs Resort Casino, Indio, California, U.S.
49 Win 46–3 Cecil McKenzie TKO 4 (10), 2:07 Aug 15, 1995 Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
48 Win 45–3 Terry Bee TKO 3 (10), 1:41 Jul 14, 1995 Arizona Charlie's Decatur, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
47 Win 44–3 Earl Butler UD 10 Jun 13, 1995 The MARK of the Quad Cities, Moline, Illinois, U.S.
46 Loss 43–3 Frankie Liles UD 12 Dec 17, 1994 Coliseo General Rumiñahui, Quito, Ecuador For WBA super middleweight title
45 Win 43–2 Salvador Maciel KO 1 (10), 0:56 Sep 12, 1994 Silver Nugget, North Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
44 Loss 42–2 Steve Little SD 12 Feb 26, 1994 Earls Court Exhibition Centre, London, England Lost WBA super middleweight title
43 Win 42–1 Merqui Sosa UD 12 Dec 18, 1993 Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Puebla City, Mexico Retained WBA super middleweight title
42 Win 41–1 Crawford Ashley TKO 6 (12), 2:59 Apr 23, 1993 The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. Retained WBA super middleweight title
41 Win 40–1 Danny Morgan KO 1 (12), 2:59 Feb 20, 1993 Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico Retained WBA super middleweight title
40 Win 39–1 Víctor Córdoba UD 12 Jan 30, 1993 The Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. Retained WBA super middleweight title
39 Win 38–1 Víctor Córdoba SD 12 Sep 12, 1992 Thomas & Mack Center, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won WBA super middleweight title
38 Win 37–1 Randall Yonker TKO 10 (12), 1:47 Nov 29, 1991 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won NABF super middleweight title
37 Loss 36–1 James Toney TKO 11 (12), 2:14 May 10, 1991 John O'Donnell Stadium, Davenport, Iowa, U.S. Lost IBF middleweight title
36 Win 36–0 Donald Curry KO 10 (12), 1:59 Oct 18, 1990 Palais Omnisports, Paris, France Retained IBF middleweight title
35 Win 35–0 Marlon Starling MD 12 Apr 14, 1990 The Mirage, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF middleweight title
34 Win 34–0 Iran Barkley MD 12 Aug 14, 1989 Lawlor Events Center, Reno, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF middleweight title
33 Win 33–0 Sumbu Kalambay KO 1 (12), 1:28 Mar 25, 1989 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF middleweight title
32 Win 32–0 Juan Roldán KO 8 (12), 2:28 Nov 4, 1988 Las Vegas Hilton, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained IBF middleweight title
31 Win 31–0 Frank Tate TKO 9 (15), 0:40 Jul 28, 1988 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Won IBF middleweight title
30 Win 30–0 Ron Daniels KO 2 (10), 2:51 May 31, 1988 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
29 Win 29–0 Curtis Parker KO 2 (12), 0:58 Mar 19, 1988 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. Retained NABF middleweight title
28 Win 28–0 Kevin Watts UD 12 Jan 2, 1988 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S. Retained NABF middleweight title
27 Win 27–0 Darnell Knox RTD 4 (12), 3:00 Oct 29, 1987 Las Vegas Hilton, Winchester, Nevada, U.S. Won vacant NABF middleweight title
26 Win 26–0 Dale Jackson UD 10 Sep 11, 1987 Palmer Auditorium, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
25 Win 25–0 Franklin Owens TKO 9 (10), 0:51 Aug 11, 1987 Bally's Las Vegas, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
24 Win 24–0 Jose Duarte TKO 2 (10), 1:45 Jul 2, 1987 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
23 Win 23–0 Cecil Pettigrew TKO 5 (10), 0:45 Apr 24, 1987 Palmer Auditorium, Davenport, Iowa, U.S.
22 Win 22–0 Charles Campbell TKO 9 (10), 1:04 Apr 4, 1987 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
21 Win 21–0 Willie Harris TKO 6 (10) Feb 6, 1987 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
20 Win 20–0 Alex Ramos UD 12 Nov 21, 1986 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S. Won vacant California State middleweight title
19 Win 19–0 Orlando Paulding KO 1 (10), 2:09 Oct 28, 1986 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
18 Win 18–0 Mike Tinley UD 10 Sep 19, 1986 Steel Pier, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.
17 Win 17–0 Charles Boston UD 10 Jul 25, 1986 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
16 Win 16–0 Randy Smith UD 10 Jun 25, 1986 The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
15 Win 15–0 Felipe Vaca TKO 3 (10), 1:56 May 19, 1986 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
14 Win 14–0 Carl Jones UD 10 Mar 9, 1986 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.
13 Win 13–0 Charles Carter TKO 3 (10) Feb 10, 1986 The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
12 Win 12–0 Alvaro Granillo TKO 2 (10), 1:35 Jan 28, 1986 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
11 Win 11–0 Billy Robertson UD 10 Dec 10, 1985 The Forum, Inglewood, California, U.S.
10 Win 10–0 Jorge Amparo UD 8 Nov 13, 1985 Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
9 Win 9–0 Charles Campbell UD 8 Sep 25, 1985 Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
8 Win 8–0 Marcos Geraldo TKO 5 (8), 1:18 Aug 27, 1985 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
7 Win 7–0 James Waire TKO 3 (8), 2:31 Jul 29, 1985 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
6 Win 6–0 Larry Davis TKO 2 (6), 1:15 Jun 27, 1985 Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
5 Win 5–0 J W Johnson KO 1 (8), 2:57 May 21, 1985 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Sergio Campos KO 1 (6), 1:57 Apr 13, 1985 Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Robert Jackson KO 1 (8), 1:22 Mar 26, 1985 Country Club, Reseda, California, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Ismael Templos KO 4 (6) Feb 8, 1985 Caesars Tahoe, Stateline, Nevada, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 John Borman TKO 1 (4), 2:26 Dec 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

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 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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