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Emanuel Augustus

Emanuel Augustus (born Emanuel Ya'kov Burton, January 2, 1975), is an American former professional boxer from Brownsville, Texas who competed from 1994 to 2011. He was known for his entertaining boxing style and showboating manner designed to confuse opponents. He faced top-level competition throughout his career, winning the IBA light welterweight title in 2004.

Emanuel Tarot Francis Augustus
Born
Emanuel Burton

(1975-01-02) January 2, 1975 (age 49)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Other namesYA
Statistics
Weight(s)Light welterweight
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Reach68 in (173 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Boxing record
Total fights78
Wins38
Wins by KO20
Losses34
Draws6

Early life edit

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Augustus (born as Burton) grew up in Louisiana and boxed out of Baton Rouge.[citation needed]

Professional career edit

Augustus began boxing at age 17 under his birth name Emanuel Burton. In 2001, when his parents married, Burton adopted his father's last name of Augustus. He retained the nickname "YA", short for his middle name Ya'kov. Emanuel has frequently appeared on ESPN2's boxing programs Tuesday Night Fights and its counterpart Friday Night Fights.[citation needed]

Augustus's televised bouts garnered him a cult following, in part due to his unique style and flair in the ring, and his willingness to take on all comers, taking fights on short notice as a last minute replacement [1] even in opponents' hometowns. Augustus frequently clowned in the ring to frustrate his opponents, engaging in his trademark "string-puppet dance." Augustus was also known for losing close controversial decisions on the road.[citation needed]

Augustus achieved a measure of fame after his bout against Courtney Burton on July 6, 2004, which he lost by controversial close decision. The state of Michigan investigated the points verdict for Burton, but did not overturn the result. Augustus demanded a rematch, and got it, avenging his loss to Burton on September 1, 2006, when he stopped Burton in the eighth round on ESPN with the help of a left hook to the body. This was the opposite of result in their first fight, when Augustus was disallowed a knockdown from a left hook to the body after referee Dan Kelley incorrectly claimed the knockdown was a caused by an illegal low blow. The punch should have been permitted, because it actually landed on Burton's beltline, which is termed 'the border' in professional boxing refereeing.[citation needed]

The best win of Augustus' career ratings wise was against Carlos Wilfredo Vilches on July 19, 2002. Augustus took the fight on just 2 days' notice after Vilches' original opponent, Vince Phillips, pulled out due to injury. Vilches was 37-1-2 at the time and was a ranked fighter. During the bout, Vilches wanted to keep Augustus at bay with a stiff jab. Augustus continued to pressure Vilches, and landed counter right hands over the top of Vilches' left jab. A cut opened up near the left eye of Vilches, which eventually resulted in an upset eighth round stoppage win for Augustus. The win vaulted Augustus to the number two worldwide ratings position in the International boxing Federation light welterweight division. However, Augustus followed with four decision losses and one controversial draw to tough opponents, including Omar Gabriel Weis, over whom Vilches already held a victory.[citation needed]

At least one of Augustus' losses was questionable.[2] On June 6, 1999, Danish boxer Allan Vester won his bout with Augustus with one second left in the twelfth and final round. Augustus was knocked down by a flurry of punches which occurred in the final seconds of the bout, and did not get up in time. Augustus later admitted he gave up out of frustration near the end of the bout, stating, "I just felt out of order, out of place."[3]

Titles edit

On April 2, 2004, Augustus became the IBA light welterweight champion defeating Alex Trujillo by unanimous decision.

On December 9, 2006, he became the WBC Continental Americas light welterweight champion by defeating Russell Stoner Jones.

On July 4, 2008, he knocked out Jakkirt Suwunnalirt in Sydney, Australia, to win the WBO Oriental welterweight title.

