Don Wilson (kickboxer)

Donald Glen Wilson (born September 10, 1954), nicknamed "The Dragon", is an American martial artist and actor.[1] An 11-time professional kickboxing world champion who scored 47 knockouts in four decades, he has been called by the STAR System Ratings as "perhaps the greatest kickboxer in American history. He has disposed of more quality competition than anyone we've ever ranked".[2] He is an entrant into the European Martial Arts Hall of Fame.

Don Wilson
BornDonald Glen Wilson
(1954-09-10) September 10, 1954
Alton, Illinois, United States
Other namesThe Dragon, Hoshino
NationalityAmerican
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
DivisionLight Heavyweight
StyleKickboxing
Fighting out ofLos Angeles, California, United States
Years active1974–1991, 1999–2002, 2013–
Professional boxing record
Total9
Wins6
By knockout4
Losses3
By knockout3
Kickboxing record
Total82
Wins72
By knockout48
Losses5
Draws2
No contests3
Other information
Notable relativesJim Wilson (brother), Kathleen Karridene (wife)
Websitehttp://www.donthedragonwilson.com

Biography

Early life

Wilson was born to a Japanese mother and American father in Alton, Illinois. He attended Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton, where he was an MVP in football and basketball.[3] Wilson also tried his hand at wrestling, in which he excelled enough to score a 4th place in the Florida State Collegiate Wrestling competition.

After high school, Wilson he was accepted into the prestigious Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut in the fall of 1972. Wilson has stated that his brother challenged him to friendly sparring, which he imagined he would dominate since Wilson was more physically imposing and athletic than his brother. To his surprise, he was easily knocked around by his brother's martial arts ability. He credits this experience as making a believer out of him, after which he would pursue martial arts. He began studying Goju-ryu Karate with Sensei Chuck Merriman for two hours a week for one year.[4]

In 1973, Wilson left the academy and earned an associate degree in electrical engineering at Brevard Community College in Florida. He then enrolled at his father's alma mater, the Florida Institute of Technology, but dropped out to pursue a professional fighting career, to the elder Wilson's disappointment. During this time, he was trained by his brother Jim in Pai Lum Kung-Fu.[4]

Don's nickname, "The Dragon" was used in his first professional kickboxing match in ji chang wook. He also had two other nicknames that were used at times during his long career.

In July 1977, Wilson defeated Howard Hayden. A report of the match in Official Karate Magazine said, "Don Wilson's showboat tactics have seen him through a couple of fights, but the Flash won't last long when the going gets tough." Wilson said he was hugely insulted; a few people began to refer to him as Don "The Flash" Wilson, which annoyed him. He said this inspired him to prove something: "I got serious."[4]

Kickboxing career

Wilson won a total of 11 World Titles with several sanctioning bodies that included the IKF, WKA, KICK, ISKA, STAR and the PKO. He won his IKF (www.IKFKickboxing.com) FCR Cruiserweight World Title on May 15, 1999 in Lowell, Massachusetts, USA, when he defeated Dick Kimber. (Lynn, Massachusetts, USA PRO: 23-3/21, AM: 25-0/25 5'9" 197 lbs) At the end of the 3rd round Wilson came alive and exploded with a flurry that eventually knocked Kimber to the floor motionless. Referee Dan Stell counted Kimber out on the floor, a count that went into the round break. Kimber never stood during the count.

Having never been challenged for his title, Wilson voluntarily retired it to move down to the Light Heavyweight Division, where he eventually retired from fighting a few years later.

According to Inside Kung-Fu Presents Kickboxing Magazine (August 1992), Don Wilson's professional kickboxing record was listed as 69 wins, 5 losses, 2 draws, 46 knockout wins, and 6 kick-knockouts, and 3 no-contests. On page 64, Wilson's first match with Bill Knoblok in Orlando, Florida in December 1974 is listed as a 3-round no-contest. However, on page 52 in the same issue, Wilson said about his fight with Knoblok, " But Bill won the third round by a larger margin than I had won the first. So he won the bout." Today the official result of this fight was listed as a no-contest on Wilson's official fight record because when he decided to fight for PKA, Joe Corley felt the rule of the bout was quite different from those of PKA, Corley told Wilson to omit it.

