Greg Haugen
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Greg Lee Haugen (born August 31, 1960 in Seattle, WA) was an American boxer at Lightweight.
[edit] Professional career
Haugen turned pro in 1982 and won his first 18 fights, including the IBF Lightweight Title with a majority decision over Jimmy Paul in 1986. He lost his title in his first defense to Vinny Pazienza by decision which many thought was a robbery. He won the title back in a rematch with Pazienza in 1988 and defended the title twice before losing to legend Pernell Whitaker in 1989 by decision, although Haugen was down in the 6th, in what was his biggest paycheck at that time at $426,000. In 1991 he captured the WBO Light Welterweight Title with an upset victory over then undefeated Hector Camacho by split decision, an outcome that resulted from Camacho being deducted a point for refusing to touch gloves with Haugen at the start of the 12th and final round. Later that year Haugen lost a rematch with Camacho, again by split decision. In 1993 he challenged Mexican legend Julio César Chávez for the WBC Light Welterweight Title at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a fight attended by 132,247 spectators. Haugen's legacy is likely best defined by the Chavez fight, but not for his performance in the ring. Leading up to the bout, Haugen made the comment that many of Chavez’s wins "came against Tijuana taxi drivers that my mom could whip.”[1], generating a huge uproar in the Mexican community and igniting publicity for the bout.
After the loss to Chávez, a dominant TKO loss, Haugen never again challenged for a major belt. He retired in 1999 with a record of 40-10-1.
| Preceded by Jimmy Paul |
IBF Lightweight Champion 5 Dec 1986– 7 Jun 1987 |
Succeeded by Vinny Pazienza |
| Preceded by Vinny Pazienza |
IBF Lightweight Champion 6 Feb 1988– 18 Feb 1989 |
Succeeded by Pernell Whitaker |
| Preceded by Hector Camacho |
WBO Light Welterweight Champion 23 Feb 1991– 18 May 1991 |
Succeeded by Hector Camacho |