Controversial disqualification edit

Augustus was the IBA light welterweight champion between April 2, 2004, and June 18 of that year. Augustus lost his title when referee Laurence Cole disqualified him in his first title defense against Tomas Barrientes. At the time of disqualification, Augustus was ahead on all three judges' scorecards. He was disqualified for pushing, talking back to the referee, and not looking into his eyes when asked to.[4]

Other achievements edit

His fight against "Irish" Micky Ward on July 13, 2001, was voted 2001 ESPN "Fight of the Year", as well as 2001 Ring magazine Fight of the Year.[5] In June 2008 ESPN announced that this fight had been nominated for its "Fight of the Decade" award. Augustus was also named "ESPN's Most Memorable Fighter".[when?]

Outside the ring edit

During a 2012 interview with boxing expert Dan Rafael, Floyd Mayweather Jr. stated Augustus was the toughest opponent he had faced in his career.[6]

On the night of October 13, 2014, Augustus was critically wounded after being hit in the back of the head by a random gunshot and was on life support.[7] Baton Rouge Police named 21-year-old Christopher Stills as a suspect in the crime, but subsequently dropped charges due to lack of witnesses or evidence of intent, as Stills was alleged to have fired a gun several times in the air but not at a target.[8] Augustus eventually recovered, and was living with his sister in Baton Rouge. As of 2016, Augustus was engaged to be married, was in improved health and spirits, and had returned in training.[9]

