Emanuel Augustus

Emanuel Augustus (born Emanuel Ya'kov Burton, January 2, 1975) is an American former professional boxer from Brownsville, Texas who competed from 1994 to 2011. He was known for his entertaining boxing style and showboating manner designed to confuse opponents. He faced top-level competition throughout his career, winning the IBA light welterweight title in 2004. He also had The Ring magazine's 2001 Fight of the Year vs. Micky Ward.

Early life Born in Chicago, Illinois, Augustus (born as Burton) At a young age Augustus moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana after spending multiple years in the foster care system.

Augustus who was born with the last name Burton took his father’s last name Augustus in 2001, after his parents married. even in opponents' hometowns. Augustus frequently clowned in the ring to frustrate his opponents, engaging in his trademark "string-puppet dance." Augustus was also known for losing close controversial decisions on the road.

In 2000, Augustus fought Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather won, but with significant difficulty. Mayweather later said that Augustus gave him the most difficult fight in his entire career.

On July 13, 2001 Augustus would face Micky Ward in the 2001 fight of the year. The majority of the fight saw the two men standing right in front of each other. Ward was able to walk Augustus against the ropes for a good portion of the bout, where Augustus was more than comfortable exchanging punches. The fight was pure chaotic, non-stop carnage with both fighters throwing punches to the point of exhaustion.

Augustus achieved a measure of fame after his bout against Courtney Burton on July 6, 2004, which he lost by controversial close decision. On June 6, 1999, Danish boxer Allan Vester won his bout with Augustus with one second left in the twelfth and final round. Augustus was knocked down by a flurry of punches which occurred in the final seconds of the bout, and did not get up in time. Augustus later admitted he gave up out of frustration near the end of the bout, stating, "I just felt out of order, out of place." Due to Augustus not being afraid to fight anyone any time anywhere this led to him losing numerous controversial decisions when he would fight fighters in their home town. He is often regarded as one of the most robbed fighters in boxing.

Near the end of his career in 2008, Augustus had a three win fight streak, including a KO victory of Jakkirt Suwunnalirt to win the WBO oriental welterweight title. This would be the last title win of his career, as he would return to the United States and lose his next 5 retiring in 2011.

Other achievements His fight against "Irish" Micky Ward on July 13, 2001, was voted 2001 ESPN "Fight of the Year", USA Today's fight of the year, as well as 2001 Ring magazine Fight of the Year. In June 2008 ESPN announced that this fight had been nominated for its "Fight of the Decade" award. Augustus was also named "ESPN's Most Memorable Fighter".

Boxing Style

Augustus is known for his unorthodox style. He would routinely dance in the ring, including his trademark string-puppet dance. He would often start out his fights with a shoulder shimmy he would then shift his weight onto his right foot while sweeping his left glove low across the front of his body. He would repeat the motion to the opposite side, transferring his weight to his left foot and swinging his right glove in a similarly low, cross-body arc. Augustus used exceptional conventional footwork, but also used unorthodox footwork. Baton Rouge Police named 21-year-old Christopher Stills as a suspect in the crime, but subsequently dropped charges due to lack of witnesses or evidence of intent, as Stills was alleged to have fired a gun several times in the air but not at a target. Augustus eventually recovered, and was living with his sister in Baton Rouge. As of 2016, Augustus was engaged to be married, was in improved health and spirits, and had returned in training.

In August 2025, Augustus was added into the boxing video game Undisputed as DLC.

Professional boxing record

Notable opponents In just his 10th professional fight faced Jesus Chavez and was TKO'd in the 7th round. Lost a 10-round UD against Pete Taliaferro. Took a short notice fight against Ivan Robinson and almost threw off Robinson's title aspirations (L10). Won a tight MD over Wilfredo Negron. Fought Diosbelys Hurtado on short notice (L10). TKO'd England's Jon Thaxton after taking the fight on short notice. Lost a 12-round decision to Antonio Diaz. Lost a controversial 12-round decision to Teddy Reid. Fought John John Molina (L10). TKO'd by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the 9th round after his corner threw in the towel. Mayweather maintains to this day that Augustus was one of his toughest opponents. Took part in 2001's fight of the year against Micky Ward (L10). Ward maintains that Augustus, along with Arturo Gatti, was one of the toughest men he ever fought. Fought Romania's Leonard Doroftei (aka Leo Dorin, L10). Drew with the late Leavander Johnson. Upset Carlos Wilfredo Vilches with a TKO win. Lost a 10-round decision to Omar Weis. Lost a 10-round decision to Kelson Pinto on short notice. Lost an 8-round decision to David Diaz. Dominated in a 12-round win over Alex Trujillo. Stopped Ray Oliveira in 8 rounds. Lost an exciting 12-round UD to Herman Ngoudjo. Took a short notice fight against hard hitting prospect Ruslan Provodnikov and was TKO'd in the 9th round. Lost to Vernon Paris (L8) in his last ever fight.