Mustafa Hamsho

Mustafa Hamsho (; born 10 October 1953) is a Syrian former professional boxer who competed from 1975 to 1989, challenging twice for the undisputed middleweight world title in 1981 and 1984.

Professional career

The Syrian Slugger racked up a winning record in the late 1970s, and defeated Wilford Scypion on June 15, 1980 and former world middleweight champion Alan Minter on June 6, 1981 to get a shot at then-champion Marvelous Marvin Hagler in October of that year. As Hamsho waded into the champion’s punches seeking an opening, Hagler methodically used right jabs and right hooks to cut his face (which needed 55 stitches). The fight was stopped in the 11th by Hamsho's corner after a Hagler barrage. Sports Illustrated commended Hamsho, calling him courageous for his effort.

Hamsho continued to fight, defeating Curtis Parker, future world champion Bobby Czyz, and former three-division world champion Wilfred Benítez during 1982 and 1983, then received a return visit to take on Hagler in a rematch in October 1984 in Madison Square Garden. After Hamsho tried to play rough in the early going, Hagler ended things early this time by flooring Hamsho twice in the third round (the second knockdown produced by a Floyd Patterson-like hook), thus forcing Hamsho's trainer to jump in and stop the fight. Hamsho would continue to fight, with the biggest name on his list being Donny Lalonde, who decisioned Hamsho in the spring of 1987 and would then go on to become light heavyweight champion later that year. Hamsho's career would then peter out over the next few years.

Professional boxing record

ResultRecordOpponentTypeRound, TimeDateLocationNotesWin Wesley ReidTKO510/11/1989 Villa Roma Resort, Callicoon, New York, U.S.Loss Graciano RocchigianiTKO105/12/1987 Philips Halle, Düsseldorf, GermanyWin Reggie BarnesTKO310/08/1987 Hilton Hotel, Secaucus, New Jersey, U.S.Loss Donny LalondeUD1207/05/1987 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Win Jimmy ShaversPTS1013/11/1986 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Win Richard BurtonTKO714/08/1986 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Win Ernie WhiteKO420/05/1986 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Win Miguel RosaTKO828/06/1985 Rocky Glen Bowl, Scranton, Pennsylvania, U.S.Loss Marvin HaglerTKO319/10/1984 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Win Alexis ShakespeareTKO530/03/1984 Showboat Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.Win Wilfred BenítezUD1216/07/1983 Dunes Hotel, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Win Gil RosarioKO303/06/1983 Galt Ocean Mile Hotel, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.Win Bobby CzyzUD1020/11/1982 Convention Hall, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Win Gil RosarioTKO322/05/1982 Harrah's Marina Resort, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Win Curtis ParkerPTS1013/03/1982 Playboy Hotel and Casino, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Loss Marvin HaglerTKO1103/10/1981 Rosemont Horizon, Rosemont, Illinois, U.S.Win Alan MinterSD1006/06/1981 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Win Curtis ParkerSD1015/02/1981 Park Place Hotel, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Win Rudy RoblesUD1025/11/1980 Madison Square Garden, New York City, New York, U.S.Win Bob PattersonKO424/09/1980 Thomas Dunn Sports Center, Elizabeth, New Jersey, U.S.Win Wilford ScypionDQ1015/06/1980 Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, Michigan, U.S.Win Reggie JonesTKO629/03/1980 Resorts International, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Win Barry HillTKO104/10/1979 Embassy Hall, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.Win Fermín GuzmánKO719/09/1979 Felt Forum, New York City, New York, U.S.Win Leo SaenzKO617/07/1979 Steel Pier Arena, Atlantic City, New Jersey, U.S.Win Domingo OrtizTKO727/06/1979 Hilton Hotel, Secaucus, New Jersey, U.S.Win Domingo OrtizKO826/04/1979 Embassy Hall, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.Win Tyrone FreemanTKO111/04/1979 Westchester County Center, White Plains, New York, U.S.Win Winston NoelKO215/03/1979 Embassy Hall, North Bergen, New Jersey, U.S.Win Irish Pat MurphyTKO327/01/1979 Jersey City Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.Win Don JohnsonTKO601/12/1978 Jersey City Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.Win Eddie ParksTKO228/10/1978 Jersey City Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.Win Bobby WattsTKO621/09/1978 Jersey City Armory, Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.Win Frank MooreTKO228/06/1978 Civic Center, Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.Win Rocky Mosley, Jr.PTS821/01/1978 Caesars Palace, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Win Antonio AdamePTS1009/11/1977 Marina Hotel, Paradise, Nevada, U.S.Win Gil RosarioPTS627/09/1977 Recreation Center, West New York, New Jersey, U.S.Win Archie AndrewsPTS623/06/1977 Branch Brook Ice Rink, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Win Lorenzo HowardKO120/05/1977 Broome County Arena, Binghamton, New York, U.S.Win Lester CamperPTS829/04/1977 Civic Center, Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.Win Bernard McLeanPTS829/10/1976 Sunnyside Garden Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.Win Benji GoldstonePTS402/10/1976 Utica College Sports Complex, Utica, New York, U.S.Win Cove GreenTKO411/09/1976 Memorial Auditorium, Utica, New York, U.S.Draw Reggie JonesPTS816/08/1976 Newark School Outdoor Stadium, Newark, New Jersey, U.S.Win Roger PhillipsKO226/06/1976 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.Win Charlie SmallPTS608/05/1976 Utica, New York, U.S.Win Carlos NovotnyTKO328/04/1976 Sunnyside Garden Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.Win Richie VillanuevaKO314/04/1976 Sunnyside Garden Arena, New York City, New York, U.S.Win Joe HoustonKO221/11/1975 Providence, Rhode Island, U.S.Draw Danny McNevinPTS423/10/1975 Broome County Arena, Binghamton, New York, U.S.Loss Pat CuilloPTS623/08/1975 Broome County Arena, Binghamton, New York, U.S.