Wilson's kickboxing career spanned 4 decades; his first fight with Bill Knoblok in 1974 and his last fight, a 10th-round knockout victory over Eddie Butcher on July 19, 2002 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He defeated among others, world champions Branko Cikatic, James Warring, Dennis Alexio, and Maurice Smith. Wilson fought a draw with another champion, Jean-Yves Thériault. In 79 bouts, Wilson was only knocked out by Glen McMorris in 1980. Wilson's kickboxing record is listed as 72–5–2 (48 knockouts) with 3 no-contests.

Wilson was noted for being an American-style kickboxer who challenged the fabled fighters from Thailand. He prevailed in most instances, only suffering a loss. However, the matches were always problematic, due to the differences in traditions, style and judging. For his fight against Samart, the officials who arranged the fight broke the previous arrangement, placing Wilson against a lighter opponent and forcing Wilson to lose 8 pounds on the day of the bout by sitting in a sauna from early morning until two hours before the bout, leaving him dangerously dehydrated. Wilson had also negotiated for a 7-round fight, which the officials also neglected. Furthermore, the thai judges only recognized Muay Thai techniques such as thai kick or those performed within the clinch, which meant that Wilson's only hope to win was to knockout Samart, which he was unable to do because of his dehydration. Wilson, a fighter used to 12 round fights, was exhausted in the 2nd round, a clear indication of the seriousness of his condition. Such reckless endangerment of a fighter's life would have been met with judicial repercussions had it occurred under a western sanctioning body. Despite this unsporting and outrageous treatment, Wilson didn't push to have the result of the fight overturned and accepted his loss.

Wilson was scheduled to make a comeback at 58 years old, against an unnamed opponent in a ten-rounder in Istanbul, Turkey in 2013.[5] However at the last minute the fight in Istanbul was cancelled due to "breach of contract and non-performance of financial agreements". In 2014, he was honored with the U.F. of Legends Dragon Award at the Urban Action Showcase & Expo at HBO. [6]

Kickboxing losses turned into no contests

Early in Wilson's career, he lost three fights by decision; these losses were changed into no contests by the PKA (Professional Karate Association).[7]

Wilson's first career match was against Bill Knoblock and he lost a 3rd decision. This match was later turned into a no contest by the Professional Karate Association as they listed it as an "amateur" match. "This amateur bout was part of Wilson's black belt examination."[7] However, in a 2013 interview, Wilson recalled his first fight as a loss to Bill Knoblock on January 25, 1975 as a professional match in which he was paid $100 U.S. dollars.[8]

On May 28, 1976 in Tampa, Florida, Wilson lost a 5-round decision to Rudy Burney in a PKA sanctioned match.[7] However, the PKA later overturned the decision for, "improper procedures that impeded fair competition."

Finally, in September 1976, Wilson lost a 5-round points decision to Herb Thompson in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The PKA overturned the decision, citing improper procedures and inappropriate equipment which impeded fair competition.[7]

Fighting style

Wilson was fairly notable thanks to his unique fighting style as used in the ring. He was ambidextrous, being able to switch stance on a whim and attack powerfully with either side, although he preferred to fight strong-side forward, which is a characteristic of some Chinese Martial arts like Pai Lum Tao Ng Ying Kungfu (Chinese: 五形功夫). He identified himself as mainly a kicker, claiming that was his forte and the reason why he never seriously considered boxing.

He has a particularly devastating lead side kick, and was known to perform single-leg multiple kicks in rapid succession. Despite his focus on kicks, most of his K.O's came through his punching, and he was particularly good with his lead (right) hook punch.

Commentating career

[9] Wilson was a fight commentator and interviewer in many of the early UFC events, beginning with UFC 7 in Buffalo. He stated several times that he would be willing to fight in the UFC himself if enough fans requested it, but it never happened. He went on to be a commentator for King of the Cage.