Professional boxing record edit

78 fights 38 wins 34 losses
By knockout 20 5
By decision 18 27
By disqualification 0 2
Draws 6
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
78 Loss 38–34–6   Vernon Paris UD 8 29 Jan 2011   Silverdome, Pontiac, Michigan, U.S.
77 Loss 38–33–6   Charles Hatley UD 8 25 Sep 2010   Quick Trip Ballpark, Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.
76 Loss 38–32–6   Ruslan Provodnikov TKO 9 (10) 21 May 2010   Laredo Energy Arena, Laredo, Texas, U.S.
75 Loss 38–31–6   Wale Omotoso TKO 9 (10) 21 Aug 2009   Knox Netball Centre, Ferntree Gully, Victoria, Australia
74 Loss 38–30–6   Francisco Figueroa SD 8 8 Nov 2008   Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S. Undercard fight for the main event Joe Calzaghe vs. Roy Jones Jr.
73 Win 38–29–6   Jakkirt Suwunnalirt KO 2 (12) 4 July 2008   Bowman Centre, Blacktown, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
72 Win 37–29–6   Jun Paderna UD 6 30 May 2008   Central Coast Rugby League Club, Gosford, New South Wales, Australia
71 Win 36–29–6   David Wiremu KO 2 (8) 1 Feb 2008   Inglis Auctions Complex, Randwick, New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
70 Loss 35–29–6   Sergey Sorokin UD 12 31 Aug 2007   Yubileyny, Yugorsk, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia For WBO Asia Pacific Super Lightweight Title
69 Win 35–28–6   Marteze Logan UD 8 18 Apr 2007   Ameristar Casino, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
68 Loss 34–28–6   Almazbek Raiymkulov UD 10 11 Jan 2007   New Alhambra, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
67 Win 34–27–6   Russell Stoner Jones UD 10 9 Dec 2006   Alltel Arena, North Little Rock, Arkansas, U.S. Won vacant WBC Continental Americas Super Lightweight Title
66 Win 33–27–6   Courtney Burton KO 8 (10) 1 Sep 2006   Million Dollar Elm Casino, Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
65 Win 32–27–6   Marteze Logan UD 8 17 May 2006   Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, Connecticut, U.S.
64 Loss 31–27–6   Arturo Morua UD 12 10 Mar 2006   Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, Arizona, U.S. For WBO Inter-Continental Super Lightweight Title
63 Win 31–26–6   Jaime Rangel TKO 10 (10) 10 Feb 2006   Foxwoods Resort, Ledyard, Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, Connecticut, U.S.
62 Loss 30–26–6   Herman Ngoudjo UD 12 15 Oct 2005   Montreal Casino, Montreal, Quebec, Canada For NABF Super Lightweight Title and vacant WBC International Super Lightweight Title
61 Win 30–25–6   Ray Oliveira TKO 8 (10) 8 Jul 2005   Hampton Beach Casino, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, U.S.
60 Win 29–25–6   Dillon Carew TKO 8 (10) 21 Jan 2005   Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, Connecticut, U.S. Corner retirement~Carew deducted 2 points for spitting out his mouthpiece in the 8th rd
59 Loss 28–25–6   Courtney Burton SD 10 6 Jul 2004   L.C. Walker Arena, Muskegon, Michigan, U.S. Augustus penalized one point in 8th for spinning himself out of a clinch
58 Loss 28–24–6   Tomas Barrientes DQ 7 (12) 18 Jun 2004   Dodge Arena, Hidalgo, Texas, U.S. For IBA Light Welterweight Title, Lost IBA World Super Lightweight Title, Augustus ahead at time of disqualification
57 Win 28–23–6   Alex Trujillo UD 12 2 Apr 2004   Desert Diamond Casino, Tucson, Arizona, U.S. Won IBA World Super Lightweight Title
56 Draw 27–23–6   Alvaro Aguilar MD 8 28 Feb 2004   MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Undercard fight for the main event Érik Morales vs Jesús Chávez
55 Loss 27–23–5   David Diaz UD 8 30 Jan 2004   DePaul Athletic Center, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
54 Loss 27–22–5   Kelson Pinto UD 10 17 Jun 2003   Sundance Square, Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
53 Loss 27–21–5   Michael Warrick UD 10 17 May 2003   Thunderbird Wild West Casino, Norman, Oklahoma, U.S.
52 Loss 27–20–5   Omar Gabriel Weis UD 10 7 Feb 2003   Sam's Town Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.
51 Win 27–19–5   Carlos Wilfredo Vilches TKO 8 (10) 19 Jul 2002   Yakama Legends Casino, Toppenish, Washington, U.S. Fight stopped due to a cut, Augustus took the fight on 2 days notice as a late sub for Vince Phillips
50 Draw 26–19–5   Leavander Johnson SD 10 7 Jun 2002   Rawhide Arena, Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
49 Win 26–19–4   Luis Alejandro Ugalde UD 8 12 Apr 2002   Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
48 Win 25–19–4   Jesus Abel Santiago TKO 8 (10) 31 Jan 2002   Roy Wilkins Auditorium, Saint Paul, Minnesota, U.S.
47 Loss 24–19–4   Leonard Doroftei UD 10 28 Sep 2001   War Memorial Gymnasium, San Francisco, California, U.S.
46 Loss 24–18–4   Micky Ward UD 10 13 Jul 2001   Casino Ballroom, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, U.S.
