William Guthrie

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William Douglas Guthrie (born January 17, 1967 in Philadelphia, PA) is a professional boxer in the cruiserweight (180lb) division. Guthrie turned pro in 1989 and captured the Vacant IBF Light Heavyweight Title in 1997 with a win over Darrin Allen. He was seen as a looming threat to Roy Jones Jr at light heavyweight due to his punching power, but instead of a unification bout, he lost the title in his next fight to Reggie Johnson, being KO'd in the 5th. The knockout was a brutal one, and Guthrie left the ring on a stretcher [1]. Instead of retiring, he instead moved up to cruiserweight and continued to fight, but has not fought for a belt since.

Prior to fighting, Guthrie was an admitted former player in the St Louis drugs scene, and he had been kicked off the 1988 US Olympic team after failing a drug test. He also later spent time in prison for drug possession [2].