Greg Haugen

Greg Lee Haugen (born August 31, 1960) is a retired American boxer. Haugen was champion at both the lightweight and light welterweight classes. He trained under Jim Montgomery.

Haugen turned pro in 1982 and won his first 17 fights before challenging for a world title. On December 5, 1986, Haugen captured the International Boxing Federation Lightweight Title with a majority decision over reigning champion Jimmy Paul.[1]

He lost his title in his first defense to Vinny Pazienza by decision. However, he won the title back in a rematch with Pazienza in 1988.[2] He defended the title against Miguel Santana and future WBO welterweight champion Gert Bo Jacobsen.

He lost the IBF Lightweight title to Pernell Whitaker in 1989 by decision, it was his biggest paycheck at that time at $426,000.[3]

On February 23, 1991, he captured the WBO Light Welterweight Title with an upset victory over then undefeated Hector Camacho by split decision, an outcome that resulted from Camacho being deducted a point for illegally hitting Haugen when Haugen refused to touch gloves at the beginning of the last round. After his fight with Camacho; Haugen tested positive for marijuana and was fined $25,000.[4][5] Later that year Haugen lost a rematch with Camacho, again by split decision.

In 1992, he captured the vacant NABF light welterweight title with a knockout win over Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini.

On February 20, 1993, he challenged Mexican legend Julio César Chávez for the WBC Light Welterweight Title at Azteca Stadium in Mexico City, a fight attended by 132,247 spectators. Haugen's legacy is likely best defined by the Chavez fight, but not for his performance in the ring. Leading up to the bout, Haugen made the comment that many of Chavez’s wins "came against Tijuana taxi drivers that my mom could whip."[6] This generated a huge uproar in the Mexican community and ignited publicity for the bout. Within seconds of the opening round, Chavez dropped Haugen with a straight right hand, but rather than dispatching him quickly, pulled back with the intent of punishing him for his pre-fight remarks.[7] After several more rounds of punishment, Chavez dropped him again in the 5th round, and after delivering another barrage of punches, the referee intervened and waved it off. It marked the first stoppage loss of Haugen's career. Afterwards, Haugen remarked: "They must have been very tough taxi drivers." Haugen never again challenged for a major belt. When asked in an interview who was the greatest fighter he ever fought, Haugen replied, "Hands down, Pernell Whitaker." He made excuses for his loss to Chavez which he was still struggling to come to terms with, describing it as his "biggest regret".[8]

He retired in 1999 with a record of 40–10–1 (2 NC).