Howard Davis Jr.

[Titan1]

Why didn't he or his management decide to go to 140 lbs earlier instead of waiting to get to the 135 title? The chances of him winning a version of the belt at that weight could've been better.

[JohnThomas1]

They talked about it a bit but never got there. I think he actually beat Coverson at 140. There was good money at 135 tho, and he got his shot finally vs Rosario. I'm not sure what beating Mamby or Haley would have done for him to be honest. Paper champs, not much money in the match, and where to then?

[Rocket]

you will have answers soon- I am doing a book on Howard davis jr, I will be done in about a year

[john garfield]

you will have answers soon- I am doing a book on Howard davis jr, I will be done in about a year

Very interesting, Rocket. I watched Howard Davis, Jr. blaze through the NY Golden Gloves for years. He had everybody singing his praises. I was onboard, as well.

If ever anyone had "can't miss" written all over him, it was Davis.

[JohnThomas1]

you will have answers soon- I am doing a book on Howard davis jr, I will be done in about a year

Look forward to it, he was one of my faves.

[Titan1]

you will have answers soon- I am doing a book on Howard davis jr, I will be done in about a year

Thanks, I defiinitely will be reading it. Hopefully, you can also elaborate on his sparring sessions with Ray Leonard.

[ThinBlack]

Ray Leonard mentioned in his book that he got a black eye from Howard when they were sparring with the tv cameras around.However, he got Howard back in another session by dropping him.

[Senor Pepe']

Howard Davis Jr. was awarded the Most Outstanding Boxer Award at the 1976 Olympics.

Kudo's to Howard for going on, because he had lost his mother just before
the event.

CBS-Sports signed Howard to a very nice Television Contract, right after winning the
Gold Medal in the 132 lb. division.

But, his first try at the title was against WBC Lightweight Champion Jim Watt, in June 1980.
His fight with Edwin Rosario came later.

His challenge against Jim Watt was pure and simple, they felt that Watt was too
stationary and could not keep up with Howard's fast fists.

Boy, did they underestimate Jim Watt, who schooled Howard with a steady diet of
right jabs into the face.

As for the 140 lbs. Champions.
WBA Super-Lightweight Champion, Antonio Cervantes was considered too experienced and
too hard of a hitter. They weren't ready for him just yet.

WBC Light-Welterweight Champion, Sweet Saoul Mamby, was another Bronx-based fighter like Howard.
Mamby, another experienced fighter, had handled Davis fairly easy in a few sparring sessions.

Both fighters, at that time in 1980, were a notch above Howard Davis.

[Spearmint Rhino]

Pryor would have chinned him.

That might be why.

[Vantage_West]

greatest welter to never fight at that weight.

[Senor Pepe']

Had to go back and check the magazines.

May/June 1980.

Howard Davis was the WBC #1 Ranked Lightweight, and earned the right to
face Jim Watt.

He was not the top-rated WBA Lightweight. Hilmer Kenty who had earlier KO'd
Ernesto Espana (in February) was the WBA Champ.

Despite the knock-out loss to Hilmer Kenty in February, the WBA installed
Espana (the former champion) as the #1 ranked Lightweight, and he also had
a re-match clause in the first contract.

Hilmer Kenty and Ernesto Espana fought again in August 1980.

[ThinBlack]

Howard probably matches up better with Hilmer than he did with Jim.Ruined his career with that one loss.

[Senor Pepe']

Howard probably matches up better with Hilmer than he did with Jim.Ruined his career with that one loss.

Hilmer Kenty versus Howard Davis Jr. in 1980,,,,,,,,,

A great match-up of two evenly skilled boxers.

Howard was scheduled to face Sean O'Grady, in September and in October 1981. He pulled out both times..:huh

[ThinBlack]

Hilmer Kenty versus Howard Davis Jr. in 1980,,,,,,,,,

A great match-up of two evenly skilled boxers.

Howard was scheduled to face Sean O'Grady, in September and in October 1981. He pulled out both times..:huh

That would've been a competitive fight, but Howard could've won.It was hard to figure out what direction Davis was going in at times:nod:good!

[Senor Pepe']

Never thought Howard Davis Jr. beat Vilomar Fernadez in there 12-Round
Elimination out on CBS.

It was a battle between the #1 and #2 WBC-rated Lightweights, with the winner
getting a shot at Jim Watt, WBC Champion.

Davis got a 'gift decision', while dusting his trunks after getting knocked down
by mediocre-punching but deadly accurate Vilomar.