Jesse Ferguson

Jesse Ferguson (born March 20, 1957) is an American former professional boxer who competed from 1983 to 1999. He challenged for the WBA heavyweight title in 1993. His career is highlighted by matches against numerous boxing stars of the 1980s and 1990s. He beat Buster Douglas, Ray Mercer, and Tyrone Booze.

Early years Ferguson grew up in rural Knightdale, North Carolina, one of 13 children of a tobacco farm workers William and Jesse Ferguson.

Military service Ferguson took up boxing at the age of 22, while serving with the U.S. Marines.

The world championship fight with Bowe was signed for May 22, 1993, and was staged at RFK Stadium in Washington, DC. Ferguson came into the fight below 230 pounds for the first time in years and was considered to be in the best shape of his career. Because the IBF did not consider Ferguson to be a legitimate contender, they would not sanction the defense for Bowe and only the WBA and lineal championships were on the line. Ferguson thought he had a legitimate chance to knock the champion out, but Bowe disregarded his boasts. Ferguson was knocked down toward the end of the first round and barely made it back to his feet at the bell, then was dropped again as the second round began and knocked out.

Remainder of pro career Despite the defeat, Ferguson was back in the ring shortly afterwards. He was matched against Mercer yet again, who this time came in shape at 223. Although the fight was closer, Ferguson still appeared to outpunch Mercer and get the better of him. Once again Ferguson was on the wrong end of a close decision as Mercer was awarded a split decision that was even jeered by his hometown crowd at Atlantic City. In 1994 Ferguson travelled to the U.K. to fight Frank Bruno, who was returning after his loss to Lennox Lewis. The overweight Ferguson collapsed in one round in a passionless performance. A year later Bruno would outpoint Oliver McCall and win the WBC heavyweight title.

In his only other fight in 1994 Ferguson was matched with Larry Holmes, the 44-year-old former great who was on another comeback trail. Ferguson despite being out of shape had Holmes reeling in the second, and appeared to get the best of the ex-champ. Yet again Ferguson was on the wrong side of the points decision, and even the New York Times reported it as: "A robbery. Larry Holmes came off second-best against Jesse Ferguson." By 1995 Ferguson was frequently out of shape and made little effort in his fights. He had Jeremy Williams out on his feet but quit in the 7th with a swollen eye. He dropped Alex Stewart twice but was denied the decision. He did nothing against Danell Nicholson and pulled out after 8 rounds. In all three fights he looked distinctly uninterested.

Return to form In 1996 he was hired as chief sparring partner for champion Mike Tyson in the lead-up to his fight with Bruce Seldon. It was during this time, with a little encouragement from Team Tyson, Ferguson began to realise he was better than he gave himself credit for.

He returned late in 1996, now aged 39, and beat undefeated Bobby Harris. He followed this up with two more wins before a high-profile fight on HBO with Tongan Samson Po'uha, in 1997. He decked Po'uha several times before knocking him out in the 8th round.

This led to another big fight on HBO in 1998, where a now 40-year-old Ferguson took on young and undefeated powerful punching contender Hasim Rahman for the USBA belt. Ferguson lost by decision. Rahman would go on to defeat Lennox Lewis and become the Heavyweight Champion of the World.

Ferguson followed up the Rahman fight with a 10-round decision win over ex-cruiserweight champ Tyrone Booze. He then took on Obed Sullivan, ranked No. 4 in the world, and won an upset decision.

In 1999 Jimmy Thunder, citing an injury, dropped out of a fight with Polish contender Andrew Golota. Ferguson was tapped as Thunder's replacement and accepted the bout on short notice; he lost the fight by decision.

After this loss Ferguson's manager handed him back his contract and stopped answering his calls. Ferguson could no longer find fights. His career ended in 1999 with a record of 26-18-0 with 16 knockouts.

Ferguson spoke of comebacks in 2000 and 2002 but each time nothing came of them. He complained of being "blackballed" by the boxing establishment.

Professional boxing record

Loss

UD 10 30/01/1999

Win

SD 10 08/12/1998

Win

UD 10 03/09/1998

Loss

UD 12 31/01/1998

Win

TKO 8 31/05/1997

Win

TKO 8 03/04/1997

Win

UD 10 05/12/1996

Win

UD 10 12/09/1996

Loss

TKO 8 19/10/1995

Loss

UD 10 08/08/1995

Loss

RTD 7 05/03/1995

Loss

UD 10 09/08/1994

Loss

TKO 1 16/03/1994

Loss

SD 10 19/11/1993

Win

TKO 9 22/07/1993

Loss

KO 2 22/05/1993

Win

UD 10 06/02/1993

Loss

UD 10 24/11/1992

Loss

UD 10 28/07/1992

Win

TKO 6 05/06/1992

Loss

TKO 5 19/01/1992

Loss

UD 10 08/08/1991

Win

TKO 6 31/03/1990

Loss

UD 12 15/11/1988

Win

UD 10 10/09/1988

Win

KO 8 01/08/1987

Loss

PTS 8 17/10/1986

Loss

MD 10 07/06/1986

Loss

TKO 6 16/02/1986

Win

UD 10 11/01/1986

Loss

TKO 10 31/08/1985

Win

TKO 10 20/06/1985

Win

MD 10 09/05/1985

Win

TKO 4 27/03/1985

Win

UD 8 13/12/1984

Win

TKO 3 20/09/1984

Win

KO 5 24/07/1984

Win

TKO 7 05/06/1984

Win

TKO 5 26/03/1984

Win

UD 6 14/02/1984

Win

KO 4 08/10/1983

Win

TKO 3 29/09/1983

Win

KO 2 25/05/1983

Win

KO 1 12/01/1983