Lance Whitaker

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Lance Whitaker (born May 29, 1972 in Granada Hills, California) is a heavyweight boxer, who won the bronze medal as an amateur at the 1995 Pan American Games in Mar del Plata. Nicknamed "Mount," or more recently "Goofi," Whitaker was known for his size and personability.

[edit] Professional Career

With his devastating victory over Oleg Maskaev, Whitaker was seen by many as having the potential to be heavyweight champion. Unfortunately for Whitaker, he lost his next fight to Jameel McCline by unanimous decision. He then drifted into journeyman obscurity, and was blown out by Luan Krasniqi in 2005. In 2006 Whitaker lost to Sultan Ibragimov by knockout, likely signaling the end of his career, or at least ending his hope for a title belt opportunities.

He is likely most known for his bizarre adoption of the "Goofi" nickname prior to his fight with McCline in 2001. Whitaker's popularity was skyrocketing in boxing circles, and his promoter, the infamous Rock Newman, concocked the stunt to generate publicity and sentiment towards Whitaker.