Emanuel Augustus

Emanuel Ya'Kov Augustus
Statistics
Real name Emanuel Burton (birth name)
Nickname(s) YA
Outlaw
The Drunken Master
Rated at Light Welterweight
Height 5' 7"
Nationality United States
Born January 2, 1975
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Stance Orthodox (Boxrec)
Boxing record
Total fights 78 (Active)
Wins 38
Wins by KO 20
Losses 34
Draws 6
No contests 0

Emanuel Augustus, previously known as Emanuel Ya'kov Burton (born January 2, 1975), is a retired American professional boxer. He fought out of Brownsville, Texas.

Personal

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Augustus grew up in Louisiana and boxed out of Baton Rouge. He recently resided in Brownsville, Texas, and boxed at Grechy's Pound 4 Pound Gym located in Sydney, Australia for a brief period of time. Currently, Augustus is homeless, living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He had been living on the streets for quite some time before moving in with his sister.

Professional career

Augustus began his boxing career under his birth name Emanuel Burton. However, in 2001, when his parents married, Burton adopted his father's last name of Augustus. He retained the nickname "YA", short for his middle name Ya'kov. Emanuel has frequently appeared on ESPN2's boxing programs Tuesday Night Fights and its counterpart Friday Night Fights.

Augustus's televised bouts have garnered him a cult following in part due to his unique style and flair in the ring and his willingness to take on all comers, sometimes taking fights on short notice as a last minute replacement, even in his opponents' hometowns. Augustus frequently clowns in the ring, engaging in his trademark "string-puppet dance." As a result, Augustus is also known for losing close or controversial decisions.

He achieved a measure of fame after his bout against Courtney Burton on July 6, 2004, which he lost by an extremely controversial decision. The state of Michigan investigated the verdict but did not overturn it. Augustus avenged that loss September 1, 2006, when he stopped Burton in the 8th round on ESPN with the help of a left hook to the body. This was symbolic because Augustus was disallowed a knock down from left hook to the body in their first fight after referee Dan Kelley claimed it was a low blow. The punch actually landed on Burton's beltline.

The best win of Augustus' career ratings wise was against Carlos Wilfredo Vilches on July 19, 2002. Augustus took the fight on just 2 days' notice after Vilches' original opponent, Vince Phillips, pulled out due to injury. Vilches was 37-1-2 at the time and was a ranked fighter. During the bout Vilches wanted to keep Augustus at bay with a stiff jab but Augustus continued to pressure Vilches and began to land counter right hands over the top of Vilches' jab. A cut opened up near the left eye of Vilches, which eventually resulted in a stoppage in the 8th round. The win vaulted Augustus to #2 in the IBF Light-Welterweight division; however, he followed it up with 4 decision losses and 1 controversial draw to tough opponents including Omar Gabriel Weis, over whom Vilches already held a victory.

Notable opponents

As a journeyman Augustus faced top talent his whole career and has an outstanding resume when it comes to experiencing the best the sport has to offer.

Titles

Augustus was the International Boxing Association light welterweight champion between April 2, 2004, and June 18 of that year. Augustus lost his title when referee Laurence Cole disqualified him in his first title defense against Tomas Barrientes. At the time of disqualification Augustus was ahead on all three judges' scorecards. He was disqualified for talking back to the referee and not looking into his eyes when asked to.

On December 9, 2006, Augustus became the WBC Continental Americas super lightweight champion by defeating Russell Stoner Jones.

On July 4, 2008, knocked out Jakkirt Suwunnalirt in Sydney, Australia, to win the WBO Oriental welterweight title.

Other achievements

His fight against "Irish" Micky Ward on July 13, 2001, was voted 2001 ESPN "Fight of the Year." as well as 2001 Ring magazine Fight of the Year. In June 2008 ESPN announced that this fight had been nominated for ESPN "Fight of the Decade" award. Augustus was also named "ESPN's Most Memorable Fighter".

Outside the ring

Augustus is the subject of a documentary film entitled The Journeyman filmed in Brownsville, Texas. Documentary filmmaker Sean Lynn will follow Augustus until he gets a shot at a world title or retires. Filming began in March 2006.

During a 2012 interview with boxing expert Dan Rafael, Floyd Mayweather Jr. stated that Emanuel was the toughest opponent he's ever faced.

On the night of October 13, 2014 Augustus was critically wounded after being shot in the back of the head and is currently on life support.[1] Baton Rouge Police have named 21 year old Christopher Stills as a suspect in the crime.[2] Augustus is now doing better, and continues to live with his sister.

References

  1. ↑ Ben Wallace (2014-10-14). "Shooting victim is well-known boxer Emanuel Augustus". theadvocate.com. Retrieved 2014-10-14.
  2. ↑ Quincy Hodges (2014-10-15). "Police identify suspect in boxer Emanuel Augustus shooting". nola.com. Retrieved 2014-10-16.

External links