Film appearances

Some movies to his credit include: Futurekick, Bloodfist 1–8, Ring of Fire 1, 2 & 3, Out for Blood, Operation Cobra, Blackbelt, Cyber Tracker 1 & 2, Terminal Rush, Redemption, Say Anything... Capitol Conspiracy, Moving Target, and Batman Forever as the leader of the Neon Gang.[10]

Kickboxing titles

  • 2010 World Kickboxing Hall of Fame Champion
  • 2008 European Martial Arts Hall of Fame Member
  • 2000 I.S.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight North American Champion −190 lbs
  • 1999 I.K.F. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −190 lbs
  • 1989 P.K.O. Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −170 lbs
  • 1988–89 I.S.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −182 lbs (0 title defences – vacated)
  • 1984 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs
  • 1984 W.K.A. Full Contact Super Light Heavyweight World Champion −184 lbs
  • 1984 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Super Light Heavyweight World Champion −184 lbs
  • 1983–84 W.K.A. Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −190 lbs (0 title defences – vacated)
  • 1983 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Cruiserweight World Champion −184 lbs
  • 1983–87 K.I.C.K. Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs (2 title defences)
  • 1980–91 W.K.A. Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs (9 title defences – vacated)
  • 1980 S.T.A.R. Undisputed Full Contact Light Heavyweight World Champion −175 lbs
  • 1979–80 P.K.A. Full Contact Middleweight United States Champion −170 lbs (2 title defences)
  • 1978–79 P.K.A. Full Contact Middleweight Florida State Champion −170 lbs (4 title defences – vacated)

Professional kickboxing record

Professional kickboxing record

Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Exhibition   Notes

Professional boxing career

Wilson said in a 2015 interview that he had a 6–3–0 professional boxing record with all three defeats by first round stoppage.[8] He admits a change in his style lead to only an average boxing career.

Wilson had a brief professional boxing career. His biggest victory was against Muhammad Ali's former sparring partner John L. Johnson.[13]

Wilson's last boxing match took place against Tim Jones on October 21, 1986 at the Reseda Country Club in California. Wilson had a 6–2–0 record in professional boxing going into this match, while Jones was winless in 6 bouts. Wilson lost by TKO at 2:58 of the first round. Dennis Alexio, who lost a kickboxing match to Wilson, had already defeated Jones. Jones lost his next 4 boxing matches, and retired with a 1–10–0 record.[14]

Professional boxing record

Result Record Opponent Method Date Round Time Event Location Notes
Loss[14] 6–3–0 Tim Jones KO Oct 28, 1986 1 Reseda, California
Win 6–2–0 Roke Harris KO Jul 25, 1986 4 San Diego, California
Loss 5–2–0 Miguel Murillo KO Mar 17, 1986 2 Inglewood, California
Win 5–1–0 Harold Thames TKO Feb 16, 1983 3 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Win 4–1–0 Dennis Korall PTS Sep 16, 1982 6 Tampa, Florida
Win 3–1–0 Bob Smith KO Florida
Loss 2–1–0 Unknown TKO 1 Florida
Win 2–0–0 Unknown Florida
Win 1–0–0 John L. Johnson TKO 1 Cocoa Beach, Florida Mixed Match: Kickboxer vs. Boxer:Johnson throws up and match is halted.

Kickboxing vs boxing record

Result Record Opponent Method Date Round Time Event Location Notes
Win Art Jimmerson KO 1987 Jun 22 6 Cocoa Beach, Florida
Win Ron Harry KO 1978 Nov 11 1 Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Win John L. Johnson TKO Date unavailable 1 Cocoa Beach, Florida

