Derrick Jefferson

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Derrick Jefferson, born March 10, 1968 as Derrick Lavon Jefferson in Oak Park, MI, is a heavyweight turned boxer.

[edit] Amateur

Jefferson became the 1994 National Golden Gloves Super Heavyweight Champion handing Michael Grant his only amateur loss in the semifinals.

[edit] Pro

Nicknamed "D Train", Jefferson is best known for his devastating KO of journeyman Maurice Harris, named the 1999 Ring Magazine knockout of the year. Jefferson, at 6'6" and generally weighing 240 pounds, quickly rose to prominence by combining explosive power with furious combinations. He became a frequently featured fighter on HBO in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Jefferson began his career 22-0-1, highlighted by a TKO 2 over contender Bert Cooper, an SD 12 victory over Obed Sullivan, and the brutal KO over Harris. This streak lined up a shot against the fading David Izon, he broke down Jefferson and won via a TKO inside nine rounds. Jefferson was then blasted out inside of four rounds by rising star Oleg Maskaev, morphing Jefferson's rising star status to a faded memory. One year later, Jefferson was granted a shot at WBO Heavyweight champ Wladimir Klitschko, who demolished Jefferson, knocking him down three times en route to a 2nd round TKO. Jefferson made one last run, taking a five fight winning streak against limited opposition into a fight with DaVarryl Williamson. Williamson made quick work of Jefferson, winning by TKO in the 2nd, effectively ending Jefferson's career, as he hasn't fought since.

Jefferson also competed Cedric Kushner's Thunderbox Heavyweight Tournament, "Fistful of Dollars", but lost.