Larry Donald
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Larry Ali Donald (born January 6, 1967) is a professional heavyweight boxer, who competed for the United States at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. Larry "The Legend" Donald turned pro on January 3, 1993, earning a technical knockout against Craig Brinson. In 1994 he beat fellow undefeated prospect Jeremy Williams, and Bert Cooper, but suffered his first defeat when losing widely to ex-champ Riddick Bowe, who had infamously hit Donald at the pre-fight press conference.
He resurfaced in late 1997 outpointing ex-champ Tim Witherspoon, but spent many years fighting low profile on Don King undercards, unpopular with fans and the press for his negative style.
In July 2001 he had a high profile world title eliminator with Kirk Johnson, 31-0-1, but lost a close decision.
In 2002 he travelled to Germany to face Vitali Klitschko. Even aged 35 Donald was considered one of the most durable fighters in the world, but the heavy hitting Klitschko surprisingly stopped the veteran, decking him three times in the 10th round.
Although things looked over, Donald reinvented himself in November 2004 with an upset win over the legendary Evander Holyfield, winning nearly every round against the ageing ex-champ.
In 2005, Donald controversially lost a title eliminator bout to giant-sized Russian Nicolay Valuev which would have earned him the right to fight John Ruiz for the WBA belt.
He is currently looking to escape his deal with Don King, whom he feels has sidelined him in favour of other fighters. "If you don't want to use me, then let me go" he was recently quoted as saying.
Current Record: 42 wins, 4 losses, 3 draws
[edit] Amateur Career
In addition to his Olympic run, Donald had a successful amateur career, including:
- National Golden Gloves Super Heavyweight Champion (1989, 1990)
- United States National (AAU) Amateur Super Heavyweight Champion (1991)