Filmography

YearTitleRoleNotes
2017 Death Fighter Bobby Pau
1989Say Anything...Sparring PartnerFilm
BloodfistJake RayeFilm; First Time in a Lead Role
1990Bloodfist IIJake RayeFilm
1991Ring of FireJohnny WooFilm
Future KickWalkerFilm
1992Bloodfist III: Forced to FightJimmy BolandFilm
BlackbeltJack DillonFilm
Out for BloodJohn DeckerFilm (also producer)
Bloodfist IV: Die TryingDanny HoltFilm (also producer)
1993Ring of Fire II: Blood and SteelJohnny WooFilm (also producer)
Magic KidHimselfVideo
1994Bloodfist V: Human TargetJim StantonFilm
Red Sun RisingThomas HoshinoFilm
CyberTrackerEric PhillipsFilm
1995Bloodfist VI: Ground ZeroNick CorriganFilm (also producer)
Ring of Fire 3: Lion Strike
(aka: Lion Strike)
Dr. Johnny WuFilm (also writer—story)
Batman ForeverGang LeaderFilm
Bloodfist VII: ManhuntJim TrudellFilm (also producer)
Cyber-Tracker 2EricFilm (also producer)
The Power Within (1995 film)HimselfFilm
Virtual CombatDavid QuarryFilm
Top FighterHimselfDocumentary
1996Bloodfist VIII: Trained to KillRick Cowan/George 'Mac' MacReadyFilm
Terminal RushJacob HarperFilm (also producer)
Night HunterJack CutterFilm (also producer)
1997MoeshaHimself(1996 TV series) Episode: "Break It Down" (1997)
Hollywood SafariGregFilm
Inferno
(aka: Operation Cobra)
Kyle ConnersFilm
PapertrailFBI Agent RyuFilm (as Don Wilson)
1998Whatever It TakesNeilFilm (also producer)
The Prophet
(aka: The Capitol Conspiracy)
Jarrid MaddoxFilm
2000Moving TargetRay BrockFilm (also producer)
2001Walker, Texas RangerHimself(1993 TV series) Episode: "Legends" (2001)
2002RedemptionJohn Sato CollinsVideo (also producer)
Modern WarriorsHimselfTV special
Stealing HarvardLoach's FriendFilm (as Don Wilson)
Mass DestructionHimselfDocumentary
2003How to Be an Action StarHimselfVideo
2004Sci-FighterJack TanakaFilm (also producer)
2006Crooked
(aka: Soft Target)
Danny TylerFilm (also producer)
18 Fingers of Death!HimselfVideo
2007The Last SentinelTallisFilm (as Don Wilson) (also producer)
2009Hollywood LivesHimselfTV series (one episode)
2012LiberatorSidewinderFilm (also producer)
2014The Whole World at Our FeetFilm
The Martial Arts KidGlenFilm
One More RoundBob PaulsonFilm
White TigerBobby PauFilm (released in 2017 as Death Fighter)
2015The Scorpion King 4: Quest for PowerFilm
Underdog KidsJudgeFilm
2016Enter the Fist and the Golden FleecingMaster Duck Suck SongFilm
Showdown in ManilaDillonFilm
2018The Hitman AgencyDon 'The Dragon' Wilson (as Don 'The Dragon' Wilson)Film
2019DevotionDon 'The Dragon' Wilson (as Don 'The Dragon' Wilson)Film

References

[15] [16] [17]

  1. "Don The Dragon Wilson". www.ikfkickboxing.com.
  2. Baker, Timothy (June 1989). The Rodney Dangerfield of Kickboxing: A Conversation With World Champion Don Wilson. Black Belt Magazine. p. 24.
  3. Roddy Piper. "PIPER'S PIT with Roddy Piper". Podcastone.com. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  4. Inside Kungfu August 1992
  5. "LiverKick". LiverKick. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  6. "2014 Urban Action Showcase International Action Film Festival & Honoree Awards". YouTube. Retrieved 2016-01-02.
  7. "Don Wilson". Starsystemkickboxing.net. Archived from the original on 2012-11-12. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  8. "Don " The Dragon " Wilson (Us)". Siamfightmag.com. 1954-09-10. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  9. "If Don "The Dragon" Wilson had fought in the early UFC, would he have won?". Sherdog Forums – UFC, MMA & Boxing Discussion.
  10. "Kickboxer has a New Aim: Don Wilson Retires from Ring, Focuses on Acting". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved 2011-03-30.
  11. "Dedicated to The Dragon". Don "The Dragon" Wilson. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  12. "Career Highlights: Don ‘The Dragon’ Wilson Professional Kickboxing Record". (August 1992). Inside Kung-Fu Presents Kickboxing magazine, p. 64
  13. "John L Johnson". BoxRec. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  14. "Tim Jones". BoxRec. Retrieved 2015-08-16.
  15. "International Sports Hall of Fame". ishof.net. Retrieved 2017-01-28.
  16. "Space Coast Daily". spacecoastdaily.com. Retrieved 2017-01-28.
  17. "UCW Newswire". news.ucwe.com. Retrieved 2017-01-28.
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