DaVarryl Williamson

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

DaVarryl Williamson (born July 25, 1968 as DaVarryl Jerome Williamson) is an American boxer originally from Washington, D.C., but later a resident of Aurora, Colorado. His ring nickname is "Touch of Sleep".

1 Personal
2 External links

[edit] Personal

The road to this point in his career has been a struggle. DaVarryl was born to poverty, in the rough streets of inner city Washington. He was born to a mother addicted to drugs and a father addicted to a life of crime. He spent his youth shuffled between foster homes and between schools until his father chose to re-establish himself in DaVarryl’s life at the age of 11. Although this reunion was not a cure-all, it gave DaVarryl enough stability to move forward instead of backward on the path he was beginning to take. DaVarryl had his troubles, but when he finally discovered athletics the straight and narrow path became ever increasingly inviting.

These athletic talents were not limited to football; in fact, DaVarryl was twice given All Inter-high basketball honors. Because of his talents, he was awarded the opportunity to play football at Rochester Community College in Minnesota, and later at Wayne State College in Nebraska. Williamson quarterbacked the Wayne State Wildcats for two seasons, leading to tryouts with the Indianapolis Colts (NFL) and the Arizona Rattlers (Arena Football). A self-proclaimed ‘jack of all trades’, Williamson would also fill in as team mascot on occasion, and could often be spotted joining the ‘Yell Team’ from time to time.

Failed tryouts with NFL teams led DaVarryl to try boxing as another way to improve his odds. At the age of 25, he stepped into the ring for the first time. His talent was so immediately evident that after only two short years he won a spot on the 1996 Olympic Team as the first alternate. While training for the Olympics, Williamson finished his Master’s Degree at Northern Michigan University.

He is currently married to his wife Shalifa; they have two children, Dontel & Alayana.

[edit] Professional Career

Following the origin of his professional career in June of 2000, Williamson began a successful run that culminated with a title shot against IBF Heavyweight champion Chris Byrd in 2005. Byrd was able to outpoint Williamson to take a unanimous decision in a lackluster bout. In his run towards his title shot, Williamson was able to defeat Kevin McBride via TKO in the 5th, as well as Corey "T-Rex" Sanders, Oliver McCall, Derrick Jefferson, and Eliecer Castillo. He was also stunningly KO'd in the first round by Joe Mesi, and lost a disputed technical decision to Wladimir Klitschko.

[edit] Amateur Career

Williamson finished his amateur career with a record of 120-17-1, 103 KOs, including victories over former Heavyweight Champion (WBO) Lamon Brewster and current top contender Monte Barrett.

A summary of his amateur highlights include:

1996 Olympic Trials Heavyweight

Defeated Harold Sconiers ko 1
Defeated David Washington ko
Lost to Nate Jones on points

1996 Challengers Olympics Heavyweight

Defeated Lamon Brewster on points

1996 Olympics Heavyweight Box-Offs

Lost to Nate Jones on points

1997 United States Heavyweight Championships

Defeated James Jackson ko 1
Defeated Terry Smith ko 2
Defeated Calvin Brock ko 3

1997 World Championships in Budapest (Heavyweight)

Defeated Garth Da Silva (N-Z) on points
Lost to Mark Simmons (Can) on points

1998 Tournament in Tampere, Finland (Heavyweight)

Defeated Kai Brankarr (Fin) tko 1

1998 United States Heavyweight Championships

Defeated Sam Sleezer tko 2
Defeated Kevin Montly ko 1
Defeated Stanley Mc Clain ko 3
Defeated Calvin Brock on points

1998 Goodwill Games (Heavyweight)

Defeated Mocerino ko 1
Defeated Kshinin ko 2
Lost to Felix Savon (Cub) ko 1

1999: United States Heavyweight Championships

Defeated Sifou Sua ko 4
Lost to Jason Estrada on points

1999: Golden Gloves (Heavyweight)

Defeated Devin Vargas ko
Defeated Patrick Nuwamu ko
Defeated Jason Estrada on points
Defeated Jeremiah Muhammad ko 2
Defeated Michael Bennett (boxer) ko 2

1999 Multi-National Tournament in Liverpool, England (Heavyweight:)

Defeated Kevin Evans (Gal) tko
Lost to Garth Da Silva (N-Z) on points

2000 Olympic Trials Heavyweight

Defeated Anthony Stewart points
Defeated Mike Kirkman points
Lost to Michael Bennett (boxer) points

2000 Challengers Round Olympic Trials Heavyweight

Lost to Malik Scott points

[edit] Accolades

Former NABF & WBO Latino American Heavyweight Champion. Ranked as high as #10 by the WBC, #6 by the WBO & #8 by the IBF.
National Golden Gloves Champion - 1996, 1999
United States National Heavyweight Champion – 1996 through 1998 (1st and only Heavyweight to ever accomplish this feat)
10-Time National Amateur Boxing Champion
Goodwill Games Silver Medalist - 1998
USA Olympic Team - First Alternate - 1996
Olympic Festival Champion - 1995
American Boxing Classic Champion - 1995, 1996, 1999
National Police Athletic League Champion - 1999
Amateur Record: 120-17-1, 103 KO’s (88% KO rate)
His professional opponents have a combined record of 337-150-6