Vince Phillips
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vincent Edwards Phillips Sr. (born July 23, 1963 in Pensacola, FL) is an American boxer best known for upsetting undefeated Kostya Tszyu for the junior welterweight title.
Contents |
[edit] Biography
Vincent E. Phillips was born in Pensacola, Florida in 1963 to George Phillips and Margret Phillips. He was the youngest of 12 the 2nd to graduate from high school and the first to go to college. He had hopes of being a a pro pitcher but was cut from the college team. Phillips has 4 biological children and a step daughter that he raised. Vince is currently a resident of Huntington Beach, California.Vince is currently in Missouri where he has is own Gym under his name and is training fighters.
[edit] Amateur
-
- 1985 United States Amateur Lightweight champion
- 1986 United States Amateur Lightweight champion
100 Fights. 90 Wins 10 Loses
[edit] Professional
Known as "Cool" Vince, Phillips turned pro in 1989 after a storied amateur career and fought for the WBA Welterweight Title against Ike Quartey in 1996, losing a 3rd round TKO. The next year, Phillips he went down a division and scored what would be his biggest victory, a shocking 10th round TKO victory over undefeated IBF Light Welterweight Title holder Kostya Tszyu, a fight proclaimed as 1997 Upset of the Year by Ring magazine. Phillips defended the title three times, including a victory over Micky Ward, before losing the belt to unheralded Terron Millett in 1999. Phillips would never again challenge for a major belt, but came up short against big name fighters such as Ricky Hatton, Sharmba Mitchell, and Vernon Forrest. In 2005 he had a last decent win vs once-beaten Kelson Pinto. In 2006, at 43 years of age, he lost to journeymen Jesse Feliciano and Jesus Soto Karass.
[edit] Trying out kickboxing
Vince fought against a Japanese kickboxer Masato at K-1 in November 13, 2003, and he was knocked out by Masato with low kicks.
[edit] Career
- Professional
- IBF Inter-Continental Junior welterweight champion
- 1997 Upset of the Year - Ring magazine
- WBC Continental Americas Super welterweight champion
- IBF World Junior welterweight champion
Preceded by Kostya Tszyu |
IBF Light Welterweight Champion 31 May 1997– 20 Feb 1999 |
Succeeded by Terron Millett |