[Previous entry: "Tyrone Harris Returns at the Silver Reef Casino"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "Photo of the Day: David 'The Weezel' Estrada & Rudy Cisneros at the Gym"]
07/16/2008 Archived Entry: "Where are They Now? Doug DeWitt"
Where are They Now?
Doug DeWitt
By Shawn M. Murphy
Recently I spoke with former Middleweight Doug DeWitt. Known as the "Cobra” and for a granite chin, Doug fought such well known fighters as Robbie Sims, Milton McCrory, Thomas Hearns, Nigel Benn and James Toney. During his career, DeWitt won the ESPN, USBA and WBO Middleweight titles. He retired in 1992 with a career record of 33-8-5.
(SM) So, Doug, when did you first start boxing?
(DD) I started around age fifteen. As an amateur I had like thirty five wins, 4 losses with twenty five KO'S. I turned pro at age eighteen.
(SM) Do you remember your first pro fight, against Peter Pennello?
(DD) He was 3-0 at the time. He was about twenty-one and I was eighteen. I dropped him in the first round. I was pretty inexperienced at the time of course, and I hit him in the back of the head and broke my knuckle. I won that fight by decision.
(SM) You lost to Marvin Hagler's half-brother Robbie Sims in 1985. Did you have a fight lined up with Hagler contingent on your beating Sims?
(DD) Yea I had a signed contract. That was difficult, my first pro loss. I had a lot of personal things going on with me at the time. I was a little cocky, hanging out with the wrong people. I took him lightly and he was a very tough customer. He beat a lot of good fighters in his career.
(SM) What would a Hagler fight have been like?
(DD) I don't know if I was mature enough at the time. I had a lot to learn at that time. But I always wanted to fight Hagler. I thought I had a good style for him, was very quick. I wanted the fight in the worst way.
(SM) What about the Hearns and McCrory losses in 1986?
(DD) For McCrory I just sleepwalked through the whole fight. But for Hearns, a lot of people think I beat him.
(SM) Was winning the WBO world title over Sims in 1989 your career highlight?
(DD) No, the next fight probably was, defending my title against Matthew Hilton.
(SM) What happened in the Nigel Benn fight, were you in shape?
(DD) Again, I underestimated him. I think he fought the fight of his life. He took me out of my fight plan. Benn was a tough guy.
(SM) Your last fight was a TKO loss to James Toney. What made you finally retire?
(DD) Well that did. I just sleepwalked again through six rounds. He was at the top of his game, I wasn't. I would have had to have been in my prime against him but I wasn't.
(SM) Besides Hagler was there anyone else you wanted but never fought?
(DD) No, I just really wanted to fight Hagler.
(SM) How did you get the nickname "Cobra"?
(DD) I used to have a hobby with snakes and I had a quick jab. So one of my friends started called me that. I had a cobra on the back of my robe. I never really liked the nickname though.
(SM) So what have you been doing since you retired from boxing?
(DD) Studying acting mainly. I also do some training of white-collar type people, workouts.
[Editor's note: See www.dougdewittboxing.com ]
(SM) Do you train any pro boxers at all these days?
(DD) No I really don't want to do that anymore. There not as loyal anymore, it’s just too hard. I know the way a fighter has to train and these guys don't today like they should. Boxing has changed dramatically these days. The 80's were a decade of real great fighters.
(SM) Doug, any final thoughts?
(DD) I just thank God that I have all my faculties and that I had a good career. It could have been better. People that know me well know that. A lot of people say I never fully reached my potential. I should have knocked Hearns out and then went on to fight Hagler and Leonard. I had the ability to do that but it just never materialized.
(SM) Doug thanks for your time.
(DD) Thank you.