45 Win 24–17–4   Mike Griffith TKO 10 (10) 16 Feb 2001   Grays Armory, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
44 Win 23–17–4   Orlando Milian TKO 2 (6) 10 Feb 2001   Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S.
43 Loss 22–17–4   Floyd Mayweather Jr. TKO 9 (10) 21 Oct 2000   Cobo Hall, Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
42 Win 22–16–4   Gerald Gray UD 8 12 Aug 2000   Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S.
41 Loss 21–16–4   John John Molina UD 10 12 May 2000   Miccosukee Resort & Gaming, Miami, Florida, U.S.
40 Loss 21–15–4   Teddy Reid UD 12 19 Mar 2000   Horseshoe Casino Tunica, Tunica Resorts, Mississippi, U.S. For vacant NABF World Super Lightweight Title
39 Loss 21–14–4   Antonio Díaz UD 12 17 Sep 1999   All American Sports Park, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. For IBA World Super Lightweight Title
38 Won 21–13–4   Terrell Finger KO 8 (8) 30 Jul 1999   Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
37 Loss 20–13–4   Allan Vester KO 12 (12) 25 Jun 1999   Botanisk Have, Aarhus, Denmark Lost IBF and WBO Inter-Continental light welterweight title
36 Win 20–12–4   Jamar Carter UD 8 19 Feb 1999   Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
35 Win 19–12–4   Sammy Sparkman KO 5 (?) 2 Dec 1998   New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
34 Win 18–12–4   Jon Thaxton TKO 7 (12) 26 Sep 1998   Sports Village, Norwich, Norfolk, U.K. Won IBF and WBO Inter-Continental light welterweight title
33 Win 17–12–4   Eduardo Martinez KO 6 (?) 16 Sep 1998   New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
32 Draw 16–12–4   Søren Søndergaard PTS 8 4 Sep 1998   Kolding Hallen, Kolding, Denmark
31 Win 16–12–3   Jozef Kubovsky UD 6 28 Jun 1998   Germany
30 Win 15–12–3   Fredd Ladd TKO 8 (10) 7 May 1998   Sams Town Casino, Tunica, Mississippi, U.S.
29 Win 14–12–3   Santos Lopez KO 3 (8) 17 Apr 1998   Blue Horizon, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
28 Win 13–12–3   Louie Leija UD 8 10 Mar 1998   Casino Rouge, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.
27 Win 12–12–3   David Toledo KO 10 (10) 21 Feb 1998   Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort Casino, Miami Florida, U.S
26 Loss 11–12–3   Juan Gomez UD 10 31 Jan 1998   Ice Palace, Tampa Florida, U.S.
25 Loss 11–11–3   Silverio Flores UD 8 14 Dec 1997   Fajardo, Puerto Rico
24 Loss 11–10–3   Juan Antonio Lopez UD 8 14 Nov 1997   South Padre Island Texas, U.S.
23 Loss 11–9–3   Diosbelys Hurtado UD 10 2 Oct 1997   Miccosukee Indian Gaming Resort Casino, Miami Florida, U.S.
22 Win 11–8–3   Danny Acevedo TKO 5 (6) 13 Jul 1997   Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
21 Loss 10–8–3   Stephen Smith DQ 3 (10) 1 Jun 1997   Riesa, Germany Augustus disqualified for a low blow
20 Loss 10–7–3   Terrance Churchwell UD 10 14 May 1997   Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee U.S
19 Win 10–6–3   Dezi Ford UD 6 26 Feb 1997   Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee U.S
18 Win 9–6–3   Wilfredo Negron MD 8 19 Nov 1996   Ponce, Puerto Rico
17 Draw 8–6–3   Arturo Ramos PTS 6 28 Sep 1996   Will Rogers Coliseum, Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
16 Loss 8–6–2   Ivan Robinson UD 10 21 Jul 1996   Teamster's Hall, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
15 Draw 8–5–2   Larry O'Shields PTS 6 23 Apr 1996   Youth Center, Cut Off, Louisiana, U.S.
14 Loss 8–5–1   Pete Taliaferro UD 10 4 Mar 1996   Mobile, Alabama, U.S.
13 Win 8–4–1   Danny Reyes UD 4 23 Jan 1996   Grand Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
12 Win 7–4–1   Roberto Chala TKO 6 (6) 12 Dec 1995   Horma, Louisiana, U.S.
11 Loss 6–4–1   Lupe Miranda UD 8 14 Sep 1995   La Villita Assembly Hall, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
10 Loss 6–3–1   Jesus Chavez TKO 7 (8) 20 Jun 1995   Will Rogers Coliseum, Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
9 Draw 6–2–1   Bill Coddlington MD 6 14 Mar 1995   Pontchatain Center, Kenner, Louisiana, U.S.
8 Win 6–2   Barry Guidry PTS 6 5 Mar 1995   Thibodaux Louisiana, U.S.
7 Loss 5–2   Ed Tobar MD 6 31 Jan 1995   La Villita Assembly Hall, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
6 Win 5–1   Barry Guidry TKO 4 (6) 10 Jan 1995   Pontchatain Center, Kenner, Louisiana, U.S.
5 Win 4–1   Richard Armstrong PTS 6 3 Dec 1994   Horma, Louisiana, U.S.
4 Win 3–1   Teddy Randolph MD 6 30 Nov 1994   New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
3 Win 2–1   David Harrod PTS 6 23 Jul 1994   Baker, Louisiana, U.S.
2 Loss 1–1   Eldon Sneed UD 6 13 Oct 1994   Houston, Texas, U.S.
1 Win 1–0   Jamie Cooper UD 6 23 Jul 1994   Cajun Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S.

