Steve Zouski

Steve Zouski (born August 14, 1954) is an American former professional heavyweight boxer who competed from 1978 to 1991. Known for his toughness in the ring, he fought several prominent boxers, including Mike Tyson, George Foreman, and Tommy Morrison.

Early life and amateur career Born in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, Zouski graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972.

Stationed in Iwakuni, Japan, in January 1974, the 19-year-old Marines enlistee was two years into a four-year term. On October 17–18, he won the light heavyweight title and most valuable boxer honors at the Commander, Naval Forces Japan tournament.

After his military service, he pursued diesel mechanics at Mid-State Technical Institute. While continuing to box, he captured the 1978 North Central Wisconsin Golden Gloves title. He competed in the AAU Senior National Boxing Championships in Biloxi, Mississippi. Set to face Greg Page, the defending champion, he lost by medical disqualification.

Zouski established himself as a promising boxer during his amateur career, amassing a record of 27 wins and 5 losses before transitioning to professional boxing. During the fight, Zouski hit Frazier with two solid hooks and a right to the jaw in the first round, a hard straight right in the third, and a right uppercut and hook in the fourth. At 2:13 of the sixth round, following referee intervention, Zouski was stopped by the 20-year-old Frazier, who had his father Joe in his corner.

In 1983 in Chicago, Zouski notably fought all ten rounds with Lee Roy Murphy, who was 18-0 and became IBF Cruiserweight Champion shortly after.

In 1986, Zouski, who had 25 wins (14 KOs) - 9 losses, was scheduled for a ten-round bout with a 19 year old Mike Tyson at Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. His punches caused Tyson's left ear to swell to three times its normal size after their fight. "Zouski is a game guy," said Tyson. "However, this was my worst performance ever. Mentally, I was not prepared."

Following his fight against Tyson, Zouski stepped into the ring with South African heavyweight Johnny du Plooy.

On March 3, 1987, Zouski faced a 267-pound George Foreman at the ARCO Arena in Sacramento, California, during Foreman's comeback after ten years out of the ring. Zouski was stopped by Foreman via a technical knockout at 2:47 of the fourth round.

After facing Mike Evans at the Las Vegas Hilton on August 1, 1987, Zouski fought José Ribalta later that November.

On November 8, 1990, he lost a unanimous decision against South African fighter Corrie Sanders, who was 8–0, at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi, Mississippi.

His last fight was in 1991, ending his career with 33 wins and 18 losses as a professional.

Later life After retiring from boxing, Zouski pursued a career as an engineer, working for over 20 years at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. In 2006, he relocated to New Port Richey, Florida, to be closer to family, particularly to support one of his sons who is quadriplegic.

Professional boxing record Zouski has a record of 16 wins by decision and 15 wins by knock-out and 10 losses by decision and 8 by knockout.