What is Buster Douglas’ Net Worth?

Buster Douglas, the retired American boxer and former world heavyweight champion, has a net worth of $15 million. He is best known for his shocking upset victory over the undefeated Mike Tyson on February 11, 1990 in Tokyo, Japan. At the time, Tyson was considered the best boxer in the world and Douglas was a 42 to 1 underdog according to odds makers at The Mirage in Las Vegas. Douglas held the title for eight months and two weeks before being defeated by Evander Holyfield via a third-round KO in his only title defense.

Buster Douglas’ Earnings from Tyson and Holyfield Fights

Buster Douglas earned approximately $3 million when he defeated Tyson. He then earned $24.1 million, the largest purse ever up to that point, to fight Evander Holyfield. After adjusting for inflation, $24.1 million is equal to $43.5 million today. Holyfield earned $8 million.

In total between these two fights alone, Buster earned $27.1 million, which is the same as around $56 million in today’s dollars.

Buster Douglas’ Early Life and Sports Career

Buster Douglas, born James Douglas in 1960, grew up in the Linden neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, where his father, William “Dynamite” Douglas, ran a boxing gym. As a teenager, Douglas attended Linden McKinley High School, where he played football and basketball, leading his team to a state championship in 1977.

After graduating, Douglas attended Coffeyville Community College in Kansas, where he played basketball for the Red Ravens. He then transferred to Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio, before earning a basketball scholarship to Mercyhurst University in Pennsylvania.

Douglas’ Boxing Career

Douglas made his professional boxing debut in May of 1981, defeating Dan O’Malley in a four-round bout. He won his first five fights but suffered a knockout in his sixth fight against David Bey. Douglas then won his next six fights and drew with Steffen Tangstad in October of 1982. Over the following years, he defeated mostly journeyman fighters, including Jesse Clark, whom he knocked out three times. He also defeated former heavyweight contender Randall “Tex” Cobb by majority decision.

In 1986, Douglas beat former champion Greg Page, earning himself a shot at the International Boxing Federation championships. Despite starting strong against Tony Tucker, he lost in the tenth round. By the late 80s, Douglas had split with his trainer father over a series of disagreements and handpicked a new team and trainer. He won four consecutive fights and beat Trevor Berbick by unanimous decision in 1989. Shortly after, he won another unanimous decision in a victory over future heavyweight champion Oliver McCall.

Buster Douglas Defeats Mike Tyson in Shocking Upset

In February of 1990, Buster Douglas shocked the world by defeating undisputed heavyweight champion Mike Tyson at the Tokyo Dome in Tokyo. Despite overwhelming odds in Tyson’s favor and predictions of an easy win, Douglas dominated the fight from beginning to end. By the fifth round, Tyson’s left eye was swollen shut and his cornermen were unprepared, lacking an endswell or ice pack.

In the eighth round, Tyson managed to knock Douglas down with a right uppercut, but in the ninth round, he was on the receiving end of a major attack by Douglas. In the tenth round, Douglas landed a massive uppercut followed by a four-punch combination to the head, knocking Tyson down for the first time in his professional career. Unable to survive the referee’s count, Tyson lost the fight and Douglas was named the new undisputed world heavyweight champion.

Buster Douglas Retires Following Loss to Holyfield

Buster Douglas declined a rematch against Tyson and instead defended his title against Evander Holyfield. In their 1990 bout, Douglas was weak and dominated by Holyfield over the first two rounds. Holyfield knocked Douglas down flat after he attempted an uppercut. Following this defeat, Douglas retired from boxing.

Buster Douglas’ Boxing Career After Holyfield Fight

After receiving $24 million for his fight against Holyfield, Buster Douglas stayed mostly out of the spotlight and gained a lot of weight. He almost died from a diabetic coma and decided to return to boxing to correct his course. He won his first six fights in a row and was scheduled to fight light-heavyweight champion Roy Jones Jr. in the late 90s, but the fight fell through. In 1998, Douglas fought heavyweight contender Lou Savarese, but was knocked out in the first round. He won his next two bouts before retiring for the final time in 1999.

Buster Douglas’ Media Appearances

Buster Douglas has made appearances in various forms of media. He appeared on the action crime series “Street Justice” as a guest in the 90s. Additionally, he made his film debut in the science-fiction comedy “Pluto’s Plight.” Douglas also served as a guest referee on WWF’s The Main Event III in 1990, taking over from Mike Tyson.

Douglas’ Marriage and Divorce

In 1986, Douglas married Bertha and they had two children. However, just four years later, Douglas filed for divorce, citing incompatibility and a gross neglect of duty.

You May Also Like

ncG1vNJzZmiopaG9ta3SraCcZpOkunCu1Kyrnqpdmby2s8uaqmamlal6uLvRrZ9o