Notable opponents edit

  • In just his 10th professional fight faced Jesus Chavez and was TKO'd in the 7th round.
  • Lost a 10 round UD against Pete Taliaferro.
  • Took a short notice fight against Ivan Robinson and almost threw off Robinson's title aspirations (L10).
  • Won a tight MD over Wilfredo Negron.
  • Fought Diosbelys Hurtado on short notice (L10).
  • TKO'd England's Jon Thaxton after taking the fight on short notice.
  • Lost a 12-round decision to Antonio Diaz.
  • Lost a controversial 12-round decision to Teddy Reid.
  • Fought John John Molina (L10).
  • TKO'd by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the 9th round after his corner threw in the towel. Mayweather maintains to this day that Augustus was one of his toughest opponents.[6]
  • Took part in 2001's fight of the year against Micky Ward (L10). Ward maintains that Augustus, along with Arturo Gatti, was one of the toughest men he ever fought.
  • Fought Romania's Leonard Doroftei (aka Leo Dorin, L10).
  • Drew with the late Leavander Johnson.
  • Upset Carlos Wilfredo Vilches with a TKO win.
  • Lost a 10-round decision to Omar Weis.
  • Lost a 10-round decision to Kelson Pinto on short notice.
  • Lost an 8-round decision to David Diaz.
  • Dominated in a 12-round win over Alex Trujillo.
  • Stopped Ray Oliveira in 8 rounds.
  • Lost an exciting 12-round UD to Herman Ngoudjo.
  • Took a short notice fight against hard hitting prospect Ruslan Provodnikov and was TKO'd in the 9th round.
  • Lost to Vernon Paris (L8) in his last ever fight.

References edit

  1. ^ Rafael, Dan (May 19, 2010). "Augustus to fill in on Friday night". ESPN. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  2. ^ Michael, Philip. "Emanuel Augustus: A Fighter Still Fighting". NY Fights. Retrieved 27 November 2018.
  3. ^ Abramson, Mitch (November 4, 2008). "Last call for boxing's Drunken Master". ESPN. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  4. ^ Avila, David A. (June 24, 2004). "Augustus can't win". ESPN. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  5. ^ Garcia Quinones, Rafael (January 9, 2010). "Revisiting the Fight of the Year for 2001: Micky Ward vs Emanuel Burton". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  6. ^ a b Rafael, Dan (May 1, 2012). "Floyd's toughest foe a journeyman?". ESPN. Retrieved February 1, 2019.
  7. ^ Ben Wallace (2014-10-14). "Shooting victim is well-known boxer Emanuel Augustus". theadvocate.com. Retrieved 2014-10-14.
  8. ^ Quincy Hodges (2014-10-15). "Police identify suspect in boxer Emanuel Augustus shooting". nola.com. Retrieved 2014-10-16.
  9. ^ "Once-promising Baton Rouge boxer Emanuel Augustus struggles to remain hopeful after shooting, series of bad breaks". 5 April 2016.

External links edit

Awards and achievements
Vacant
Title last held by
Jon Thaxton 		WBO Inter-Continental Light Welterweight Champion
September 26, 1998 – May 29, 1999
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Ricky Hatton
Vacant
Title last held by
Jon Thaxton 		IBF Inter-Continental Light Welterweight Champion
September 26, 1998 – June 25, 1999 		Succeeded by
Allan Vester
Vacant
Title last held by
Alex Trujillo 		IBA Light Welterweight Champion
April 2, 2004 – June 18, 2004 		Succeeded by
Tomas Barrientes
Vacant
Title last held by
Paulie Malignaggi 		WBC Continental Americas Light Welterweight Champion
December 9, 2006 – October 5, 2007
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Michel Rosales
Preceded by
None
 WBO Oriental Welterweight Champion
July 4, 2008 – May 17, 2009
Vacated 		Vacant
Title next held by
Samuel Colomban
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